Get matched with top stone countertop pros in Shepherd, MT

One of the primary benefits of a soapstone countertop is that the material is heat-resistant. You can put a hot pan on soapstone, and it won’t scorch or crack. Despite being able to handle extreme heat, soapstone is much softer than granite, quartz and similar materials. This means that it scratches easily, so you should not prepare food directly on the surface.

Corian® is a popular countertop alternative to quartz. Created from an acrylic resin and natural minerals, Corian® resembles quartz and offers some similar benefits, but it comes at a cheaper price. Corian® countertops cost an average of $26 to $65 per square foot, which is less than half of what quartz countertops usually cost. The downside is that Corian® isn’t as durable as quartz, particularly regarding its resistance to scratches and high temperatures.

Marble is high maintenance, like most other types of natural stone flooring. However, because it is naturally a more porous stone, there are a few added care instructions. You will need to clean it often to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the finish and surface, keep it dry, clean up spills immediately, and have it professionally sealed and refinished at least once a year to maintain the shine and water-tight surface. However, investing in maintenance is a smart move because marble floors are among the most beautiful and valuable types of flooring when properly cared for.

The angle at which you cut countertops depends on the material, your intended outcome, and the location of the cut. For example, rather than cutting a straight 90-degree angle for internal corners, cut edges at a 45-degree angle to give a clean, professional look. For outside edges, most homeowners want squared-off sides, so 90-degree angles can make the most sense there. Because you want to get angles exactly right to minimize seams and eliminate the need for patching, be sure to measure several times before cutting and use the right equipment to get sharp, accurate angles.