If you are considering a home improvement project, the best rooms to start with are your kitchen or bathrooms. Kitchens and baths are the most-used rooms in your home. Your friends and family gather in the kitchen for celebrations or holidays while everyone who lives in or visits your home must eventually use the bathroom. You want these rooms to be a reflection of your taste and lifestyle. What you may not know is that when it comes time to sell your home, an updated kitchen or bath can bring a high return on your investment. Adding natural stone can improve the value of your home even more, but before choosing stone for your counters, walls or flooring, there are things you need to know.

Granite is one of the most popular options for kitchens and baths for good reasons. Granite is resistant to stains and, when properly sealed, will not absorb liquids. Granite is very hard so your counters are extremely durable and resistant to scratching or cracking. There are many shades of granite to choose from so you are sure to find one that fits your decorating style. It is important to note that granite is natural stone so no two slabs will look the same. This can give your kitchen or bath a unique look, especially if you have large counter space. Granite should be sealed regularly, usually once each year. Heavy items dropped on granite can cause it to crack or shatter, but it takes significant force to damage granite.

Engineered stone countertops are created with crushed quartz mixed with pigment and polymers that create an extremely hard surface. Quartz is one of the hardest stones on Earth and when it is mixed with resins, the surface it creates is very solid, yet it does not have the cold, hard feel of other natural stones. The counters are non-porous so they are better at resisting stains than other types of stone. Quartz countertops are not as heat resistant as other types of stone due to the polymers added to bind the quartz, so it is important to use hot pads and trivets on the surface. Because quartz countertops are manufactured, every slab looks the same so your kitchen with large counter space has the same look throughout.

Marble has been used as building material for centuries and the fact that it is still stunningly luxurious hundreds of years later is a testament to how durable marble can be. Marble is softer than other types of stone and it can scratch easily. However, it is the perfect surface for anyone who works with dough or pastry as it is naturally cool and does not conduct heat well. Marble stains more easily, even when it is sealed. A lemon or lime left on the counter for an extended period can leave a mark in the shape of the fruit that is duller than the area around it. Red wine, coffee and oils can also stain marble easily. Always use cutting boards on marble as the surface can be damaged by knives.