Natural Stone Countertop Costs: All You Need to Know About Prices and More

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When assessing your various options for countertops on the market, natural stone options may jump to the top of your list. Although many types of engineered stone can attempt to replicate the look of natural stones, there is no true replacement for the actual thing. Choosing natural stone will give you many options for a beautiful new countertop. This guide will focus on what your options are, how much each type of natural stone costs and additional information that will be helpful to know during the buying process. 

What Are Your Natural Stone Countertop Options? 

There are many options to choose from for natural stone countertops. Below is a list of what your options are, as well as a thorough analysis of each. 

• Granite 

• Marble 

• Quartzite 

• Onyx 

• Travertine 

• Gemstone 

• Limestone 

• Slate 

• Soapstone 

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Granite Countertops 

Granite is one of the most popular natural stones used for countertops. There is a seemingly endless amount of types that you can choose from. Whether you are looking for something that is light or dark, or something that is calm or flashy, you will be able to find it with granite. Another benefit of granite is the natural stone’s durability; it is one of the strongest and most durable surfaces you can choose for a countertop. Granite countertops are very easy to clean and maintain. All you will need is soap and warm water to clean. You will have to re-seal the surface once every year for maintenance. 

How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost? 

Granite countertops are among the less expensive options on this list. You can typically find granite priced around $35 to $75 per square foot. 

Marble Countertops 

Marble is one of the most beautiful stone surfaces you can ever have in your home. The various types of the stone feature a wide range of colors and veining patterns. Marble has been used as a building material for everything from countertops in homes to famous structures and statues. The most popular types come from Italy, but marble is quarried in many places throughout the world. One thing to note about marble countertops is that you must put in the necessary effort to maintain them. Since the stone is very porous, you will have to be extra cautious with spills, especially if you are handling an acidic substance such as orange juice or coffee. Spilling liquids such as those on marble can permanently damage the stone. To clean marble, you must use cleaner that is specifically designed for use with marble. Never use any abrasive cleaners, such as Windex or bleach. You will need to re-seal your marble countertop every few months to protect against damage.  

How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost? 

Marble countertops can range from relatively affordable to expensive based on what type you choose. The countertops typically cost between $40 to $100 per square foot. 

Quartzite Countertops 

Quartzite is a magnificent natural stone countertop option. It is often compared to marble due to the similarity in appearance. Much like marble, quartzite can feature stunning colors and veining patterns. One advantage that quartzite has over marble, however, is that the stone is much stronger and more durable than marble. This is why many homeowners choose quartzite – you will get the high-quality looks that marble offers, but with increased strength and durability. However, in some cases, this will come at a little bit more of a cost. In general, there is not so much of a cost difference between marble and quartzite countertops, and there is overlap in pricing for many types of each stone. 

How Much Do Quartzite Countertops Cost? 

Quartzite countertops can be moderately expensive. You can expect to pay between $60 to $100 per square foot for the material. 

Onyx Countertops 

If you are looking for a natural stone countertop that is truly unique and gorgeous, onyx will perfectly suit your needs. This exotic natural stone will add a touch of beauty to any room you install it in. You will have to make sure you keep up on maintenance to have your onyx countertops in good shape. One of the interesting features of the stone that you will not get with other countertops is the ability to be backlit. Because onyx is translucent, it allows for some light to come through, which will only enhance its beauty. Onyx countertops can typically be found in the mid to high price range. 

How Much Do Onyx Countertops Cost? 

Onyx countertops have a wide range of costs. The countertops can be found anywhere from $75 to $250 per square foot. 

Travertine Countertops 

Travertine is a beautiful natural stone material that is similar to limestone. These similarities are due to travertine being a form of limestone. Travertine countertops come in a range of colors, from shades of grey to gold. Be careful if you install these countertops in a high traffic area such as the kitchen, as the countertops require you to stay on top of maintenance. However, as long as you take proper care of them, they can stay in great shape for a long time.  

How Much Do Travertine Countertops Cost? 

Travertine countertops are in the mid to high price range. The stone can be found for between $50 to $100 per square foot. 

