Hello KathiMark, You might check into a material that is relatively new to the market of countertops, Quartz. You may know of it by some of the brand names that manufacture Quartz; Silestone, Cambria. Quartz is a very hard, non porous stone. It is actually harder than granite and marble, and is not a composite of various stones and minerals, like granite and marble. As a result it is extremely durable, heat resistant and stain resistant. However, on the scale of countertops it can be expensive. You might try obtaining quotes from different manufacturer's and in differing colors to obtain a reasonable estimate. It is available in a few dozen colors. Take a look at a few Houzz examples of Quartz countertops: https://www.houzz.com/photos/1960s-lake-oswego-home-traditional-kitchen-portland-phvw-vp~344737 Best of luck with your kitchen and please let us know if we can be of any assistance, Elizabeth

Caesarstone does have a much higher level of stain resistance than marble. Marble is beautiful! You just have to be aware of its qualities so that you know what you are getting yourself into. If you want to keep it looking brand new, you cannot allow any acidic spills to sit on it for a long amount of time. If so, it WILL stain or etch. If you are okay with your marble looking a little worn (think of Europe), then you're good to go! You just have to mentally prepare yourself. There are quartz colors that they are manufacturing that look like marble. Silestone's "Lyra" is one example. They are not going to give you the natural beauty and variation that marble does, but it is an option. Natural quartzite (not to be confused with manmade quartz) is another alternative to marble. Quartzite is actually harder than granite, and has properties similar to granite--so staining, etc is not a big concern. It's pattern/movement is similar to marble, however.

Check out what's offered in quartz countertops these days. There are many different manufacturers, but the material itself is all pretty standard in composition. Just go for the colour/look/style you prefer and you'll be very happy with its performance. There are some very natural looks from plain to quite "energetic" (Cambria tends to be on the energetic side.)

You need to try powder coated custom cabinet doors manufactured by Integra Doors in Greer, SC. High humidity does not bother these doors - they are quite water resistant. Their epoxy finish is more abrasion resistant than paint, they don't yellow or fade like laminates and paint do, they won't delaminate or melt, there are no seams in which bacteria can hide, they can be made in any color you choose, and there are no chemicals to out gas into your homw.