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The Beauty of Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stone comes in a dizzying array of colors, finishes and price points from all over the globe. Rumford Stone offers a wide selection of granite, marble, travertine, soapstone and slate. Each stone type and slab is truly unique and has its own unique characteristics, insuring your countertop will be one of a kind.

Why Homeowners Choose Natural Stone Countertops

Natural stone countertops remain a popular choice because no two slabs are exactly alike. Granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone each offer distinctive movement, color variation, and character that cannot be fully replicated by manufactured surfaces.

Beyond their visual appeal, natural stone surfaces are valued for their durability and long-term performance in kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes available, natural stone can complement both traditional and modern home designs while adding lasting value to the space.

An extremely durable material that assures a lifetime of beauty. It is recommended for any countertop use. Granite is resistant to heat. Hot dishes and pans from the oven or stove will not damage a granite countertop. Also, cutting on granite will not scratch or damage the surface, though it will dull your cutlery.

Granite is second in hardness to diamonds. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, grains, and movement. Price ranges from least to most expensive. Despite granite’s hardness, the annual application of impregnating sealer aids stain resistance.

A more delicate stone, softer than many other natural stones. Marble is softer and more susceptible to staining, thus more frequent sealing is recommended. Marble is recommended for vanities, fireplace surrounds, tables and tub decks. While in the kitchen, marble should be used cautiously and the customer educated about its unique wear and maintenance requirements.

Marble comes in many different colors, usually heavily veined, revealing many grains and is favored for its beauty and design. For stain resistance, sealing with an impregnating sealer is recommended every 3-6 months, depending upon use.

A very soft, yet dense stone made of a variety of talc. It has a smooth “soapy” feeling. It is a material that is durable and is easily worked, as is evidenced in farm kitchens where the stone could be cut by ordinary saw techniques. Soapstone retains heat, withstands the influence of low or high temperatures. It naturally resists stains, including chemicals and acids. Soapstone is useful for sinks and countertops, laboratory tops, and fire resistant surfaces. Its use is applicable generally in any area, including kitchen, laundry, bathroom, fireplace, tables, tub decks and floor tiles.

Soapstone offers a limited color range from dark gray to bluish or greenish gray, and darkens with age. Mineral oil or dry wax will protect the surface and is the only type of sealant necessary. Slab size is generally smaller than other choices.

Quartzite is a natural stone that is harder than granite as it’s composed almost entirely of quartz. Quartzite colors are typically white or light in color due to its composition. Unlike marble, quartzite is a great choice for the kitchen due to its ability to resist etching from cooking acids like lemon juice and vinegar.

Although quartzite is appealing due to its durability and hardness, we recommend sealing annually.

Explore Natural Stone Countertops at Rumford Stone

Visit our showroom and slab gallery to compare granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone surfaces in person, then work with our team for custom fabrication and installation tailored to your home and project goals.

Natural Stone Countertops FAQs

Natural stone countertops are fabricated from stone that is quarried directly from the earth rather than manufactured. Granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone are among the most common natural stone options, each offering unique colors, patterns, and performance characteristics.

When properly fabricated, installed, and maintained, natural stone countertops can last for decades. Their durability and timeless appeal make them a long-term investment for homeowners seeking surfaces that retain both function and visual appeal over time.

Yes. One of the defining characteristics of natural stone is that no two slabs are exactly alike. Variations in mineral composition, veining, movement, and color create distinctive surfaces that bring individuality and character to each project.

Several natural stone materials perform well in bathrooms, including granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone. The best choice depends on the desired appearance, maintenance preferences, and how the space will be used. Many homeowners select marble for its classic elegance, while granite and quartzite are often chosen for their durability.

Each natural stone offers different advantages. Granite is known for durability and natural variation, marble for timeless beauty, quartzite for strength and distinctive movement, and soapstone for its softer appearance and unique patina. Comparing full slabs in person can help homeowners determine which material best aligns with their style, maintenance expectations, and project goals.

Seam placement is influenced by slab size, kitchen layout, material movement, and installation requirements. During the fabrication process, careful planning helps minimize seam visibility while preserving the natural flow and appearance of the stone across the finished surface.

Absolutely. Natural stone is frequently used for waterfall islands, full-height backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, bar tops, and other custom applications. These features allow homeowners to showcase the unique beauty and movement of the stone while creating a more cohesive design throughout the space.

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