Gemstone Countertops 

If you truly want something that is outside the box, perhaps you should consider a gemstone countertop. The countertops are bold, colorful and stylish. You are sure to make a statement if you install gemstone countertops anywhere in your home. In terms of durability, gemstone is a great countertop option. The surfaces are resistant to heat and scratching and are very easy to clean. Although they are pricey, you very well may decide on a gemstone countertop, provided that your budget allows for it. 

How Much Do Gemstone Countertops Cost? 

Gemstone is your most expensive natural stone countertop option on the list. Prices start at around $100 per square foot, and often exceed that number. 

Limestone Countertops 

Installing limestone countertops will add a touch of light and life to your room. Whether the stone is utilized as a kitchen countertop, bathroom countertop or anywhere else in the house, it will look amazing. Limestone can be found in a range of colors from grey to gold, much like the similar stone travertine. One of the only downsides to limestone is that you must be careful around the countertops, as they can easily be damaged. If you take good care of them, limestone countertops can become a true fixture in your home. 

How Much Do Limestone Countertops Cost? 

Limestone is near the higher end of the price range, with costs ranging between $70 to $200 per square foot. 

Slate Countertops 

If you are looking for a countertop that is not flashy, yet still stylish, slate countertops are a great choice. The natural stone comes in many shades of grey, which is perfect if you are looking for a neutral colored countertop. Slate is also a very durable countertop material, so it is perfect for the kitchen, bathroom or anywhere else in the house. It will give your countertop a beautiful uniform look, and is resistant to stains, heat and water. 

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How Much Do Slate Countertops Cost? 

Slate countertops are in the mid to high range of pricing. The natural stone can be found from $50 to $200 per square foot. 

Soapstone Countertops 

Much like slate, soapstone will give your countertops a pleasing neutral colored appearance. The stone comes in various shades of grey that feature blue, green and black. A unique feature that you will get with soapstone countertops is the ability of the stone to naturally darken over time. You can even treat the countertop with mineral oil to accelerate the process. If you choose to treat the countertop with mineral oil, note that you will have to wash the countertop using only soap and water. If you use harsh cleaners, they may remove the mineral oil and you will have to reapply it. 

How Much Do Soapstone Countertops Cost? 

Soapstone is in the mid to high range of pricing. The material typically goes for $55 to $100 per square foot. 

Natural Stone Countertops Pricing Chart 

Below is a table that ranks each of the options listed above by cost. 

Prices of Natural Stone Countertops

Granite	$35 to $75 per square foot
Marble	$40 to $100 per square foot
Travertine	$50 to $100 per square foot
Slate	$50 to $200 per square foot
Soapstone	$55 to $100 per square foot
Quartzite	$60 to $100 per square foot
Limestone	$70 to $200 per square foot
Onyx	$75 to $250 per square foot
Gemstone	Start at $100 per square foot

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Natural Stone Countertops? 

Every natural stone countertop will come with benefits and drawbacks. Below is a list and explanations of the general benefits and drawbacks of natural stone, followed by a list and explanations for each type of stone mentioned above. 

Natural Stone: Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits	Drawbacks
High Quality Looks	Cost
Easy to Repair	Need to Seal
Distinctive	Vulnerability

Benefits 

High Quality Looks 

One benefit you will receive from any type of natural stone is high quality looks. No matter what other material you can use, there is simply nothing that will quite match the beauty produced by nature. From stones with a uniform look, like slate and soapstone, to stones with elegant veining, like marble and quartzite, natural stone exudes pure beauty. 

Easy to Repair 

Most types of natural stone countertops are relatively easy to repair if they get damaged. Of course, it depends how bad the damages are, but in general, most small cracks or chips can be repaired. 

Distinctive 

Natural stone countertops make a statement wherever you use them. As mentioned with high quality looks, there is simply no material like natural stone. 

Drawbacks 

Cost 

While many forms of natural stone share benefits, many types also share the same drawback: Cost. While granite can be relatively inexpensive for a natural stone, natural stone countertops will cost more than some other options. However, the material is also of better quality than those that cost less. 

