Countertops
What kind of stone do you want?
Granite vs. Quartz vs. Marble vs. Travertine vs. Soapstone
Granite
Granite is the most durable and resilient 100% natural stone available aside from diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Each cut is completely unique from any other. Because of the feldspar in granite making it resistant to scratching, heat, degradation of color and texture, and the silicates protecting it from stains and acids, granite is an ever-growing favored choice for structural and decorative purposes. Minor scratches or dings in granite can be filled in with color-matching epoxy or resin. These qualities make granite a popular choice for countertops, vanities, flooring, entryways, fireplaces and more. One benefit of shopping with us is that the in-stock slab you choose here is the slab you get – cut and fabricated the exact way you specify!
Quartz
Unlike natural-stone slabs, quartz is engineered in a factory, typically consisting of about 94% ground natural quartz with 6% polymer resins. The resins give quartz its color, bind it together and help make the material nonporous, stain and scratch resistant – eliminating the need for it to be sealed. Some designs contain small amounts of recycled glass and metallic flecks, allowing a vast variety of shimmering colors and patterns. Although it is slightly more durable than granite, keep in mind that quartz is more susceptible to fading in direct sunlight, and if damaged or scratched, it is not as easy to repair as granite. Therefore, quartz is ideal for indoor flooring, veneers, and decorative tiles, but not a bad choice for countertops.
Marble
Marble is recognized worldwide to be among the most elegant and luxurious of natural stones. Its high-gloss polish, style and texture offer a wide variety of rich colors, with choices of veined or solid varieties. Due to its porous nature, it is very susceptible to scratching and staining. Being more likely to stain than granite and quartz, marble is favored mainly for bathrooms, flooring, fireplaces, walls, and vanities, but still makes an affordable elegant countertop.
TRAVERTINE
Formed by hot spring water flowing through underground limestone, travertine is uniquely characterized by natural patterns, veins, and cavities giving it a subtle distressed, earthy appearance. To ensure a smooth, stain-resistant and durable surface, travertine is often filled with cement, grout or resin. If a more natural and unusual surface is desired, the filling can be left out. Travertine is most commonly seen in outdoor and indoor tile flooring, as well as vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, exterior cladding, outdoor patios, and various specialty items such as sinks and light switch plates.
SOAPSTONE
Quarried like granite and marble, soapstone is largely composed of the mineral talc, and is thus rich in magnesium. The talc in soapstone gives the stone a smooth feeling, like rubbing a piece of dry soap. Although it feels soft to the touch, soapstone is quite dense and resists staining. Slightly less impervious to scratching and denting than granite, extra care must be taken with soapstone. Also, we recommend avoiding putting hot items on its surface, as it retains heat longer than most other stones. Typically, people with more traditional homes with a vintage feel go for the soapstone.
Granite, Marble, Corian & More
You can find all these materials and more at RockFab. Make sure to come visit our showroom to see all the colors and textures available. RockFab has the largest stone selection in the region; come walk through the aisles and find the perfect fit for your kitchen or bathroom home improvement project today.
- MSI Granite
- MSI Limestone
- MSI Marble
- MSI Onyx
- MSI Quartz
- MSI Quartzite
- MSI Travertine
- Cambria Quartz
- Silestone Quartz
- Dupont Corian
- Dupont Zodiac
Countertop Care & Cleaning
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Edge Visualizer
Stacked Stone Visualizer
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RockFab is a member of the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association, National Kitchen + Bath Association and the Natural Stone Institute (formerly the Marble Institute of America). Visit our home improvement showroom in Roanoke, Virginia.