7 Best Stone Kitchen Countertops: Ranked by Cost and Characteristics

Choosing the right stone kitchen countertop can be daunting with so many options available. Whether you're upgrading for a fresh new look or because your current countertop is showing signs of wear, finding the perfect stone that balances style, budget, and functionality can be a challenge.

At JSB Home Solutions, we've been helping homeowners make kitchen remodeling decisions since 1978, including selecting the best stone countertops. While we don’t install countertops directly, we work with top stone countertop suppliers and manufacturers across central Ohio to coordinate installation as part of our kitchen remodels. This also means that we are going to tell you which stone is truly best for countertops. There’s no benefit for us to try to upsell you on a more expensive stone that you don’t need and won’t serve you well. As homeowners ourselves, we understand that countertops need to be more than just stylish—they need to withstand everyday use and stay within your budget.

In this article, you’ll explore the top stone kitchen countertops, from the most affordable to the most luxurious. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which material is the best fit for your kitchen remodel.

Table of Contents:

• What Are The Top Stone Kitchen Countertops?
• What Stone Kitchen Countertop Materials Do We Recommend for Homeowners in Columbus, Ohio?
• What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Countertop Material?
• The List of Stone Countertop Characteristics
• Summary of the 7 Best Stone Kitchen Countertops

What Are The Top Stone Kitchen Countertops?

• Quartz (Engineered Stone)
• Granite
• Dolomite
• Quartzite (Natural Stone)
• Marble
• Soapstone
• Onyx

What Stone Kitchen Countertop Materials Do We Recommend for Homeowners in Columbus, Ohio?

Because we’re based in Columbus and a lot of the visitors to our website are based here, we’re starting this article out by highlighting our recommendation for our local audience. Here at JSB, we recommend Quartz as the best all-around kitchen countertop material. Quartz is resistant to scratches, dents, chips, and stains and you never have to reseal it. The only downside is it is a little more expensive than other options.

Granite is a close second with the benefit of being a natural stone kitchen countertop. It is less expensive than quartz and brings a more natural warmth into your kitchen. The only reason we don’t recommend it over quartz is that it can stain relatively easily by oils and red liquids and needs to be resealed every 3-5 years.

Granite and quartz countertops are both highly valued in Columbus, Ohio, and fit well with the style of houses. They are versatile and appeal to homeowners who want a more classic, traditional, farmhouse kitchen design. And they can also create modern, minimalist aesthetics.

The other stones used for kitchen countertops on this list don’t have any advantages over quartz and granite based on durability and maintenance. Their advantage is purely based on color selections and designs. For example, dolomite countertops often have bold veining and interesting colors that you can only get with a pricey custom quartz. In that case, purchasing the natural dolomite would be more cost-effective than trying to engineer a quartz imitation.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Countertop Material?

When choosing a countertop, it’s important to consider:

• Cost: Material cost (not including installation). You want to balance your dream look with your budget. Countertop installation costs can vary drastically by location and the specifics of your kitchen layout.
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: The countertop needs to complement your overall aesthetic, whether you’re going for modern, farmhouse, or something in between.
• Color Options: Some materials offer more variety, which can be crucial for matching your kitchen’s color palette and style.
• Resistance to Wear & Tear: How well will the material hold up over time against scratches, stains, and wear?
• Longevity: Are you looking for a short-term solution or a surface that will last decades?
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Some countertops require more upkeep than others, which can influence your decision.
• Heat, Scratch, & Stain Resistance: Your countertop will be a workhorse, and you want it to withstand daily cooking activities without damage.
• Popularity: Indicates current trends, offers more design options, and ensures your kitchen feels modern.
• Resale Value: Affects home value; high-end materials can attract buyers and boost your home's market price.

We want you to be informed as you decide what stone countertop will best suit your needs. We have spent hours researching and compiling the pieces of information that are important when choosing a countertop.

This list of stone countertops is ranked from our most recommended stone to least recommended. The rarity of the stone color is usually what determines where your countertop will fall in the price range. Rare colors will be more expensive while common colors will be more affordable.

1. Quartz (Engineered Stone)

• Cost: $75 - $200 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Modern, traditional, transitional
• Color Options: Nearly unlimited due to engineered pigments
• Durability: Extremely durable; doesn’t need sealing
• Longevity: 25+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Easy to clean with soap and water; low maintenance
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat and stain-resistant, but can be damaged by extreme heat
• Popularity: One of the most popular choices in modern kitchens
• Resale Value: High; seen as a luxury material and a good investment

Quartz has become the top choice for kitchen countertops, and for good reason. It's an ideal option for families with children, offering exceptional durability, resistance to damage, and virtually no maintenance. The only downside to quartz is its cost, which can be on the higher side. If quartz is outside your budget, granite is an excellent alternative that still provides great performance.

2. Granite

• Cost: $70 - $175 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Traditional, modern, luxury
• Color Options: Wide range of natural colors and patterns
• Durability: Very durable, but needs sealing
• Longevity: 25+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant and scratch-resistant, but can stain if not sealed
• Popularity: Extremely popular in many home styles, especially in mid-range to high-end homes
• Resale Value: High; considered a premium material by most buyers

Granite is widely considered one of the best kitchen countertop materials, offering a great balance between price and excellent durability against heat, scratches, and daily wear. The only drawback is its potential to stain, which can be a concern for families with young children or those who frequently use red liquids like wine, fruit punch, or red dyes. However, unless you're unable to find the right color or pattern, granite is a reliable choice for a kitchen countertop.

