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Stone Kitchen Countertop Materials - Benefits and drawbacks of Common Stone Countertops
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One of the hottest trends in home design today is stone kitchen countertops. These durable, heat-resistant, luxurious counters certainly are a beautiful and practical addition to any home. But with all of the various kinds of natural and engineered stones out there, selecting the right one for your home can seem daunting. It might take a little time to research, but each one of these counter materials do have positives and negatives, so it's vital that you evaluate which is right for your needs.
Granite Countertops
Granite is really a common type of igneous (volcanic) rock that forms beautiful crystalline textures. A hard type of rock, granite is perfect for use as a counter in kitchens and bathrooms because it is both heat and scratch resistant. Granite is formed by heat and pressure over more than 100 years, so no two pieces of this natural stone are ever exactly alike. This one-of-a-kind characteristic is specially appealing to homeowners who want a unique space. Granite countertops are available in a variety of naturally occurring colors and patterns, from neutrals to striking blues and greens. Natural stone countertops like granite do typically increase the value of your home more than engineered stones like quartz as buyers tend to gravitate toward natural materials.
However, despite its prestigious reputation, granite countertops do have several disadvantages. For starters, granite is a relatively porous stone, meaning it must be chemically sealed to resist stains. The sealing process is simple, nonetheless it must occasionally be repeated; some individuals consider this need for routine maintenance a negative. Secondly, granite is commonly an expensive material. While granite tiles can be utilized in place of granite slabs to lessen the price of the countertop, not everyone are able a granite countertop.
Marble Countertops
Many homeowners are attracted to the luxurious appearance of marble countertops. The distinctive appearance of marble can dramatically increase the value of your house, since it is typically considered a prestigious, sophisticated material. Furthermore marble countertops will be the preferred surface for serious bakers because the cool stone is ideal for pie crusts, pastries, along with other baked goods. Marble countertops may also be available in an enormous range of colors from delicate blushes to vibrant blacks, each uniquely formed naturally.
Marble does have some distinct drawbacks as a countertop material. To begin with, marble is a much softer stone than granite, so that it has a greater tendency to scratch and mar than granite countertops. Additionally, polished marble is vulnerable to etching when acidic liquids are invariably spilled on it. These spots and marks can destroy the finish of your countertop; you can avoid this matter by selecting a honed finish instead of a polished finish, but most homeowners prefer the appearance of polished marble. Finally, marble is a porous, absorbent stone, meaning it tends to stain. While some homeowners just like the patina their marble countertops develop over time, many do consider it a drawback.
Soapstone Countertops
You're likely acquainted with soapstone from your high school chemistry lab; those black tables were made from soapstone. Today soapstone is now popular in kitchen countertops due to its extreme stain resistance. Additionally it is heat resistant and will not etch.
One drawback to soapstone counters is they are only available in a restricted number of dark colors. Soapstone is generally a grayish color in nature, although it is normally oiled to a black finish for commercial and residential use. Soapstone counters may also be vulnerable to scratching. However, soapstone counters can in fact be sanded to remove nicks and mars, so this susceptibility to scratching isn't always seen as a huge shortcoming.
Limestone Countertops
Limestone is a sedimentary rock with qualities similar to marble. Available in a variety of neutrals and whites, limestone countertops have a smooth appearance, unlike granite. Formed from Quartz Worktops Eccleston and the shells of aquatic life, limestone frequently includes small fossils and shells; some homeowners particularly value this unique facet of limestone countertops.
However, like marble, limestone is a soft rock: it will stain and scratch easily and is vunerable to etching. Your limestone counter could be sealed to help prevent staining and etching, but limestone isn't recommended for high use areas such as for example kitchens.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are constructed from an engineered stone made from 93% quartz, pigment, and resin. This stone counter material has many of the same qualities of granite, but without the upkeep issues. Quartz countertops are heat and scratch resistant and will not stain. And, unlike granite, quartz never should be sealed. As a man-made material, quartz counters have a uniform color and pattern. Some homeowners do prefer this consistent turn to the unique areas of natural stone. It also means that in case a segment of your quartz countertop is damaged, the same replacement section can be obtained from the maker without concerns about matching.
Although it might seem that quartz countertops are inherently superior, they do have several drawbacks. The principal issue is that despite a similar cost, engineered quartz counters don't increase the value of your home up to granite countertops do. Home buyers choose the natural material on the man-made counter, so you will want to keep this at heart if you're remodeling your kitchen as an investment. Additionally, although quartz counters are made to mimic the natural look of granite, some individuals believe that quartz lacks the depth and beauty of granite. To be certain which look you prefer, be sure to see samples of both natural and engineered stone. Finally, with quartz your color and pattern options tend to be more limited than with natural stone. There are a large number of colors available, but especially if you're attempting to exactly match your existing color scheme you might choose the limitless rainbow of natural stone.
Corian Countertops
Corian is another type of engineered stone much like quartz. This type of solid surface stone countertop offers the majority of the benefits of granite and quartz and also several unique benefits. Like granite and quartz countertops, Corian countertops are heat, stain, and scratch resistant. Additionally it is nonporous, so it won't need to be sealed. Moreover, Corian gets the added benefit of being certified kosher. Unlike granite, Corian countertops can be totally integrated with Corian backsplashes and sinks to produce a visually seamless surface.
Nonetheless, Corian also does have disadvantages. It really is heat resistant, but and then 212�F. Higher temperatures will damage your counter, so you'll more often than not need to protect your Corian countertop from hot objects. Also, as with quartz, some individuals choose the natural look of granite to the uniform and consistent appearance of Corian. Corian countertops are also only available in limited colors and patterns, which some people dislike.
