There is nothing more luxurious than natural stone in your home. Today, many people are choosing stones like granite, marble and quartz for countertops, flooring, walls and backsplashes. Natural stone looks stunning in a kitchen or bath and remodeling one of these rooms may increase your return on your investment. By adding stone to the rooms, you may increase that return even more as stone adds value to your home.

One of the best known natural stones available is granite, a stone that has grown in popularity over the last few years. Granite is durable, resisting scratches and cracks better than other types of countertops. The stone is non-porous so it resists bacteria. Only clean your granite countertops with mild soap and hot water as abrasive cleaners can damage the surface. Use a cutting board as sharp knives can scratch the surface and you could damage your knives. Use trivets and hot pads when removing hot pans from the stove, not because it may scorch the counter, but because grit on the bottom of the pan can scratch the surface.

Engineered stone countertops are created with ground quartz mixed with resins, binders and pigment to create a surface that is extremely hard and durable. Quartz does not need sealing and requires less maintenance than other natural stone countertops. It is also available in a wider range of colors since pigment is added to the stone during the manufacturing process. Unlike granite and marble where no two slabs have the same pattern, quartz countertops give your room a more uniform look. This is especially important if you have a large countertop where multiple slabs will be necessary.

If you want a rich, luxurious feel in your kitchen or bath, consider marble countertops or flooring. Marble has been used for centuries to add richness to buildings and the fact that many of these buildings still stand today is a testament to the durability of marble. Marble is softer than other stones, so it can scratch or crack more easily. Acids and oils will stain the surface so be sure to wipe up any spills immediately. Never store decorative oil bottles on the counter as they can leave rings on the countertop. Marble does need to be sealed annually in order to keep the surface protected.