3. Dolomite

• Cost: $90 - $175 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Luxury, classic, transitional
• Color Options: White and gray tones with veining
• Durability: More durable than marble but less so than granite
• Longevity: 20-25 years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Needs sealing to avoid staining
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant and more scratch-resistant than marble
• Popularity: Less popular than marble but growing in high-end designs
• Resale Value: High in luxury homes

Dolomite is an excellent option if you’re looking for the elegance of marble but at a more affordable price and with greater durability. Its unique color options make it easy to fall in love with. If you want a bold, standout countertop without the premium cost, dolomite is the perfect choice for your kitchen. 

4. Quartzite (Natural Stone)

• Cost: $90 - $250 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Contemporary, rustic, traditional
• Color Options: Limited to natural tones like white, gray, beige, and soft pastels
• Durability: Extremely durable; needs periodic sealing to maintain protection
• Longevity: 30+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Clean with mild soap and water; Sealing every year
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Highly resistant to heat and scratches, but can stain if not sealed properly
• Popularity: Increasing in popularity for high-end kitchens
• Resale Value: High; considered a premium material that adds significant value

Quartzite combines the luxurious appearance of marble with the toughness of granite, making it a fantastic option for those wanting a high-end, natural aesthetic. It’s perfect for kitchens that need to withstand heat and daily use while maintaining a stunning look. However, it’s important to remember that quartzite requires sealing to prevent stains. If you prefer a low-maintenance surface, quartz might be a better option, but for a truly unmatched natural beauty, quartzite stands out.

5. Marble

• Cost: $100 - $250 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Elegant, classic, luxury
• Color Options: Limited to natural tones (white, gray, green, pink)
• Durability: Prone to scratches and etching
• Longevity: 20+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Needs sealing and careful cleaning to avoid damage
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant, but easily scratched and stained if not sealed
• Popularity: Highly popular in luxury and high-end homes
• Resale Value: Very high; seen as a premium material by homebuyers

Marble is a perfect match for luxury kitchens and high-end homes, offering a timeless, elegant look that instantly elevates any space. Its unique veining and classic beauty make it a standout choice for homeowners seeking a sophisticated, upscale design. However, marble requires significant upkeep, including regular sealing and extra care to avoid scratches and stains. This level of maintenance can be challenging for busy households, especially those with children, making it less practical for families who need a durable, low-maintenance option. While marble's beauty is undeniable, it's best suited for spaces where its upkeep can be managed effectively.

6. Soapstone

• Cost: $70 - $120 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Cottage, farmhouse, rustic
• Color Options: Typically darker shades (gray, green, black)
• Durability: Softer than granite; prone to scratches but can be sanded down
• Longevity: 20+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Requires regular oiling to maintain luster
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant and stain-resistant, but scratches easily
• Popularity: Growing in farmhouse and rustic-style kitchens
• Resale Value: Moderate to high, depending on the style of the home

Soapstone is a great option if you're looking for a dark countertop with a cozy cottage or rustic charm, and you're committed to regularly oiling the surface and using a cutting board to prevent scratches. However, unless you're aiming for a particular aesthetic, other stone countertops typically offer more practical benefits and significantly less maintenance.

7. Onyx

• Cost: $100 - $300 per square foot (most expensive)
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Statement pieces, luxury, bold design
• Color Options: Varies widely in bold, dramatic colors
• Durability: Fragile and can crack easily
• Longevity: 15-20 years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Needs careful cleaning and sealing
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Not heat, scratch, or stain-resistant
• Popularity: Less popular due to high maintenance but used for high-end statement pieces
• Resale Value: High in luxury homes but niche appeal

Onyx is the ultimate choice for a luxury kitchen countertop, known for its striking beauty and exclusivity. You’ll typically see it in sleek, contemporary homes, often backlit to showcase its translucent qualities and dramatic appeal. However, if you have a busy household with kids or are looking for a material that offers the best value for your investment, onyx may not be the most practical option. Its delicate nature and high cost make it better suited for showpiece kitchens rather than those requiring durability and everyday functionality.

Summary of the 7 Best Stone Kitchen Countertops

Which Stone Kitchen Countertop Material is Right for You?

Now that you have a clearer understanding of each stone countertop, you're in a great position to make an informed decision. Whether your focus is on budget, design, or durability, there’s a countertop that will align with your needs. Begin by identifying your top 2-3 priorities and matching them to your budget to pinpoint the best option for your kitchen.

If your top priority is budget, you should choose a color of quartz that falls near the low end of the price range. You will have a durable stone with no maintenance costs down the road.

If you want a statement countertop, dolomite can give you bold, dramatic patterns paired with durability that nearly matches granite.

If your goal is a countertop that will last for as long as possible, you could choose quartzite which will limit your color selections but can last the longest out of any of the stones with the proper care and maintenance.

Since countertop replacement often goes hand-in-hand with a larger kitchen project, it's wise to consider the overall cost of the kitchen remodel. This will help you figure out how much of your budget can be allocated to countertops. You may also want to take a closer look at a popular comparison between quartz and granite kitchen countertops to help refine your decision.

If you’re still uncertain about which material is the best fit for your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can walk you through samples and guide you in your selection process. Your dream kitchen is closer than you think—let’s ensure your countertops are the perfect finishing touch!