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Kitchen Countertops > Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone countertops are a beautiful choice for any sexy kitchen and will add great value to your home. They are durable, long lasting and available in many styles to bring luxury and luscious appeal to your kitchen. There are several stones used in countertop construction and each one has unique characteristics. We have done the research for you so that you can easily make informed decisions about which natural stone will make your ideal kitchen countertop! We will discuss marble, limestone, slate, soapstone, enameled lava stone, quartz surfaces and engineered stone and of course the most popular of all, the mighty granite!
Be sure to find the natural stone that will satisfy your kitchens needs. If you have trouble making a decision, write down your pro's and con's for each product, keep your budget in mind and think about which one would best make your kitchen space the sexiest. Good luck and have fun!
All New!! Easily Heat your Stone Countertops
Marble Countertops
Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks, being either limestone or dolostone. It is quarried from various regions around the world and is synonymous with ancient times and the great halls, statues and tombs of the Greeks and Romans. It is a porous stone and absorbs moisture quite easily. It can be shaped, sculpted and polished. The marble that is used in kitchens has been quarried from deep in the earth and then cut with a diamond saw. No two sections are ever alike and marble can be very difficult to match.
Cost
Marble or any other natural stone product is not cheap. Depending on quality and grade, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$250 per sq ft installed.
Color/Design
Marble is never appears the same from piece to piece. It can be difficult to find any matching slabs for extensive use. This is not a product for those who want uniformity. The uniqueness, luster, texture and smoothness of marble are what make it such a desirable product.
Be sure to go and find the pieces that work best for you and your needs. Do not buy any marble product unseen.
Durability
Marble is very porous and requires discipline in ensuring its quality. Regular treatment with a stone sealer is necessary as marble can stain and scratch very easily. It is best used in kitchens owned by responsible and careful individuals!! These counters are also well suited for kitchens where a cold smooth surface is required. Pastry chefs and bakeries rely heavily on marble countertops for rolling pastry and baking.
Construction/Installation
We recommend installation by professionals only as marble can be damaged or broken if installed poorly. Visit a sanctioned installer to get the best results. Most marble suppliers will have installers available for you and inquire about their portfolio. Ensure that they do quality work.
Environment/Health
Marble is not particularly a green product as it needs to be mined from the earth and is seldom recycled. Energy costs due to transport also make this product an environmental concern. If you are going to use marble, be sure to get it from a supplier within 500 miles to reduce its energy impact.
Who are we kidding, the cool touch of marble can do wonders for anyone looking to send chills up the spine of your guests... but you had better have deep pockets because repairs are costly and inevitable.
The Martini factor
Not a great choice. Although marble is softer than other natural stones it will still wreak havoc on your glassware and any spills need to be cleaned immediately to prevent permanent staining. Make sure you are sealing your countertop regularly to alleviate any annoying stain you won't be able to remove!
Limestone Countertops
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of mostly calcite. Like marble, limestone is also very soft. Limestone has an exclusive, natural look. If considering limestone, also consider Jerusalem stone as it is more durable than other quarried rocks like marble and limestone.
Cost
Limestone is similar to marble in price range. Depending on quality and grade, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$250 per sq ft installed.
Colors/Design
Limestone has a very natural appearance. Generally limestone is available in earth hues of brown, beige, yellow, gray, and black. Color may vary depending on its origins so be sure to see several stones before making any decisions.
Durability
Limestone is very soft and porous. It will retain moisture easily and can stain irreparably. Limestone can also scratch easily and is not particularly recommended for high traffic areas. Check out Jerusalem stone if you are insistent on using this variety of natural stone in your home.
Construction/Installation
We recommend installation by professionals only as limestone can be damaged or broken easily if installed poorly. Visit a sanctioned installer to get the best results. Most suppliers will have installers available for you and inquire about their portfolio to ensure quality work.
Environment/ Health
Limestone is not particularly a green product as it needs to be mined from the earth and is seldom recycled. If you are going to use any natural stone, be sure to get it from a supplier within 500 miles to reduce its transportation impact on the environment. This won't apply to Jerusalem Stone as this stone comes from the Middle East.
