Natural Stone Countertops A Comprehensive Guide

Natural Stone Countertops

The kitchen is usually called the heart of a household. It is intuitive to say that the countertop forms an integral part of the kitchen, both in functionality and decor. When choosing the right countertop, one can be bombarded with a hoard of questions. These can relate to the material, finish, colour, pattern, texture etc. The answers depend on your preferences and your budget after getting some insight into the contents.

Natural Stone Countertops are a favoured choice among homeowners and home decorators alike. It has been a common misconception that they are a thing only for the wealthy, something which is being challenged every passing day with their increased usage in households with varied budgets.

Best Natural Stone for Your Kitchen Countertop?

There are several types of natural stones that you will find out which your kitchen countertop can be crafted. Some natural stone countertop types are more commonly used than the others, while some have the edge over its counterparts in terms of versatility or durability. It is not unnatural if you are feeling overwhelmed by all these options out there. We have prepared this guide to give the advantages and disadvantages of all the materials. You can then decide for yourself what you think is the best natural stone for your kitchen countertop.

Marble

Marble is a naturally found crystal that metamorphoses under excessive pressure and heat. It is an elegant stone that is famous for its sweeping lines, vibrant hues and shiny polish. The grace and sophistication of marble are unmatched.

• Pros- Gorgeous to look at, luxurious, ubiquitous, increase home value, long-lasting.
• Cons- Pricey, very heavy, easily stained, soft and delicate, prone to degradation

Granite

One of the most common natural stone, granite is an igneous rock found abundantly throughout the surface of the earth. It is robust, hard, and durable, making it ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms, floors, walls etc.

• Pros- Timeless Unmatchable appearance, variety of shades, hard, scratch-resistant, takes wear and tear well, heat resistant, stain-proof.
• Cons- Might need sealing, porous, unhygienic when unsealed, costly.

Soapstone

A darker version of talc, soapstone, is a softer stone as compared to its counterparts. It is ideal for giving a rustic or old fashioned look to any setting.

• Pros- Attractive and unique appearance, non-porous, does not stain, easy to clean, durable, resistant to cracks, heat resistant, recyclable.
• Cons- Not smooth, it can get damaged due to the dropping of cookware, limited shade choices, and darkens on ageing, costly installation.

Porcelain

Porcelain is made from non-porous clay consisting of silica and kaolinite, baked at high temperatures. This process makes it durable along with heat and scratch-resistant too.

• Pros- Durable, scratch-proof, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, UV rays-resistant, low maintenance, no need for regular sealing.
• Cons- Surface deep patterns, thin, need to be imported from the US or Europe, better alternatives available.

Limestone

Limestone comprises of calcium deposits and is a commonly found sedimentary stone. It is a less common choice in terms of Natural Stone Countertops and is mainly used in architecture. 

• Pros- Adds value to your home, graceful appearance, durable.
• Cons- Scratches and gets discoloured easily.

Slate

Slate is a metamorphic rock that is comprised of shale and clay. It is dense and known for its smooth finish.

• Pros- Beautiful uniform appearance, non-porous, easy to clean, hard, affordable.
• Cons- Brittle, sharp corners, subdued dark colours.

Travertine

Travertine is just another type of limestone found in mellower shades of white, cream and tan. Mainly found in Italy, it is processed by precipitating calcium carbonate in the presence of limestone.

• Pros- Elegant with a velvety texture, durable, can endure staining, survive extreme temperatures, range of choices in terms of designs, easy to cut.
• Cons- Reactive to acids, requires unique products for upkeep, needs polishing and sealing.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a naturally hard, durable and heat-resistant material formed on subjecting quartz and sandstone to intense heat and pressure. It is harder than quartz.

• Pros- Durable, has a marble-like appearance, easy to maintain, resistant to UV rays.
• Cons- It can get scratched easily by sharp objects, not much resistant to heat, and might need sealing and limited colour choices.

How Much Do Natural Stone Countertops Cost?

The exact prices of the natural stone countertop can vary depending on the area and zip code of your residence. Consult a professional that can give you a proper per foot estimate, depending on your kitchen area and the requirement of the material.

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