With these advantages and drawbacks at heart, you're now armed with the info you need to pick the perfect kitchen countertop material for the home. Visit your local stone countertop showroom or installer to see samples and find out about making your imagine beautiful stone countertops possible.
Granite Countertops
Granite is really a common type of igneous (volcanic) rock that forms beautiful crystalline textures. A hard type of rock, granite is perfect for use as a counter in kitchens and bathrooms because it is both heat and scratch resistant. Granite is formed by heat and pressure over more than 100 years, so no two pieces of this natural stone are ever exactly alike. This one-of-a-kind characteristic is specially appealing to homeowners who want a unique space. Granite countertops are available in a variety of naturally occurring colors and patterns, from neutrals to striking blues and greens. Natural stone countertops like granite do typically increase the value of your home more than engineered stones like quartz as buyers tend to gravitate toward natural materials.
However, despite its prestigious reputation, granite countertops do have several disadvantages. For starters, granite is a relatively porous stone, meaning it must be chemically sealed to resist stains. The sealing process is simple, nonetheless it must occasionally be repeated; some individuals consider this need for routine maintenance a negative. Secondly, granite is commonly an expensive material. While granite tiles can be utilized in place of granite slabs to lessen the price of the countertop, not everyone are able a granite countertop.
Marble Countertops
Many homeowners are attracted to the luxurious appearance of marble countertops. The distinctive appearance of marble can dramatically increase the value of your house, since it is typically considered a prestigious, sophisticated material. Furthermore marble countertops will be the preferred surface for serious bakers because the cool stone is ideal for pie crusts, pastries, along with other baked goods. Marble countertops may also be available in an enormous range of colors from delicate blushes to vibrant blacks, each uniquely formed naturally.
Marble does have some distinct drawbacks as a countertop material. To begin with, marble is a much softer stone than granite, so that it has a greater tendency to scratch and mar than granite countertops. Additionally, polished marble is vulnerable to etching when acidic liquids are invariably spilled on it. These spots and marks can destroy the finish of your countertop; you can avoid this matter by selecting a honed finish instead of a polished finish, but most homeowners prefer the appearance of polished marble. Finally, marble is a porous, absorbent stone, meaning it tends to stain. While some homeowners just like the patina their marble countertops develop over time, many do consider it a drawback.
Soapstone Countertops
You're likely acquainted with soapstone from your high school chemistry lab; those black tables were made from soapstone. Today soapstone is now popular in kitchen countertops due to its extreme stain resistance. Additionally it is heat resistant and will not etch.
One drawback to soapstone counters is they are only available in a restricted number of dark colors. Soapstone is generally a grayish color in nature, although it is normally oiled to a black finish for commercial and residential use. Soapstone counters may also be vulnerable to scratching. However, soapstone counters can in fact be sanded to remove nicks and mars, so this susceptibility to scratching isn't always seen as a huge shortcoming.
Limestone Countertops
Limestone is a sedimentary rock with qualities similar to marble. Available in a variety of neutrals and whites, limestone countertops have a smooth appearance, unlike granite. Formed from Quartz Worktops Eccleston and the shells of aquatic life, limestone frequently includes small fossils and shells; some homeowners particularly value this unique facet of limestone countertops.
However, like marble, limestone is a soft rock: it will stain and scratch easily and is vunerable to etching. Your limestone counter could be sealed to help prevent staining and etching, but limestone isn't recommended for high use areas such as for example kitchens.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are constructed from an engineered stone made from 93% quartz, pigment, and resin. This stone counter material has many of the same qualities of granite, but without the upkeep issues. Quartz countertops are heat and scratch resistant and will not stain. And, unlike granite, quartz never should be sealed. As a man-made material, quartz counters have a uniform color and pattern. Some homeowners do prefer this consistent turn to the unique areas of natural stone. It also means that in case a segment of your quartz countertop is damaged, the same replacement section can be obtained from the maker without concerns about matching.
Although it might seem that quartz countertops are inherently superior, they do have several drawbacks. The principal issue is that despite a similar cost, engineered quartz counters don't increase the value of your home up to granite countertops do. Home buyers choose the natural material on the man-made counter, so you will want to keep this at heart if you're remodeling your kitchen as an investment. Additionally, although quartz counters are made to mimic the natural look of granite, some individuals believe that quartz lacks the depth and beauty of granite. To be certain which look you prefer, be sure to see samples of both natural and engineered stone. Finally, with quartz your color and pattern options tend to be more limited than with natural stone. There are a large number of colors available, but especially if you're attempting to exactly match your existing color scheme you might choose the limitless rainbow of natural stone.
Corian Countertops
Corian is another type of engineered stone much like quartz. This type of solid surface stone countertop offers the majority of the benefits of granite and quartz and also several unique benefits. Like granite and quartz countertops, Corian countertops are heat, stain, and scratch resistant. Additionally it is nonporous, so it won't need to be sealed. Moreover, Corian gets the added benefit of being certified kosher. Unlike granite, Corian countertops can be totally integrated with Corian backsplashes and sinks to produce a visually seamless surface.
Nonetheless, Corian also does have disadvantages. It really is heat resistant, but and then 212�F. Higher temperatures will damage your counter, so you'll more often than not need to protect your Corian countertop from hot objects. Also, as with quartz, some individuals choose the natural look of granite to the uniform and consistent appearance of Corian. Corian countertops are also only available in limited colors and patterns, which some people dislike.
With these advantages and drawbacks at heart, you're now armed with the info you need to pick the perfect kitchen countertop material for the home. Visit your local stone countertop showroom or installer to see samples and find out about making your imagine beautiful stone countertops possible.
