But if you prefer softer stone like marble and limestone, it can be made less susceptible with penetrating sealers and low-gloss or honed finishes. However, sealers need to be reapplied periodically. Color and pattern also have an important impact on stone care and cost. Although veining camouflages stains better, very light and very dark stone tend to show watermarks more than medium colors. Lightly veined white marbles, the most common varieties, are comparable in price to simple solid surfacing.
Costs gradually rise as stone color darkens and veining increases.
Home-center displays from the two manufacturers allow you to coordinate sink and top separates. If possible, buy stone directly from a stone yard instead of a showroom, where you pick a stone based on a sample. It will probably cost less, and you can choose the slab, or the part of it, that you like. Have the salesperson wet unpolished stone so you can see the true color and veining. Ceramic tile surpasses even laminates in terms of choices.