Need to Seal 

Most natural stone countertops require sealing. However, this is not as much of an inconvenience as it may seem, as many require re-sealing only once or twice every year. 

Vulnerability 

Many types of natural stone are vulnerable, so you will have to be careful around the surfaces. For example, your marble countertop can be ruined if you spill coffee on it. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Granite 

Beautiful 

Granite is a beautiful natural stone to use in the home. Any type you choose will look fantastic on your countertop. 

Durable

There are few countertop surfaces that rival the durability that granite will give you. 

Easy to Clean 

Granite is one of the easiest countertop surfaces to clean. 

Drawbacks 

Can Be Expensive 

Although it is not the most expensive on the list, it isn’t your cheapest countertop option. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Marble 

Beautiful 

There is a reason that famous artists used marble to make some of the world’s most iconic statues. The natural stone represents pure beauty. 

Timeless Appeal 

Marble is a stone that will never go out of style, evidenced by the fact that people have used it as a building material for centuries. 

Drawbacks 

Can Be Expensive 

You will have to pay more for marble than you would for a material like laminate. 

Difficult to Maintain 

You will really have to keep up on maintenance if you want your marble countertops to look good. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Quartzite 

Benefits 

Beautiful 

Quartzite can easily match the beauty of marble. 

Durable 

While the stone is beautiful, it is also very durable. 

Drawbacks 

Expensive 

As is the case with any natural stone, quartzite can be expensive. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Onyx 

Benefits 

Beautiful and Unique 

Onyx is truly a unique natural stone that will beautify your home. 

Can Be Backlit 

Since onyx is translucent, it can be backlit. 

Drawbacks 

Expensive 

While onyx is unique and beautiful, be prepared to pay for it. 

Difficult to Maintain

You will have to be extra careful and stay on top of maintaining your onyx countertop. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Travertine 

Benefits 

Brings Light to the Room 

Travertine will brighten up any room you put it in. 

Fits in Well with Many Styles 

Since its colors are neutral, travertine fits in well with any décor. 

Drawbacks 

Difficult to Maintain 

Travertine is yet another stone that you will have to keep up on maintaining. 

Not Recommended for High Traffic Areas 

Since it is more porous than most stones, travertine is not recommended for high traffic areas of the home. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Gemstone 

Benefits 

Beautiful and Unique 

Gemstone is truly a stone unlike any other. It is perfect if you want a unique countertop surface for your home. 

Durable 

Not only is gemstone beautiful, it is also very durable. 

Drawbacks 

Expensive 

Beauty and durability come at a price. Prepare to pay in the upper ranges for gemstone. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Limestone 

Benefits 

Brings Light to the Room 

Much like travertine, limestone will brighten up the room. 

Fits in Well with Many Styles 

Limestone comes in neutral colors, meaning it can work well with any décor. 

Drawbacks 

Hard to Maintain 

You will have to exercise caution around the surface and make sure that you keep up on maintenance. 

Not Recommended for High Traffic Areas 

Since it is hard to maintain, limestone is not your best choice for a high traffic area. 

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Benefits and Drawbacks: Slate 

Benefits 

High Quality Looks 

Slate will give your countertops a stunning uniform look. The stone comes in various shades of grey. 

Heat and Stain Resistant 

Slate is resistant to both heat and stains. 

Drawbacks 

Limited Color Selection 

If you are looking for a red, blue, green or white countertop, slate will not give you what you are looking for. 

Expensive 

As with most other natural stones, slate can be pricey. 

Benefits and Drawbacks: Soapstone 

Benefits 

Beautiful Uniform Look 

Similar to slate, soapstone also has a uniform look across the surface. 

Can Darken Over Time 

Soapstone naturally darkens over time. If you want to speed up the process, you can treat the countertop with mineral oil. 

Drawbacks 

Cost 

Be prepared to pay in the mid to high ranges for soapstone. 

Can Be Prone to Scratching 

Soapstone can scratch, but these scratches can easily be fixed. 

Regardless of which type you choose, natural stone countertops will add beauty to your home. There is a good reason that many homeowners choose to go with natural stone countertops. With the help of this guide, you will be prepared to choose which natural stone countertops you want in your home.