NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS
The Great Pyramids are thought to be the first natural stone monuments, built from massive granite blocks and limestone. Later, the Greeks built the Parthenon with its giant pillars made from marble. In India, fine sculptures and stone carvings made from natural stone adorned temples—think of the Taj Mahal, which was constructed entirely of marble. As improved methods of quarrying came into existence, Michelangelo created marble sculptures.
At some point, natural stone fell somewhat out of favor, in lieu of more functional architecture. The last decade or so has seen a return to using eco-friendly materials like natural stone, particularly for kitchen and bathroom countertops. While natural stone was once only seen in high-end homes, today many homeowners choose some form of natural stone countertops because of its aesthetic appeal, durability and competitive pricing.
You can now find natural stone countertops in a much larger variety of colors and patterns, bringing warmth and vibrancy into the décor. The Cincinnati design team of Countertops and Cabinetry by Design can help you choose the best natural stone countertop for your décor. There are many different types of natural stone, including the following:
Marble
Marble is a popular natural stone known for its beauty, but it’s porous and requires regular maintenance. It’s prone to stains from wine, juice, and oils, which are hard to remove. Sealing is necessary and should be done every six months in high-traffic areas. Marble also scratches easily and can be etched by acids like lemon juice. While it’s heat-resistant, it’s still best to use a trivet for hot pots. Marble’s classic beauty makes it a great choice if you’re okay with the maintenance.
Soapstone
Soapstone darkens over time and is non-porous, so it doesn’t stain like marble. You can treat it with mineral oil if you want it to darken. It’s resistant to acids and heat. However, soapstone is softer than other stones, making it more prone to scratches, though these can often be buffed out. It comes in shades of gray, green, and black, but has fewer color options than man-made materials. If your countertop is longer than seven feet, it will likely have seams since soapstone is typically quarried in smaller slabs.
Travertine
Travertine is a form of limestone that’s typically deposited by mineral hot springs, giving it a fibrous appearance. Travertine exists in white, tan, cream and rust colors, and homeowners often choose travertine because of its resemblance to marble. Those with light-colored wood cabinets might want to consider a cream-toned travertine countertop. When travertine countertops are properly sealed at the time of installation, maintenance is simple.
Limestone
Limestone countertops add a touch of elegance to the appearance of your kitchen or bath, with a delicate, almost ancient look. Limestone tends to cost less than granite or marble, coming in a variety of textures and soft colors. Limestone is a “sensitive” stone, meaning it must be treated carefully. Like marble, limestone can be damaged by acids, and due to its porosity, it may scratch and stain more easily.
Jerusalem Stone
Jerusalem Stone is the most popular building material in Israel, with the city of Jerusalem being built and rebuilt with this substance. Current laws in Jerusalem require that all structures be covered in Jerusalem stone, creating a unique look. There are a variety of finishes for Jerusalem stone, including brushed/antiqued, polished/honed, sandblasted and tumbled.
Onyx
Onyx is a fine-grained type of quartz, with color banding. Because onyx is translucent, the substance can be truly spectacular when backlit, and comes in a wide array of colors.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a strong material, resistant to heat, and stain-resistant. Quartzite is formed from quartz and sandstone under significant pressure and heat. The process used to manufacture quartzite makes it even harder than quartz.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS?
Natural stone countertops can truly transform a kitchen or bathroom and are aesthetically pleasing to many. Natural stone countertops will usually last a lifetime with proper care. Since no two slabs of soapstone, marble or granite are exactly alike, your natural stone countertops will be one-of-a-kind. Natural stone countertops also never seem to go out of style and always add value to a home.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS?
Most natural stone countertops are at least somewhat porous, meaning a sealant is necessary. If chips and scratches do occur, due to natural stone’s relative softness, a professional can often repair these blemishes. Natural stones tend to be very heavy, therefore some floors or cabinets might need at least some level of structural reinforcement prior to installing a natural stone countertop.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing My Natural Stone Countertops?
Budget
You may expect your natural stone countertops to range in price from $40-$150 per square foot, installed. Compare this to granite countertops which range from $50-$250 per square foot, and solid surface countertops beginning at $35 per square foot.
Dimensions
As noted, natural stone is quarried in smaller slabs than granite, therefore seams are likely in a natural stone countertop, although these seams might not always be readily apparent.
How We Can Help You?
The countertop in your kitchen or bath can truly set the tone for the entire room. Of all the countertop materials you can purchase, natural stone is considered a gold standard for looks and durability. Because each rock pulled from the earth has its own color, veining and speckles, your natural stone counter can be as distinctive as an original work of art. The design team at Countertops and Cabinetry by Design uses a different approach than that of our counterparts for installation so that it can be as simple for you as possible. Our unique business model allows for faster turnaround time and a higher degree of customization.
Our square footage model allows us to offer clients a more customized solution, using the leftover materials for other jobs, thereby offering our clients lower prices and more options. We want to ensure our clients have control over their remodel and have all their questions answered so you can have the best result you’re looking for. If you are in the greater Cincinnati area or the Mason, or West Chester area, contact Countertops and Cabinetry by Design for all your remodel needs today.