WE WORK WITH EXCEPTIONAL MATERIALS
MARBLE
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Marble is a type of natural stone that’s created when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure. The same soft glow and light veining that attracts artists, also appeals to interior designers, causing them to order massive quantities of marble countertops.Â
If you’re thinking that marble countertops are the height of luxury and therefore will be out of your budget, you’re not alone. Lots of people have the same misconception. The truth is that of your six natural stone countertop options, marble is one of the most affordable. The main reason for this is that marble is a great deal softer than the other natural stones. Softer stone means it’s easier to cut and shape which significantly lowers your purchase price. Improved extraction and shipping have further lowered the cost, making this natural stone countertop option budget-friendly.
While all-natural stone countertops look amazing, there’s something just a little extra special about marble. It has a soft glow that adds a touch of warmth and class to any room it’s installed in.
GRANITE
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Granite countertops are one of the most popular natural stone countertops. There are many reasons so many homeowners turn to them. Granite is one of the strongest of the natural stones that are used for countertops, making it a great choice in kitchens where the countertops get a great deal of abuse. If you’re an enthusiastic cook, are someone who piles a lot of heavy items on your counters, or who simply worries about chips and scratches, you can’t go wrong with granite. Just don’t slam heavy items against the corners of the granite, since a strong, sharp blow can crack the countertop.
Most people love granite countertops, making them a great choice if you have any intention of selling your home in the future. Many buyers will use granite countertops as the deciding factor while choosing between two compelling homes.
Granite countertops are wonderful, but there are drawbacks. The biggest headache connected to granite countertops is keeping them sealed. Granite is strong, but it’s also porous. Unsealed, the pores provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Failing to keep the countertops sealed also leaves them susceptible to stains. Sealing the countertops isn’t difficult, but it’s something you need to remember to do once or twice a year.
QUARTZ
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Quartz is by far one of the best stone slabs for kitchen countertops, and it is also the most popular. Quartz is an engineered stone surface that is comprised of loose quartz particles that are bound together with resin.
In addition, quartz countertops are known for their beautiful appearance. Because it is an engineered stone surface, there are virtually limitless options regarding the colors and patterns available. You can even design a quartz surface to mimic the appearance of other types of stone, such as marble.
The one downside to quartz countertops is that they are more susceptible to heat damage than natural stone options. Quartz is less heat resistant because the resin used as a binding agent can melt at high temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to use a trivet when placing a hot pan on your countertop surface.
QUARTZITE
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Quartzite countertops are primarily made out of quartz, which is created when just the right amount of heat, pressure, and natural chemicals come together. Impurities such as iron, alter the stone’s natural white or gray color. While not as well known as granite or marble, quartzite countertops are starting to gain popularity among interior decorators and are showing up in more new and remodeled homes.
Quartzite resists UV damage, making quartzite a fantastic choice for kitchens that get a great deal of sun exposure. Despite the constant exposure to the sunlight, in twenty years the quartzite will look just as good as it did the day it was installed. Like granite, quartzite is incredibly strong and heat-resistant.
The biggest reason many people turn away from quartzite is the cost. The stone is incredibly strong, too strong for most cutting tools. Shaping it into a countertop requires the use of diamond cutting tools which are expensive. The entire cutting process is time-consuming and can only be done by a skilled professional. The expense of cutting and shaping the quartzite significantly drives the price up. The good news is that quartzite is so lovely, most homeowners feel that the expense is justified.
LIMESTONE
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One of the great things about limestone is that it’s affordable enough that you can use if for both your countertops and flooring, which creates a lovely consistency in both kitchens and bathrooms. The stone looks particularly appealing when incorporated into homes that have been decorated with a Tuscan or Southwestern vibe. The strongest limestone countertops come from limestone that was quarried in France.Limestone countertops are durable to withstand a lifetime of banging from pots and pans, yet it’s surprisingly sensitive to scratches and cuts, something you’ll quickly discover if you ever drop a knife on your countertop. Since limestone reacts badly to acids, you have to be diligent about the type of cleansers you use. You should never use vinegar or lemon juice while cleaning your limestone countertops.
SOAPSTONE
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One of the great things about soapstone is that it is less likely to crack than other stone countertops. Soapstone is soft and easily cut, which makes it affordable. It’s heat-resistant and very attractive. At this point it’s also not commonly found in many homes, making it a great choice if you’re seeking a unique look.
The biggest disadvantage of soapstone countertops is that soapstone simply isn’t as durable as the other natural stones. If treated kindly it will provide you with several decades of use, but it won’t last as long if heavy items are constantly getting dropped on it. The stone doesn’t crack, but it will dent. It can also be difficult to match two different soapstone countertops. There is also a limited number of color options when you select soapstone for your countertops.
PORCELAIN
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While porcelain countertops are only recently gaining popularity in the US, they have been used in Europe for several years now.
Porcelain is a man-made product created from a clay called ‘China clay’ and it is a combo of a mineral called Kaolinite, along with Silica, Feldspar, and other minerals that work together to create the strength and durability of porcelain.
One of the major drawbacks to glazed porcelain is that the pattern or color is only printed on the surface and does not go through the entire body of the slab or tile. This means that the interior color may be a different color which becomes a problem if the surface is chipped.
Once installed, however, porcelain is extremely hard and durable. Cracking is only a big issue during the handling, moving, and cutting of very large slabs because of its thinness.