Limestone's naturally luscious looking hues make it a very sexy product! "High maintenance" these countertops will be but they are beautiful and in that case taking good care of should be easy!
The Martini Factor
Glassware rings, wine stains and its general porousness do not make limestone a great choice for a kitchen where entertaining is a constant!
Slate Countertops
Slate is a unique product for countertops. For years it was thought of only as a flooring option. It is beautiful and sexy and can lend some great appeal to any kitchen space. Slate is derived from clay drawn from ancient sea beds. Slate can be polished or matte textured.
Cost
Slate is less expensive than other natural stone countertops where prices start around $25 - $50 sq ft uninstalled and can be as high as $100 sq ft.
Color/Design
Slate is usually available in only palettes of gray's, black, maroon, rusts, or green. If polished it can look very sleek, creating a very refined look. When left unpolished slate will present a very rustic appearance.
Durability
Slate can tend to chip and break, especially around its edges. It can be brittle and scratches easily but is relatively durable when treated with care. It is quite heat resistant and does not stain easily. Slate is not particularly porous so it does not necessarily need sealant. Use a mineral oil periodically to bring out a nice glow in the stone.
Installation
We recommend installation by professionals only as Slate can be Brittle and chip easily. Visit a sanctioned installer to get the best results. Ensure they are well known for quality work. Examine a portfolio.
Environment/Health
Slate is not as harmful as other quarried stones in that it is mined from the surface. Try to use local suppliers and fair trade merchants to ensure best environmental practices.
Slate is by nature a very sexy stone. Its industrial coloring can lend well too many design styles. Treat it well and your kitchen will thank you for years to come!
The Martini Factor
Slate, like all stones, can destroy glassware by merely placing it down too hard. It will repel stains better than others but requires diligence in keeping it safe long term. Avoid dropping anything hard on the surface as it can easily damage and chip the stone.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a smooth soft stone that is made up primarily of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite & talc. Soapstone is quite old in fact 300 to 400 million years old! It can be brittle, very soft to the touch and have a "soapy" texture to it hence its name. The texture is derived from the talc in the stone. Soapstone is inert and is highly resistant to alkalis and acids. It is extremely durable and can lend a beautiful touch to your new kitchen. It is used widely in wash basins, sinks, laboratories, countertops and is easily shaped with stone cutting tools.
Cost
Like all natural stone soapstone is also quite expensive as a countertop is usually over $75 sq ft and can reach as high as $100 sq ft depending on thickness and prefabricated inlaid design.
Color/Design
Soapstone is generally dark gray in color. Left untreated it will take on a natural patina and develop a rich, dark hue over time.
It can come in varying thickness' from ¾" to 2 ¾" slabs. It is easily shaped to any design you are looking for and can have drain boards installed. It can be used or designed for fireplaces, sinks, basins, wood burning forno ovens and quite often in masonry because of its ability to retain heat.
Durability
Soapstone is extremely durable and heat resistant. Since soapstone is inert, it does not retain stains as easily as other stone countertops. Soapstone is very soft though and will scratch. Scratches are easily removed with another coat of mineral oil and deeper cuts can be sanded away! With a regular treatment of mineral oil or a sealer, your soapstone countertop can live a long life; a classic countertop that will hold up to the test of time. Soapstone is great for a bustling kitchen.
Construction/Installation
We recommend that the installation of a soapstone countertop be done by professionals only. Visit a sanctioned installer to get the best results. Ensure that these people are professional by reviewing their portfolio. Most suppliers will suggest some reputable installers to you. Manufacturers can work with your designs to custom make any soapstone countertop you desire. If you are handy, soapstone can be installed by the do it yourselfer. Because it is easily shaped with stone cutting tools, it is possible to install on your own. Be sure to visit www.soapstones.com for detailed instructions.
Environment/Health
Soapstone is not as harmful as other quarried stones in that it is mined from the surface. Try to use local suppliers and fair trade merchants to ensure best environmental practices.
Since soapstone is non-porous it is an excellent hygienic material for the kitchen and very easy to clean with simple soap and water.
