You might want to consider granite -- there are some granites that aren't all that expensive (although I suppose that's relative, not sure your budget or sq ft of counter).

Your OP says in effect you would not like marble. Marble will etch. People who love marble counters are comfortable with patina. From your OP you will not be. Cross marble off your list. Look at Quartz that has the marble-like look, but avoid the Quartz with the big chunky veins. You want a Quartz that has the subtle markings.

Do a search on this site and you will find lots of great info on the pros and cons of all your options. If you like marble then definitely check out quartzite, more $ but very durable- just be sure you understand how to be sure you are choosing a true quartzite- lots of help on that on this site too. Quartz is very popular and a good choice for busy families if you can find one you like.

We just finished our search and ended up going with marble, but only after really understanding the different options. At this point, we are retired and perfectly comfortable with the drawbacks of marble and you just can't beat the beauty if you love that look. Good luck with your search.

Budget is 800-1million. Kitchen is roughly 16x20

We have children and granite counter tops. Our kitchen has an 8x4' island and perimeter surfacing. Our granite choice was $78/sqft.

Yowza! Did you mean $800-1000? LOL! Because if you've got $1 mil to spend, well then...

Sorry! I meant the whole home budget is 800-1 million not just for the kitchen 😓

No on marble in the kitchen if you need to keep it pristine looking. Take a look at Cambria, Silestone, Caesarstone for faux marble quartz looks.

Soapstone-- Nearly indestructible! Think chemistry lab. Acid etc. No problem.

Looks - check!

Cost - compared to ?

Longevity - check!

Classic look - check!

Don't believe the stuff about having to oil and wax often. I do it every couple of years and it really doesn't change the way it looks. Not sure why I bother.

I put a very large wooden chopping block on the soapstone island recently and slid it across to the other side. Must have been some sand or something under it, it left two large scratches in the soapstone. Husband says Oh no, we need to sand it. I say no, just some beeswax and oil mix. I rubbed it in and the scratches disappeared.

I let kids do anything on my soapstone island. Nothing can hurt it. At least so far that I have found...

Hey there. It really comes down to prefer. Granite is the strongest of them all. Each material has its own strengths.

If you are still deciding, I have a great blog post that may help you out.

I hope this helps.

Which countertops should I use?

In that price range I’d put quartz. It’s durable and looks great, just can’t take heat (have to use trivets).

IMO a real stone will alwys be my choice. Polished granite is IMO close to bullet proof and so many beautiful ones to choose. I have to admit I love cararra marble and I aslo love the patina it gets with living use but if perfect is the aim then go granite. Quartz would be my last choice after laminate .We have friends in Italy they have 5 kids and wonderful huge slabs of cararra marble in their kitchen it has patina after 20 yrs of use and IMO awesome looking.

I had marble on my island and that was fine. I added it to the whole kitchen and I regret it. Run!

Silestone Quartz in Calcutta Gold! It has the look of marble and is very easy to clean. FYI, Home Depot was thousands cheaper for Silestone Calcutta Gold than any countertop place around us.