When thinking about methods to improve the aesthetic and usability of their kitchen, one of the first areas homeowners look at is the countertop. Countertops are used every day for a variety of activities; they must be long-lasting. They are also a very visible aspect of the kitchen, therefore their visual attractiveness is essential.
The material you select for your countertop is important. But which of the numerous materials should you select? When deciding on the type of stone countertops near me to choose, there are several factors to consider.
Natural stone is the greatest material for countertops in general. What makes natural stone the chosen material?
What Exactly Is A Natural Stone Countertop, And Why Should You Get One?
Natural stone refers to a variety of countertops created from natural rock elements. These stones are mined in large blocks, then chopped and polished. They are fully natural and maintain all of the properties of the parent material from which they were cut. What is the benefit of purchasing one of these over, say, a vinyl countertop?
- Outstanding Aesthetics
Natural stone countertops are unparalleled in their natural beauty. Nothing intentionally made can match the colors, patterns, and veins of these materials. Though several man-made materials come close, none quite replicate nature’s abundance of unusual hues and forms. Natural stone, like other natural materials such as oak, is a magnet for the eyes, and people are drawn to it intuitively. Installing a natural stone countertop in your kitchen will instantly change it.
- Rock’s Toughness
When you hear the word “rock,” you think of a substance that is nearly hard to harm. This is what a genuine stone countertop provides. Hot things, coffee, and oil spills, slicing by sharp knives, bangs by metal pots, and abrasion from dragging items over their surface all put a strain on countertops. You don’t have to be concerned about any of these when purchasing a natural stone countertop.
- The Uniqueness Of Each Item
No two natural stone slabs are alike, therefore no two natural stone countertops can be equal. Natural stone counters, for example, give an appearance that is significantly different from the mass-produced look of vinyl. Each natural stone countertop has its fingerprint, much like each tree has a particular structure of trunk and branches. When you install a natural stone countertop in your kitchen, you will be the only one with that design.
- Stone’s Lasting Value
A natural stone countertop increases the value of a property as soon as it is placed due to its beauty and durability. Not only that, but the natural stone countertop’s worth improves with each passing year, making your property even more desirable over time. This is because, unlike man-made materials, which lose value over time due to depreciation, natural stone increases in value as it ages.
- Natural Stone’s Versatility And Flexibility
Each natural stone countertop is custom-made. The stone fabricator will cut it to fit the shape of your kitchen island or any other surface where you wish to place it. This adds to the countertop’s uniqueness. A natural stone countertop can also be used in any kitchen design. Regardless of your kitchen’s design or taste, you will discover a natural stone countertop that is ideal for you.
Natural Stone Countertop Types
Natural stone countertops are typically made from four different varieties of natural stone.
- Granite Worktops
This is the most often used natural stone countertop. Its hardness is its key feature; it is the most enduring natural stone countertop material. Granite should be sealed to keep moisture out.
- Countertops In Marble
Marble has a glass-like gloss and a bright white look, making it quite appealing in the kitchen. Each marble slab has its veining and etching. Marble countertops are extremely heat resistant.
- Quartzite Surfaces
Quartzite – not to be confused with quartz – is a natural metamorphic rock formed deep inside the ground by extreme heat and pressure. The final countertop has various colors, is entirely heat-resistant, and has a veined look similar to marble.
- Countertops Made Of Soapstone
Soapstone mixes granite’s dark tones with marble’s light veining. Its black look, which darkens with age, makes it great for generating contrast in kitchens with brightly colored cabinets.
When it comes to countertops, The Stone Collection recommends speaking with your local countertop store stone specialists, browsing the options, and asking as many questions as you can!