Soapstone's dark, rich color and ability to be extremely versatile when used in design, sets this product apart from the rest. A soapstone countertop can definitely bring a lot of sexiness to your kitchen space. Soapstone is not for everyone, but who wants to be like everyone anyways?
The Martini Factor
Soapstone will not be affected by wine stains or juice stains as easily as other stones. Spills are easily cleaned and with proper care, your soapstone countertop can last for many cocktail parties to come.
Enameled Lava Stone Countertops
Enameled lava stone is a highly luxurious product extracted from volcanic lava stone and glazed with enamel. This product is fired in a kiln at 1300 degrees to create a beautiful, smooth crackled finish. It is a relatively new product to market and is quite durable; it is highly resistant to stains and scratching.
Cost
Enameled lava stone is mostly produced in France by a limited amount of suppliers and due to the lack of manufacturers involved in glazing this stone, it is a very expensive product, well over $200 installed. If you can afford it, consider this option because it can be opulent.
Color/ Design
As this stone is enameled, it can be available in a range of colors. Some draw backs are its glossy finish. If you are not looking for that shiny, glossy look, enameled lava stone is available in matte finishes however they are limited. Because it can look very similar to glass, it will reflect light beautifully over large surface areas. Many wash basins, bathroom countertops and sinks are being designed from an enameled lava stone perspective.
Durability
Enameled lava stone is a highly durable and low maintenance product. It is extremely stain and heat resistant and does not require a sealant. It has also been known to be used in outdoor areas because of its resistance to extremely cold temperatures. Its glossy finish can lead to some scratching on the surface, but, with proper use of cutting boards and some diligence on your part, you can enjoy enameled lava stone for a life time.
Construction/Installation
We always recommend that installation be done by professionals especially when working with stone. This particular product is pre-fabricated and shipped pre-cut by a laser saw. Manufacturers can work with your personal kitchen designs to custom make any enameled lava stone countertop you desire. Visit a sanctioned installer to get the best results. One of the primary manufacturers of enameled lava stone is www.pyrolave.com visit their site if you are interested in learning more about this fantastic product.
Environment/Health
Enameled Lava stone is obviously created using enamels and therefore does have an impact on the environment due to waste by products. It is not particularly recyclable, but pre-fabricated pieces or designs can be re-used in other homes or kitchens if you have a good salvage source and are not restricted by color.
Since this product is enameled it becomes a wonderfully hygienic material for the kitchen.
Ooh La La! Magnifique! Tres Belles!! This product is sexy to look at, wicked to the touch and a beauty to use in any sexy room. It works great as a bar top, sink, bathroom countertop and of course as a kitchen countertop. Since it resembles glass with its glossy finish, it reflects light beautifully naturally bringing your kitchen to life! If you can afford it, do it!!
The Martini Factor
Outstanding!! Enameled lava stone is very durable, shiny and stain repellant, you can use it as a bar surface, throw a cocktail party without silly napkins and place hot hors d'Ouevres or ice sculptures on it with little to no protection! Wow!
Engineered Stone & Quartz Countertops
Engineered stone countertops are quickly becoming a popular choice for today's kitchen designers as a durable, design-friendly option when remodeling kitchen countertops. Engineered stone is manufactured using stone aggregate and combining that with resin and color pigment to create a great almost natural looking stone countertop. Made up of 93% quartz, engineered stone is a very hard surface and extremely durable.
Cost
Engineered stone is comparable in price to real granite or natural stone countertops. Starting at $50+ a sq ft installed, a kitchen renovator can easily achieve the desired effect of natural stone for a few dollars less!
Color/Design
Engineered Stone and quartz surfaces are mixed with resins and color pigment to create any multitude of colors. As there is no veining or cracks in engineered stone, it is extremely uniform. One of its greatest assets is the consistency in its pattern and is therefore ideal for large countertop surfaces or large areas in general. This also becomes a draw back as engineered stone can be easily detected due to a lack of inconsistencies.
Durability
Quartz makes up a great deal of the stone aggregate in engineered stone and is a very hard surface. When mixed with the resin and color pigment, engineered stone becomes quite stain resistant, heat resistant, immune to chemicals, hygienic and unlike most natural stone surfaces, does not need treatment with sealers. Its ease of care makes it a great option for bustling kitchens.
