Stone Options in Countertops
The look is rich, the feel is luxurious and the material is durable. That's the definition of the natural stone countertop. Whether it's a slab or individual tiles, each piece of natural stone is unique in itself.
Always take the time and care to choose the one that will work best for your needs. Most require virtually no maintenance and some require a little tender attention to look as good as regular tasks or oiling. Natural stone countertops come in a variety of finishes. The most common are polished, polished, polished or matte. You will find below some of the variables of the stone counters.
Granite is the most durable natural stone countertop. The only hardest stone is the diamond. It will not scratch, will not crack, will not be chipped and can withstand the heat It can break dishes or glasses if it is too hard. Granite is available in rich colors and a varnish that does not wear out. Since granite is porous, you have to close it about once a year.
Soapstone, composed mainly of mineral talc, is popular in modern or country kitchens. The nature of soapstone means that the acids will not bite the stone and that the stains can be easily sanded. Homeowners tend to like less perfect steatite and consider it a character rather than a defect. Mineral oil brings out its rich, dark color and makes it shine.
The sleek and elegant marble countertop is timeless. Usually found in the baker's kitchen, it's the serious baker's choice to roll the dough. Marble being more porous than granite, it is necessary to apply the sealer more often to avoid stains. Since it is not as hard as other stone countertops, it is best to use small sections rather than the main counter.
Beautiful slate is available in shades of gray, green, purple and black. This is certainly not fair for roofs or floors. Slate is becoming a popular choice in the kitchen. Its beauty and strength make it a durable and elegant option. As with steatite, regular treatment with mineral oil will bring out the beauty of this material. Scratches can usually be removed by rubbing with a damp sponge. Deeper stripes can be polished using steel wool.
Limestone consists mainly of calcite, a neutral mineral. The hardness of the limestone varies, but it is a more porous stone that is easily stained. It must be redone regularly to avoid stains.
Quartz is an interesting stone counter. Although often referred to as reconstituted stone, this material is composed of natural quartz mixed with epoxy resin binders. Quartz is an incredibly hard and durable surface. It is a non-absorbent material that makes it more user friendly and stain resistant. Basically, it does not require any maintenance with just a simple test shot with hot water. Different pigments are mixed during the manufacture of the quartz coating, which allows to choose from beautiful colors.
