Natural materials
The primary types of natural stone used in custom stonework are granite, marble, limestone, travertine, soapstone, and slate.
Granite surpasses other natural stone options in durability, hardness, and demand. It has a distinct beauty and is available in a wide variety of natural colors and patterns. Nearly as hard as diamond, granite is also less likely to scratch or stain. As with most stone, granite is a zero-error product; mistakes cannot be fixed.
Marble, though not as common as granite, is also popular among homeowners. It has a softer look and feel, but it scratches and stains more easily than granite. Marble is preferred for bathrooms and fireplaces rather than highly utilized areas such as kitchen countertops.
Limestone, travertine, soapstone, and slate are used less frequently than granite or marble. Limestone, which is very soft and porous, has an unpolished, warm look. Travertine is soft and porous, and it contains many blotches and fissures. Soapstone is soft and relatively nonporous; it has a distinctively dull appearance. Slate has a medium hardness. It is rarely used for kitchen countertops.
Man-made materials
Engineered stone is very durable, nonporous, and consists primarily of quartz. It has properties similar to those of natural stone and undergoes the same fabrication process. Since it is man-made, engineered stone lacks both the flaws and the character of natural stone.
Solid surfaces are repairable, acrylic- or polyester-based products. During installation, seams are filled with the same material as the solid surface, resulting in a nearly seamless appearance.
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