Tiny Countertops

Marble is arguably the most well-known of the natural stones utilized for countertops, flooring, tiling, etc. While marble may be one of the most widely used and requested stones, it is actually not the most durable and stains quite easily. Requiring somewhat regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure its longevity.

Marble is famously known to be extracted in Carrera, Italy (hence the name Carrera marble), however, there are many local quarries in Northeast America that also extract equally beautiful marbles!

Quartzite is a naturally extracted stone that is compatible with marble in many ways. However, quartzite is actually more durable than marble and can be an overall better alternative to marble. Both quartzite and marble still need to be sealed in a somewhat regular fashion as they are a natural stone and therefore, porous in nature.

Soapstone is a soft natural stone, that is made from metamorphic rock. This option is susceptible to chipping, however, it is unaffected by acidic foods, does not stain, and is incredibly heat resistant. Soapstone only comes in a handful of colorings, usually ranging from a dark grey to a light black.

Quartz is an engineered solid surface … not to be mistaken as quartzite (these are two very different materials). Quartz is manufactured into a non-porous, ultra-durable material that comes in thousands of different colorways. Quickly rising to the top of the list as a fan favorite among designers, builders, and clients alike.

Laminate is one of the most affordable options on this list as it is simply a patterned vinyl (plastic) veneer applied to plywood/particleboard. It is not heat or scratch resistant, seems are visible, and is overall not the most durable. However, it is very easy to clean & maintain and makes for an affordable option that still resembles natural stone from afar.

Humans have been using wood in various forms, for a number of uses, since the beginning of civilization. So it is no surprise that wood is a common option when specifying a countertop. Seen as both a butcher block & solid wood, these options offer a unique sense of both form and function.

Solid Wood: Stain resistant, scratches can be sanded out, but not very heat resistant.

Butcher Block: Not as durable, can be stained, dented, split, and must be sealed regularly to prevent water damage.

Stainless is heat resistant, stain resistant, easy to clean, and reflects light, creating a sense of openness to your space. However, as we likely all know, stainless shows fingerprints and can be easily dented.

Concrete is an incredibly unique option for any counter surface. It is entirely customizable from its color, size, and shape to even its finish. Concrete is also entirely heat and scratch resistant making it one of the most durable options. However, you will most likely need a professional to lay your concrete countertop as achieving a high-end look can be quite difficult. Concrete also cracks easily if not maintained properly.

Terrazzo is a combination of concrete/epoxy & pieces of broken glass/ceramics/marble to create an incredibly innovative, and unique material for everything from countertops, flooring, walls, ETC.