Specialty Stone Countertops

Serving Portland OR, Vancouver WA, and the Oregon Coast

Nothing enhances a home quite like beautiful stone. If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with premium stone countertops, Crowley’s is here to help. Working closely with top slab yards, we specialize in fabricating and installing custom stone surfaces. With our exceptional craftsmanship and seamless installation process, we'll transform your renovation project into a luxurious experience from start to finish. Contact us today for a free, in-home consultation.

Get your countertop installed in only 6 days after templating!*

Learn About Our Process

*Exceptions include: Full Height Backsplash, complex edge details and countertops requiring laminated edges.

Types of Specialty Stone

At Crowleys Granite & Quartz, we offer a stunning selection of specialty stone countertops to suit any style and preference. While each material is breathtaking, they have a few unique qualities that can help you choose which is best for your project. If you aren’t sure what specialty stone is right for your house, read our overviews of each material below.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a natural stone quarried from the earth, ensuring that each slab is truly one-of-a-kind.

This material has a timeless elegance that makes it a popular choice for those who want to reach a classic and sophisticated style. Marble offers a few key benefits, including:

Beautiful veining: Many materials mimic the veining in marble, but the natural stone provides an unparalleled appearance that is unique to each slab.
Depth and translucence: Marble captures and reflects light in a way that many other stones can’t match, making it the height of classic luxury.

However, this material does require meticulous care due to its softer composition, which can make it prone to staining and etching. To maintain its pristine appearance, we recommend regular sealing and cleaning. Despite this, the luxurious look and feel of marble make it a highly sought-after choice for those willing to invest in its upkeep.

Learn More

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite, a robust natural stone renowned for its durability and elegant appearance, presents a compelling alternative to softer materials like marble. Combining the smooth aesthetics reminiscent of marble with superior hardness, quartzite offers a luxurious option for discerning homeowners seeking both style and longevity. It offers other benefits, including:

Harder Material: Quartzite surpasses many other soft stones in hardness, ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding environments.
Smoother Looks: With styling akin to marble but without maintenance drawbacks, quartzite provides a sophisticated aesthetic without sacrificing durability.
Chemical Resistance: Unlike marble, quartzite does not chemically etch, preserving its pristine appearance over time.

Depending on the type of quartzite, however, you may need to annually reseal the stone to prevent stains over time. As a luxury stone, these slabs may also command a higher price point, and some fabricators are hesitant to work with quartzite due to its unique challenges. That said, Crowley’s has decades of experience working with this stone and can leverage our expertise for gorgeous, durable results.

Learn More

Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain is a more modern countertop material that is great if you want to achieve an effortlessly stunning look in a busy kitchen. These countertops come with a few advantages such as:

Heat and stain resistance: Porcelain is very hard and durable. Not only that, but it is also heat and stain resistant, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
Large format styles: The larger slabs allow for smooth, continuous countertops no matter the size, which is why it’s often favored for custom projects.
Wide range of styles: With porcelain, the patterns are printed directly on the surface, resulting in rich and eye-catching colors that can truly reflect your style.

Seams are formed due to how the slab can’t be tensioned without making more cracks or chips. Mitered edges are our standard practice to increase the impact of the stone. ‘For homeowners wanting to preserve their porcelain for as long as possible, a top-mount sink will reduce wear and tear at the most-used place in the kitchen.

Learn More

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a sleek natural stone that has been used for centuries by various cultures. Its uniquely soft texture made it very carvable, and it was first used in America by Native Americans for that reason. With its heat resistance and leathery finish, it’s become a popular countertop material in recent years. Soapstone countertops are loved for these qualities:

Heat absorption: Not only can you place hot items directly on the surface of a soapstone countertop, but the material will also retain the warmth for quite some time.
Soft, silky texture: No other material has the same velvety look and feel as soapstone, which can add a touch of tactile elegance to your space.
Non-porous material: Despite being soft, soapstone is very nonporous and doesn’t stain as easily as some other types of stone.

That said, soapstone’s softness means it can be easily scratched, so diligent maintenance is essential to keep it looking its best—mineral oiling is important to keep it from looking dry. That said, even the way it wears over time gives way to a soft patina, making this stone perfect for somebody who wants a high-end finish with unparalleled aesthetic and textural qualities.

Specialty Stone Countertop FAQs

How to Care for Specialty Stone

When selecting the perfect countertop material for your home, aesthetics and durability are undoubtedly key factors. However, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of proper care and maintenance to ensure your investment stands the test of time. Each stone type requires specific care routines:

Marble: Clean with warm, soapy water to maintain its pristine appearance and remove spills quickly to prevent damage. This stone also requires resealing every two or three months to protect against staining. Marble can be expected to patina over time.
Soapstone: Warm, soapy water helps remove debris and protect this stone’s natural texture. It also requires regular mineral oiling to prevent drying, if you want to keep a dark look. Some homeowners prefer the dry stone, though that may show oils and wear more readily. We also recommend avoiding abrasive cleaners to maintain the velvety finish.
Porcelain: Cleaning regularly with warm, soapy water will remove dirt and grime. If you choose to use specialty cleaners, use caution; some may damage the surface.
Quartzite: You guessed it—warm, soapy water can help maintain this stone’s natural luster. Depending on the type, it may also need annual resealing to prevent water or stain infiltration.

How Much Do Specialty Stone Countertops Cost?

Before starting any countertop project, it is crucial to weigh the financial aspect alongside aesthetics and functionality. Understanding the pricing dynamics of various stone types can help you make informed decisions that align with your budget and project goals.

Soapstone is generally slightly pricier than average granites or quartzes. That said, they tend to be fairly reasonable for those seeking its unique qualities.
Marble comes in a wide pricing spectrum, from those comparable to granites and quartzes to significantly higher-end options. Depending on your choice, you could have a luxurious but potentially costly stone.
Quartzite generally commands a higher baseline price compared to soapstone or quartzes, but soapstones, granites, or quartzes, but lower than marble in terms of overall cost. This can be the perfect balance between elegance and affordability.
Porcelain offers a range of pricing options, with some affordable selections alongside higher-end varieties. That said, the unique printing process can add additional labor requirements, making it slightly costlier than some other types of stone.

Specialty Stone Countertop Installation

Specialty stone countertops can add a sense of luxury and cohesion to your space. Whether you are still deciding on a material or you’re ready to start your project, Crowley’s is here to help. With over 25 years of experience, Crowley’s ensures a seamless process. From templating to installation, our team offers a 6-day turnaround with exceptional craftsmanship.

To learn more about our process or schedule your in-home consultation, give us a call today!

Curious about what are customers think?

Check Out Our Reviews

We are proud of our work, and we take pride in what our customers have to say. Take a look or leave your own review today!

“Crowley’s has installed both kitchen and bath counters for us. We could not be more pleased! Reasonable prices and real construction expertise. From design to template to installation the polite professional and prompt service we received is beyond noteworthy.”

Glenn

“Exceptional professionalism every step of the process. On this scale of a project, you want the work done right the first time. Crowley’s delivered!”

Craig

“Crowley’s turnaround was phenomenal and their attention to our edge details was as well. We would highly recommend Crowley’s.”

Margaret