Stone Countertops –Introduction
When it comes to designing your kitchen and bathroom, one of the most important elements are your countertops. Countertops can at times take some abuse; in the kitchen they contend with hot pans, chopping knives, and spilled liquids. In the bathroom, they are the resting place for hot curling irons, hair dryers, spilled make-up and much more.
Countertops are functional, but they also offer an aesthetic value to every space. They provide the perfect opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen and bath. They may be your focal point. Another design opportunity includes your backsplash which can compliment, enhance the look or fade into the background of your space. There is a vast array of materials available today for countertops and no one material is suited for all surfaces. This is especially true from a design perspective.
Quartz, Granite, Quartzite and Stone Slab Countertops:
Nothing makes more of a statement than a beautiful natural stone or quartz countertop. Known for their durability and longevity, natural stone & quartz countertops come in an abundance of colors and stone types. Granite & Quartz are top choices for a high-traffic kitchen countertop since they are one of the strongest and durable surfaces available.
Granite - Granite is a popular choice for high use areas, such as kitchen countertops, because it is extremely dense and durable. It comes in a wide range of colors and price points. It is quarried all around the world and has almost limitless design and installation uses. From garages to kitchens and baths, it is a popular choice around the home. As a natural product, no one slab will be exactly like the others and will showcase the beauty of nature in its unique styling.
Quartz – Natural quartz surfaces are becoming increasingly popular and combine the qualities of durability and consistent coloration into one cutting edge product. Quartz, is a surface highly resistant to stains and scratches, and has a low level of fluid absorption. Quartz Countertops come in many colors and textures, which make it extremely versatile for use in a great many applications in the kitchen and bathroom. One of the benefits of quartz is its consistency in color range from slab to slab because it is a man-made product.
Quartzite - Harder than granite with the look of exotic marble, natural quartzite countertops are a gorgeous choice. Its strength will ensure will ensure a long life, free of scratches and chipping. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes that will compliment any architectural style.
Soapstone - An exception to most natural materials because it is non-porous. It will not stain or etch and you can put hot things directly on it (unlike quartz). However, the minerals of it are mainly talc based, so way softer than quartz, so… it can scratch. It will patina with time. Good option for a more organic look in your space than quartz, but a more updated aesthetic than granite.
Other Natural Stones – Some other popular stone slab options for countertops are marble, travertine, onyx, and limestone. These all vary in their hardness ratings, but as natural products they will all have unique veining and styling, and no two slabs will be alike. Paper stone is a man-made product and our past experience was it scratches like crazy, so people refuse to install it. Research this product thoroughly from those manufacturers specializing in it before making this your choice.
Combining different materials in creative applications always makes for a show stopper space!