Your kitchen and bathroom are the most popular rooms in your home. Your kitchen is where you plan your family meals and where friends gather during special occasions. Everyone who visits or lives in your home will need to use the bathroom at some point. Your bathroom is also a room for you to unwind and relax after a long day. For this reason, you want these rooms to reflect your personality and taste. The best way to do that is to add natural stone countertops and accents.

Granite is one of the most popular options in countertops available. It is durable and resistant to scratches or chips. Granite is virtually maintenance free, able to be cleaned with just mild soap and warm water. In fact, you never want to use abrasive cleaners on granite as it can damage the surface. Granite countertops must be sealed periodically, but the process is fairly simple. No two slabs of granite are the same, so if you have a large counter area, your countertops can have a different look depending on where you stand in the room.

Engineered stone countertops are created when crushed quartz is mixed with pigment and binding agencies to create a surface that is extremely durable. Because the counters are manufactured, they are available in a wider range of colors than other types of stone since you are not limited to colors created by Mother Nature. In addition, because they are manufactured, all slabs are the same and many homeowners with large counter areas prefer the more uniform look in their kitchen or bath. Quartz countertops are not rated for outdoor use as direct sunlight can lead to fading. They are also not as heat resistant, although they never need sealing like other types of stone.

Marble has been used in buildings for centuries and the fact that it is just as beautiful hundreds of years later is a testament to its durability. Marble’s coolness is perfect for bakers as it makes working with dough and pastry easier. Marble must be sealed periodically, but as long as the sealant is intact, the surface is resistant to bacteria and mold. Marble countertops are softer than other types of stone, so it is mores susceptible to staining than other types of stone. Acidic material like red wine, coffee and tomato-based sauces can stain if not wiped up quickly.