Renovating your kitchen comes with a lot of decision makings, from appliances to the choices of material to use, the decisions are endless. Perhaps one such complex decision is picking your countertop material.
Natural stones are probably the best choice for your kitchen counters. There are many types of natural stones you can choose for your countertop. From granite, marble to quartz, there are enough stones for you to make a choice.
What is your dream kitchen? Do you wish for a sophisticated look? How modern do you want your kitchen? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before making a choice.
Study the stones before making a final decision. Check if it is durable, easy to maintain and if it is within your budget estimate. With the information you gather, you should make the right decision. The following are detailed explanations of some natural stones that should make it easy for you to make a choice.
- Granite
Granite is one of the best materials you can choose for your kitchen countertop. Its numerous advantages have made it one of the most used natural stones in the market today. It is an attractive material that will add value to your kitchen and home as a whole. Granite goes for between $40 and $60 per square foot. If you are budgeting for both the material and installation, it will cost you between $2,000 and $4,500. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of granite that should aid you in making a choice.
Pros
- More than enough colors available. You guaranteed to get something you like.
- Very durable, can stand the test of time.
- Heat Resistant.
Cons
- To prevent it from staining, make sure you seal it.
- No two slabs are alike, meaning you can never achieve a uniform look.
- It can easily break when subjected to high impact knocks.
- Marble
Are you in search of a uniquely elegant look for your kitchen? Then marble should be the material for your countertop. Natural stones could be the favorite material for many home-owners out there, but specifically, marble; its various colors and unique veining make for such an exceptional view. The information that follows presents you with all you need to know about this natural stone.
Pros
- It increases the value of your kitchen and home as a whole.
- Very durable if well-maintained.
- A unique material, no view can be the same as the other.
Cons
- It easily stains. You will have to have it sealed to increase its stain resistance.
- It degrades over time.
- It cracks and scratches easily.
- Quartz
Seen as a viable alternative to Marble, Quartz is one of the most reliable natural stones out there. Quartz is mainly compared to Marble because it also possesses veining patterns, but it is a far more impressive stone. The following information should aid you in picking quartz as the material for your kitchen countertop during your home renovation.
Pros
- A hard stone, making it very durable.
- It is resistant to both scratching and staining.
- It is easy to install.
- It is easy to maintain.
- There are a lot of colors to choose from; you cannot miss a look you would prefer.
- Adds value to your kitchen and home.
- Eco-friendly
- Heat- resistant.
Cons
- Perhaps the only limitation could be its cost, although if you purchase one, its effectiveness will surpass your expectations.
- Soapstone
A gorgeous natural stone, soapstone can be the perfect choice for your kitchen countertop. Using soapstone countertops when renovating will make for such a stylish kitchen. The following are the pros and cons of soapstone.
Pros
- It is a unique material, with no two stones alike.
- It does not stain easily.
- It does not harbor bacteria.
- It is easy to maintain.
- It is a very durable stone.
- It is heat-resistant.
- Resistant to scratching or chipping.
Cons
- It must be regularly treated with mineral oil to prevent it from darkening unevenly.
- It is costly to install.
- The impact from a dropping glass or cookware could cause it damages.
- Not so many color choices are available.
- Limestone
Despite the many options when it comes to natural stones, Limestone makes for quite the view. Its natural beauty is unmatchable by any other natural stone. It adds a feeling of life and warmth to your kitchen while still increasing the value of your home. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of a limestone countertop.
Pros
- It has an elegant look; perhaps it could be considered as the most beautiful natural stone.
- It is very durable if you properly take care of it.
- It is easy to install.
Cons
- It can experience significant damages if exposed to acidic liquids.
- It Scratches easily.
- Extreme heat could damage it.
Final Thought
The information above gives you a detailed description of some of the best natural stones out there. It should make it easy to make a decision. Study the information to make sure you cover all the possible attributes of a stone before making a choice.