Kitchen countertops you love? Soapstone? What else?

(Re-posting this since my first post had a tech error). We need to choose kitchen countertops for townhouse we are renovating and don’t want polished granite. Budget is modest but we also want something durable/relatively easy to maintain. Aesthetically, we don’t really like speckled/shiny/super-veiny look, and we prefer a matte (honed) finish. We like Pietra de Cordoza limestone but are worried it might stain. Soapstone is another surface we’re considering. Caesarstone may be beyond our budget. Honed granite looks very pretty and I know granite is durable but online reviews I found for honed (not polished) granite were very negative. We are using Carrera marble in rental unit (since it’s relatively affordable/durable) but don’t love it for owners kitchen. Hope someone out there has something they love that the can recommend (or warnings for things to definitely avoid!). Thanks!

realestate

in Bath & Kitchen 13 years and 9 months ago

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austinscott143 | 11 years and 7 months ago

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I love my Granite Countertop. Compared to Soapstone, Granite is more durable. It can withstand scratching, stains and high amount of heat which are the common characteristic of a kitchen environment. It can also be customized with finishes on the edges for an exquisite design that is friendly and safe. [Seal your Granite](http://www.myinstalledcountertops.com/seal-your-granite.html) regularly to keep it shinny as new.

gochrisgo | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I have Silestone and really like it too. I have started to notice some small chips on the edges after about 6 years of pretty heavy use, but nothing noticable. I think my very heavy Le Creuset enamel pots may chip it around the sink? I know it is a bit expensive, but has been worth it for me.

BHS | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I’d recommend Ikea butcher block, except for around the sink. Looks good and very inexpensive.

Putnamdenizen | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I’ve had soap stone for over 10 years in both my unit and my rental.  No cracking.  It is more country looking – especially if you aren’t dilligent about oiling it with mineral oil every once in a while.  I like it.  Do not use the Connecticut based installer recommended by Vermont Soap stoner if you go that way.  They were a nightmare.

BlueHills | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I love Silestone.  Dozens of colors.

dylanfan | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I know it’s somewhat out of fashion, but you just can’t beat formica if you cook. So durable! So easy to maintain! Get a color that “pops” the right way, and it could be an asset.

brokelin | 13 years and 9 months ago

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check out my favorite … icestone… recycled glass set in cement.  gorgeous and durable.  not cheap, though.  my other favorite is cheap … ikea butcher block.

JJack | 13 years and 9 months ago

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Soapstone is a soft stone, it might crack.  I’m not sure you want to use that for a kitchen counter top.  There are many different finishes for granite and other stones. You might like a flame finish…  I like slate counter tops.

callalily | 13 years and 9 months ago

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Possibilities include marble with 11 coatings, soapstone, honed granite, wood (including reclaimed wood), and copper or zinc. The latter can even be DIY. Or you can combine some of these. Google image Marlow & Sons and you will see they combined zinc, wood, and marble. (They also threw in green plexiglass and painted and unpainted bead board.) Also, strange as it may sound, decorator Tom Scheerer has combined pastel formica counters with natural wood cupboards and patterned ceramic tile to good effect. You can google image that too. He has a web site. But it’s a more country look (he did it in the Bahamas). Check out some of the “steal this look” and kitchen listings on Remodelista. Also search kitchens on Pinterest. You’ll see a lot. Have fun!