Stone Options in Countertops
The look is rich, the feel is luxurious and also the material is sturdy. Such is the definition of natural stone countertop. Whether or not it comes in the form of a slab or produced as individual tiles each bit of the natural stone is distinctive unto itself.
Always take time and care to choose the one that will work best for your requirements. Most are practically maintenance free and a few require a bit of tender loving care to look their best such as regular staining or oiling. Natural stone countertops come in a range of finishes with the most common being polished, high gloss, honed or matte. Below are some of the variables of living stone countertops.
Granite is considered the most durable of the natural stone countertops. The only harder stone is the diamond. It'll not scratch, crack or chip and can withstand heat. It could though break dishes or glasses if set down too hard. Granite is available in rich colors and a polish that won't wear off. Since granite is porous you'll need reseal it about once a year.
Soapstone, which is mainly made up of the mineral talc is well-known in both modern or country style kitchens. The nature of soapstone means acids won't etch the stone and also the stains may be easily sanded out. Homeowners tend to such as the not so perfect soapstone and view it as character instead of imperfections. Mineral oil brings out its rich, dark color and makes it shine.
The sleek and stylish marble countertop is timeless. Usually found in the baker's kitchen, it is the serious bakers' option for rolling dough. Marble is more porous than granite so it requires sealant to be applied more frequently to prevent stains. Because it is not nearly as hard as some other stone countertops, it's best to be used in little sections rather than the primary countertop.
Beautiful slate is available in tones of gray, green, purple and black. It is definitely not just for roofs or floors anymore. Slate is definitely becoming a popular choice in the kitchen. Its beauty and strength make it a durable and stylish option. Just like soapstone, regular treatment with mineral oil will enhance the elegance of this material. Any scratches can typically be removed by rubbing with a damp sponge. Deeper scratches can be buffed out by using steel wool.
Limestone consists primarily of calcite, a neutral-toned mineral. Limestone varies in hardness but is a more porous stone that stains easily. It needs regular resealing to avoid stains.
Quartz is an interesting stone countertop. Though often known as engineered stone, this material is composed of natural quartz mixed with epoxy resin binders. Quartz is an really hard and durable surface. It is nonabsorbent that makes it more user friendly and stain resistant. It's basically maintenance free with just a simple wipe off with warm water. Different pigments are mixed in the creating of the quartz surfacing and because of this there are beautiful colours to choose from.
Lava stone is a more uncommon countertop material that is often marketed under the French brand name Pyrolave. Lava stone is quarried in France then enameled and fired. It's a really high gloss finish and colours may be customized.
Always take time and care to choose the one that will work best for your requirements. Most are practically maintenance free and a few require a bit of tender loving care to look their best such as regular staining or oiling. Natural stone countertops come in a range of finishes with the most common being polished, high gloss, honed or matte. Below are some of the variables of living stone countertops.
Granite is considered the most durable of the natural stone countertops. The only harder stone is the diamond. It'll not scratch, crack or chip and can withstand heat. It could though break dishes or glasses if set down too hard. Granite is available in rich colors and a polish that won't wear off. Since granite is porous you'll need reseal it about once a year.
Soapstone, which is mainly made up of the mineral talc is well-known in both modern or country style kitchens. The nature of soapstone means acids won't etch the stone and also the stains may be easily sanded out. Homeowners tend to such as the not so perfect soapstone and view it as character instead of imperfections. Mineral oil brings out its rich, dark color and makes it shine.
The sleek and stylish marble countertop is timeless. Usually found in the baker's kitchen, it is the serious bakers' option for rolling dough. Marble is more porous than granite so it requires sealant to be applied more frequently to prevent stains. Because it is not nearly as hard as some other stone countertops, it's best to be used in little sections rather than the primary countertop.
Beautiful slate is available in tones of gray, green, purple and black. It is definitely not just for roofs or floors anymore. Slate is definitely becoming a popular choice in the kitchen. Its beauty and strength make it a durable and stylish option. Just like soapstone, regular treatment with mineral oil will enhance the elegance of this material. Any scratches can typically be removed by rubbing with a damp sponge. Deeper scratches can be buffed out by using steel wool.
Limestone consists primarily of calcite, a neutral-toned mineral. Limestone varies in hardness but is a more porous stone that stains easily. It needs regular resealing to avoid stains.
Quartz is an interesting stone countertop. Though often known as engineered stone, this material is composed of natural quartz mixed with epoxy resin binders. Quartz is an really hard and durable surface. It is nonabsorbent that makes it more user friendly and stain resistant. It's basically maintenance free with just a simple wipe off with warm water. Different pigments are mixed in the creating of the quartz surfacing and because of this there are beautiful colours to choose from.
Lava stone is a more uncommon countertop material that is often marketed under the French brand name Pyrolave. Lava stone is quarried in France then enameled and fired. It's a really high gloss finish and colours may be customized.
About the Author:
If you want more information on granite worktop, don't read just rehashed articles online to avoid getting ripped off. Go here: Granite worktop