Stone Kitchen Countertop Materials - Benefits And Drawbacks Of Widespread Stone Countertops

Among the hottest trends in house design today is stone kitchen countertops. These durable, heat-resistant, luxurious counters can be a beautiful and practical addition for any home. But with all of the different types of natural and engineered stones around, selecting the right one for your home can appear daunting. It some time to analyze, but each one of these counter materials really have positives and negatives, therefore it is imperative that you find out what you are suitable for your requirements.

Granite Countertops

Granite is a type of form of igneous (volcanic) rock that forms beautiful crystalline textures. A hardcore type of rock, granite is suited to use being a counter in bathrooms and kitchens because it is both heat and scratch resistant. Granite is actually created by heat and pressure over hundreds of years, so no two pieces of this piece of rock are ever exactly alike. This one-of-a-kind characteristic is particularly attracting homeowners who want a really unique space. Granite countertops can be found in a variety of natural colors and patterns, from neutrals to striking blues and greens. Natural stone countertops like granite do typically raise the value of your home over engineered stones like quartz as buyers usually gravitate toward natural materials.

However, despite its prestigious reputation, granite countertops will have several disadvantages. For starters, granite is often a relatively porous stone, meaning it should be chemically sealed to resist stains. The sealing process is not hard, but it must occasionally be repeated; many people think about this requirement for routine maintenance a poor. Secondly, granite is often a costly material. While granite tiles can be utilized instead of granite slabs to cut back the buying price of the countertop, few people are able to afford a granite countertop.

Marble Countertops

Homeowners are attracted to the luxurious appearance of marble countertops. The distinctive appearance of marble can dramatically increase the worth of your property, since it is typically considered a prestigious, sophisticated material. Furthermore marble countertops are the preferred surface for serious bakers as the cool stone is great for pie crusts, pastries, along with other baked goods. Marble countertops can be purchased in a huge variety of colors from delicate blushes to vibrant blacks, each uniquely formed by nature.

Marble has some distinct drawbacks like a countertop material. For starters, marble is often a less harsh stone than granite, so that it features a greater tendency to scratch and mar than granite countertops. Additionally, polished marble is at risk of etching when acidic liquids are forever spilled about it. These spots and marks can destroy the conclusion of your respective countertop; this can be avoided issue by choosing a honed finish instead of a elegant finish, most homeowners choose the appearance of polished marble. Finally, marble is a porous, absorbent stone, meaning it has a tendency to stain. While some homeowners such as the patina their marble countertops develop through the years, many do think it over a drawback.

Soapstone Countertops



You're likely acquainted with soapstone from the high school graduation chemistry lab; those black tables were made from soapstone. Today soapstone is now popular in kitchen countertops for the extreme stain resistance. Additionally it is heat resistant and does not etch.

One drawback to soapstone counters is because they are only for sale in a limited amount of dark colors. Soapstone generally is a grayish color as the name indicated, even though it is normally oiled into a black finish for residential and commercial use. Soapstone counters are also susceptible to scratching. However, soapstone counters can actually be sanded to eliminate nicks and mars, so this the likelihood of scratching is not always seen as an huge shortcoming.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is often a sedimentary rock with qualities comparable to marble. Available in an array of neutrals and whites, limestone countertops have a very smooth appearance, unlike granite. Formed from sand along with the shells of aquatic life, limestone frequently includes small fossils and shells; some homeowners particularly value this excellent element of limestone countertops.

However, like marble, limestone is really a soft rock: it tends to stain and scratch easily and it is susceptible to etching. Your limestone counter can be sealed to aid prevent staining and etching, but limestone just isn't suited to high use areas including kitchens.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are created from an engineered stone created from 93% quartz, pigment, and resin. This stone counter material has lots of of the qualities of granite, but minus the upkeep issues. Quartz countertops are heat and scratch resistant will not stain. And, unlike granite, quartz never must be sealed. As being a man-made material, quartz counters possess a uniform color and pattern. Some homeowners do prefer this consistent check out the unique aspects of stone. Additionally, it implies that if the segment of the quartz countertop is broken, much the same replacement section can be had from your manufacturer without concerns about matching.

Although it might appear that quartz countertops are inherently superior, they are doing have numerous drawbacks. The key issue is that despite a similar cost, engineered quartz counters don't boost the valuation on your own home as much as granite countertops do. Home buyers choose to natural material in the man-made counter, so you need to keep this in mind if you're remodeling your kitchen as a possible investment. Additionally, although quartz counters are made to mimic all-natural look of granite, many people think that quartz lacks the depth and sweetness of granite. To be certain which look that suits you, be sure you see examples of both natural and engineered stone. Finally, with quartz your color and pattern options are more limited than with natural stone. There are a large numbers of colors available, but particularly when you're wanting to exactly satisfy your existing color scheme you might prefer the limitless rainbow of stone.

Corian Countertops

Corian is the one other sort of engineered stone just like quartz. This kind of solid surface stone countertop offers most of the benefits associated with granite and quartz and also several unique benefits. Like granite and quartz countertops, Corian countertops are heat, stain, and scratch resistant. It's also nonporous, therefore it will never have to be sealed. Moreover, Corian has the added benefit of being certified kosher. Unlike granite, Corian countertops may also be totally integrated with Corian backsplashes and sinks to generate a visually seamless surface.

Nonetheless, Corian also is equipped with disadvantages. It's heat resistant, but only to 212?F. Higher temperatures will damage your counter, so you'll typically need to protect your Corian countertop from hot objects. Also, much like quartz, some individuals choose the natural appearance of granite towards the uniform and consistent appearance of Corian. Corian countertops may also be only available in limited colors and patterns, which a lot of people dislike.

With your pros and cons in your mind, now you are with the info you have to find the perfect kitchen countertop material for your household. Visit your local stone countertop showroom or installer to determine samples and discover more details on making the ideal of beautiful stone countertops a reality.

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