A countertop is the powerhouse of your kitchen. It is the area where visual and aesthetic appeal is a must and for that you need the best countertop material. Choosing the perfect countertop material is not an easy task because you have to look at many factors such as durability, porous or non-porous factor, style and design, scratch, heat, and spill resistance, and cost. When it comes to kitchen countertops then natural stones are the best. You may already know about granite countertops, but there are more natural stone countertop materials too. Let’s explore the top natural stones and slabs for your kitchen countertops.
Granite
When it comes to natural stone countertops then granite tops the list. It has been used since years and initially only the riches could afford granite. But now as demand and supply has increased, the prices have declined, but it is still the number one option by homeowners and designers due to its beauty and advantages.
Granite is formed inside the earth’s crust and is an igneous rock. It is made through pressure and extreme high temperature and is mixed with a bit of quartz and feldspar. The mixing gives the granite its sparkling look. It is available in many colors, mostly deep and dark.
Granite is durable, is abundant in nature, heat resistant and scratch resistant so you can easily place your hot pots and pans. The only problem is that it is porous in nature so needs to be sealed immediately after installation. A sealant should be applied every year to increase the durability of granite.
Marble
Another natural stone with extreme beauty and texture. The best part about marble is that it is created in the earth’s crust and is mixed with many impurities which gives delicate and beautiful veins to the stone.
Marble is very much durable and heat resistant and a popular choice of homeowners doing a kitchen remodel. It is porous material and also not stain and scratch resistant so you will need to get it sealed regularly to protect it and avoid staining and scratches.
Quartzite
Another naturally occurring stone which is formed in the same pressure and heat as granite but with quartz, impurities and cement which gives it sparkling flecks as well as veins. It is more durable than granite, less popular because it is more expensive.
It is a best option because it is resilient to chipping, stains and cracks and more heat resistant than marble. It is a relatively low maintenance countertop because you will just need a washcloth and soapy water to wipe clean the surface. However, it should also be sealed on an annual basis.
Dolomite
This is also a natural stone used for countertops. It is not commonly used by homeowners but is slowly making its place in the market. It is not formed due to pressure and heat but is a stationary rock which is naturally formed when limestones chemically react with magnesium rich water underground.
It resembles the veins of marble but is less versatile and comes in less color options. The colors available are usually white, off white and grey. It is not as hard as granite or quartzite but harder than marble and is also less expensive than marble. Nevertheless, it is fairly chip and scratch resistant and also stain resistant. Dolomite is widely available in the market and like the others also require sealants on a regular basis.
Soapstone
This is also a widely preferred option by homeowners and designers due to its design and veining texture. It is mostly available in light colors and neutral undertones. If the soapstone is treated with mineral oil then it becomes a dense charcoal dark grey color. It is low maintenance as it is non porous in nature so you can easily wipe clean the spills or food debris. It is not scratch or chip resistant so you will need to apply sealants yearly. If in case of chips or scratches then you can just sand it out.
It is your kitchen and you need to decide the perfect option for you looking at the affordability, durability and maintenance. Moreover, for high quality natural stone materials, go to reputable granite companies Rockville.
