Looking for a natural stone countertop but want something rarer than granite that still makes a big impact? Try onyx! This unique and rare stone could be the one transformative aspect of your kitchen that you’ve been searching for. However, keep in mind, it’s more expensive than other stones, ranging from $40 to $250 per square foot. But if you find the following benefits agreeable, it will be well worth it to install onyx countertops in your home.

Onyx Benefits

Appearance

Light or pastel in color, onyx comes in a wide spectrum of colors, from green and blue to red and yellow. You can also find it in neutral tones, such as beige and cream. You’ll be happy to see that onyx has many variations and patterns, such as tiny specks like in quartz, veining like in marble, or swirls like in granite.

Each slab of onyx is unique and exotic, which is why so many homeowners choose this stone.

Lifespan

Onyx has a long lifespan, lasting more than 100 years if well maintained, similar to granite and marble. Translation? Once you install it, you won’t have to replace the countertop in your lifetime.

Cleanliness

Onyx happens to be very easy to clean. You just need to wipe it down with warm, soapy water, then rinse with a damp cloth to remove residue. You don’t have to use special stone cleaners on onyx countertops like you do with granite and marble, which will save you money and hassle. Just use whatever mild soap you have on hand, such as dish soap.

Lighting

Because it is a translucent stone, light will shine through it, making onyx a great candidate for backlighting. It’s possible to install an onyx backsplash that flows from the countertop to the wall, or you can cascade the onyx down the length of an island. Both can be backlit quite nicely.

Lightweight

Because it’s a lighter-weight material than marble or granite, you can easily install it in creative applications. It’s easy to handle and fabricate, making a striking addition to kitchen and bathroom countertops thanks to its unique patterning and colors. Consider onyx as a wall finish or as cladding within a grid pattern. It’s on the softer side of the stone density scale, which means it’s perfect for vertical interior applications.

Value

Onyx adds tremendous value to your home. If you plan to sell your home in the next few years, you can command a higher asking price, as buyers will pay more for a rare, quality natural stone. This type of project greatly increases your return on investment. But even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, onyx countertops will add to your happiness, comfort and kitchen appeal, offering that “wow” factor that all your guests and family members will appreciate.  

Contact Granite Guy

Do all these benefits sound enticing? If you’re curious about adding onyx countertops or backsplashes to your kitchen, contact us today at 508-460-7900. Our Southborough installers would be happy to come out and give you a free quote, or you can feel free to visit our showroom to see what onyx looks like in person.