Countertop Choices A counter is as resistant as the stone it's made from. Use the list below to study the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular stone countertop varieties: Granites: Resistant to abrasions and scratches. Resistant to most chemicals but may be vulnerable to some acids. Can be porous and stained by oils. Marbles, serpentines and onyxes: Known for their aesthetic appeal. Vulnerable to scratches, abrasions, and chemical attack. Stained by oils and other liquids. Soapstones: Easily scratched. Unaffected by acids but darkened by oils. Stains can be scrubbed out. Limestones and travertines: Vulnerable to acids and abrasions. Many varieties have high absorption rates. Slate: Very dense so not as porous and susceptible to staining. Low to medium absorption of oils and other liquids. Easily scratched. Handles heat well.

Cracking
Stone—even granite—can crack from a strong, localized heat source such as hot pans or dishes, so it's important to use trivets or hot mats underneath.

Repairing Stone Counters
Counters can be polished to eliminate stains or scratches. Small cracks or chips may require resin injection and polishing, a job best left to professional restorers. Pitting is common with granite and most polished igneous rocks so you must be prepared for how the stone will age. Fissures also occur naturally in many stone types. This visible separation differs from a crack in that it is a naturally occurring feature in the stone and one that contributes to its character.

If your stone surface cracks, the entire countertop will need to be replaced. However, certain repairs are possible if the damage is not in a structurally significant area.

Costs and Installation
Once a stone is cut into strips, the fabricator uses basic measurements of your countertop to finish edges and plan for sink and cooktop cutouts. Stone countertops range from $30 to $100 per square foot installed. The type of stone, thickness, and number of cutouts impacts the cost. Almost all stone countertops come in either 20mm or 30mm thicknesses, roughly 3⁄4 and 11⁄4 inches. Dozens of edge profiles are available.

A very experienced handyman could install a stone countertop, but it's not recommended by stone experts. A fabricated countertop often arrives in sections that must be seamed. Separate stone backsplashes, corners, and extra long sections require seaming. Multiple sections will not affect performance but will impact installation and total cost.

During installation, cabinets must be permanently affixed. Fragile stone varieties or those with excessive fissuring or unsound veins may require a full subtop to support the stone. If an undermount sink has been chosen, a special support rail for the cabinet frame is suggested. Stone sections are set on adhesive beads on the cabinet. Polyester adhesive, which cures to a hard shiny state, is the most common material used to seal the seams, which are about 1/16th of an inch. The whole installation process typically takes a half day.