Construction/Installation
Quartz surfaces and engineered stone countertops are pre-fabricated using the same patented technique and approximately 93% quartz. Engineered stone countertops need to be pre-cut before installation, because it requires precise cutting tools we recommend professional installation only. Many of the manufacturers offer training for installers to properly install their products. Check out some of these manufacturers which are leading producers of engineered stone today. www.cambriausa.com www.silestone.com & www.zodiaq.com
Environment/Health
Engineered stone is not a green product due to its mix of color pigment and resin. Quartz being the second most common mineral on the planet makes for easy mining.
Engineered stone surfaces are very food safe and hygienic, another fantastic surface for kitchens.
There are so many great design options with this product that it cannot help but make your kitchen look sexy. The only draw back is a slightly manufactured look because of its uniformity. The diversity, color range and durability of engineered stone and quartz surfaces are an ideal choice in bringing life to your kitchen.
The Martini Factor
Certainly a match for great cocktail parties! Engineered stone and its' great durability and resistance to almost everything make quartz surfaces and engineered stone a fantastic option for kitchens that entertain. It is diverse, can be used as a wet bar and will do the trick when entertaining. It is a hard surface though so glassware beware!
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops have been all the rage in the last decade in new home construction as well as renovation and many consumers equate granite countertops with luxury, opulence and style. In terms of popularity, if a natural stone were ever a rock star, granite countertops would be Bono! This extremely popular countertop choice is quarried from deep in the earth and mined in large slabs. These slabs are hard volcanic rock filled with quartz, mica, and feldspar crystals. It is a porous rock and is used worldwide in various large scale construction projects. Granite is very durable and is extremely versatile.
Cost
Granite is expensive. It can be in excess of $100 sq ft. Many new home contractors use the high value of granite as a selling point in driving new home sales, and of course the addition of granite to a renovation will certainly increase the value of your home.
Color/Design
As with many natural stones, color can be inconsistent. You may be able to find appropriate color palettes, but remember the veining will vary from piece to piece making it very hard to find perfect matches for your kitchen. Granite colors change from quarry to quarry and by region. Do your homework and you can find the right design for you.
There are 2 different kinds of Granite available for most kitchens, Consistent and Variegated.
Consistent Granite - Where a consistent pattern exists throughout the slab. This form of granite has a very uniform appearance and is much easier to match at the seams.
Variegated Granite - This form of granite usually has a swirling vein through out the slab varying in color. This can make it difficult to match slabs and creates some difficulty in pairing two pieces together. This is not always a draw back as variegated granite can lend a very unique look to your kitchen countertops.
Durability
Granite is extremely durable and this lends to its popularity as a kitchen countertop surface. Granite is fantastic as it is scratch resistant due to its coloring through out the entire slab. This material is also incredibly heat resistant and will not burn. One Caveat though, granite is very porous and can therefore absorb moisture and of course stain. It needs to be used in conjunction with a sealer every six months.
Construction/Installation
If you are going to install granite countertops in your home, be sure to choose the type of stone that best suits your needs. No matter which you choose though, remember that most granite countertops will show a seam somewhere so plan for these seams in areas that will not be highly visible.
We recommend professional installation to ensure that your granite countertops are properly installed. Usually your designer or contractor can steer you in the right direction when it comes to finding the right professional for the job.
Environment/Health
Granite is not a particularly green product as it is mined from deep within the earth and is seldom recycled. Energy costs associated with the transportation of this material is also an impact on the environment. If you are not fickle about color, you can find some granite that has been salvaged, but be aware of differences in grain and of course wear and tear.
Who wouldn't love to spend an evening in a beautiful kitchen with sexy granite countertops? Cool to the touch, slick and sensual, granite is probably the sexiest choice available for most discerning kitchen lovers out there. Choose your colors properly and you will have a stunning result!
The Martini Factor
Granite will not be a friend to glassware anywhere. It is durable and if treated with sealer will repel stains. Do not use abrasives to clean stains and try and use coasters or cocktail napkins to prolong the life of your granite countertops.
More on the cost of Granite countertops...
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