There are a lot of decisions to be made where new construction homes are concerned. However, when it comes to the material of your countertops, it should be a no-brainer. Stone is the quintessential building material being used for kitchen and bathroom countertops worldwide. So why choose marble or granite, as opposed to epoxy or butcher block? Here are five reasons natural stone countertops are your best choice.
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1. Stone is Timeless for a Reason
Used by artists and architects thousands of years ago and still being utilized today, there’s a reason natural stone is a timeless building material. While it’s true that natural stone is currently trending in building design thanks to society’s current proclivity for organic looking spaces, the material has never truly gone out of style. Because of this and its dependable durability, natural stone retains its value and therefore the home’s value for years to come.
2. Optimize Your Resale Value
Speaking of your home’s value, the value of many natural stones commonly used for countertops has been steadily increasing over the years. Research suggests that quartz is predicted to go up in value by 6.4% by 2026. Another source says marble is projected to increase by 5.9% between 2022 and 2031, a large leap for a single decade. So, by choosing a natural stone, you’re investing in a countertop that gives back to you by boosting the equity of your home.
3. Upkeep is Easy
Natural stone countertops are as functional as they are beautiful. Many stones are low-maintenance, scratch resistant, and easy to clean. It only requires wipe-downs with a damp sponge to maintain. Soapstone is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops because of its high heat tolerance, meaning it won’t crack under the pressure of a hot pan. Additionally, because of its non-stick, nonporous surface, soapstone is a hygienic option that reduces the risk of bacterial growth, making it perfect for kitchen countertops.
4. Guaranteed for a Unique Look
Unlike man-made materials, each cut of stone is unique. This means by choosing stone, the look of your countertops is exclusive to your home’s design. Not only does this allow you to step away from the cookie-cutter look but it’s an incredibly personal touch once you choose a piece of stone that matches your aesthetic best.
5. Other Options Just Don’t Make the Cut
While there are a variety of options to choose from outside of stone, these materials have a myriad of drawbacks that make them less than ideal for countertop construction. The disadvantages of epoxy countertops, laminate, and other cheap choices are that the look and quality of them tend to be just as cheap as their price, leading to tacky results that don’t last long. On the other hand, concrete and wood butcher block are more expensive, but concrete tends to crack when the house settles, and butcher block is high maintenance and can be a breeding ground for germs if not properly cleaned.
The Smart Choice for New Construction Homes
When choosing countertops for new construction homes—or any home for that matter—you can never go wrong with stone. Beautiful and unique, yet unquestionably durable, this classic material plays a powerful role in adding value to your home that simply no other option can replicate.
