Stone countertops are a long term investment. So you have to be very careful when selecting a countertop. Factors such as color and appearance, variation or uniformity and others are important.
When you are using stone for such home projects, you must always keep in mind that stone is a natural product, millions of years old. So there are going to be some flaws. But if you choose carefully, these flaws won’t be a problem and you can have a great countertop you can enjoy for years. Here are some more features to consider when choosing a countertop.
Color and appearance – Choosing a color shouldn’t be a problem at all because there are so many in natural stone. But first of all, decide what kind of look you want to achieve in your kitchen. Natural stone comes in a range of beautiful colors such as Galaxy White, White River, Bianco Antico, Cold Spring and more.
Variation and uniformity – Granite, marble, limestone, soapstone, quartz are all products of the nature. No precise method exists to identify variation or uniformity in each type. Still, there are some general rules you can use when selecting a natural stone countertop. Now let’s see the special features of four types of stones.
Five popular stones for countertops
Granite – Granite contains mineral flecks that spread across the stone and make each piece unique. Granite is extremely durable and stain, heat and scratch resistant (and also beautiful). Yes you will need to wipe on a simple sealer about every 10 to 15 years. This is a simple inexpensive process that is way over hipped by other products. Granite is your least expensive of options typically and have a wide variety of colors.
Limestone – Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock and these rocks sometimes, contain fossils. Even otherwise, limestone is a good choice for a bathroom countertop. It also needs to be sealed but is softer then granite and my scratch in the kitchen. If you want something more polished and veining, go for marble or quartzite.
Marble – Marble is very elegant and beautiful. Since time immemorial, marble is the preferred choice of stone for making sculptures. Another benefit of marble is, it has more color movement and extensive veining than even granite.This is also going to need to be sealed and is softer so it can scratch. Best surface is flooring and bathrooms.
Man-Made Quartz – Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, Hanstone and Zodiaq These are similar to granite being resistant to cracks, stains. No need for sealer on this top and is virtually maintenance free. The cost is typically higher than granite but if you are looking for a solid color or a marble look but more durable this is your product.
Quartzite – This is a natural stone that is gaining popularity over the years. This is a extremely durable surface and is heat, stain and scratch resistant. This stone is denser then granite and also cost more then granite due to the density. The colors are usually very soft and it has veining similar to marble. This is a great look all over your home.
Granite is the preferred choice of those who are going to install a countertop. If you are willing to look beyond and take a leap of faith, you will find many other excellent varieties of stone, equally good, if not better. To learn more about countertop stones listed here or for advice on selecting one, please contact Marble Unlimited today.