When it comes time to remodel your home, the kitchen and bath are often the last rooms considered. Yet, research has shown that a kitchen or bath remodel can bring you as much as a 90 percent return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home any time soon, your kitchen and bathrooms are the most used rooms in your house so you want them to be as modern as possible. One way to modernize your kitchen or bathroom is to use natural stone.

Granite is one of the most popular stones used in countertops today due to its beauty and durability. Granite countertops are resistant to scratches and cracks although it is recommended you use cutting boards on the surface. This is more to protect your knives than the countertop. Granite is heat resistant and hot pans taken directly from the stove will not damage the surface.

Granite resists stains as well. It does need to be sealed periodically but as long as the seal is intact, granite will not absorb stains. Granite is easily cleaned with mild soap and water. In fact, you should never use abrasive cleaners on granite countertops.

Engineered stone countertops are created by blending crushed quartz, the hardest stone on Earth, with polymers and pigments to create a counter that is extremely durable. Because it is created using over 90 percent quartz, the counters are considered natural stone. Because the stone is mixed with pigments, quartz countertops are available in a wider range of colors than marble or granite.

Some people find the coldness of granite uninviting and prefer the warmer feel of quartz. Quartz countertops are just as durable as other types of natural stone and is non-porous. It never needs to be sealed so it is virtually maintenance free.

Quartz countertops have more of a modern look than other types of stone but all of the slabs are the same so the countertops appear more uniform throughout the kitchen. Quartz is not as heat resistant as granite so it is important to use hot pads and trivets under pans taken directly from the stove.

Marble has been a popular building material for centuries and the fact that beautiful marble accents still exist in buildings that are more than 100 years old is a testament to its durability. Marble brings a richness and luxurious feel to any room. It is softer than granite or quartz, so it is important to use cutting boards on the surface to avoid scratches.

Marble must be sealed periodically in order to protect the surface. Never store decorative oil bottles on marble counters as they can leave discoloration. Wipe up spills quickly as acidic materials like wine, coffee or tomato sauces can stain marble counters.