If you love your home but are ready for a change, a remodel can be a great solution. Moving can be quite costly, as is going through the process of selling your home. Not only that, but home prices are on the rise, which may mean you need to bite off a bigger mortgage than what you have currently. While remodels don’t come for free, several strategies can be taken to offer a timeless look to your home that will be aesthetically pleasing while also adding value. Incorporating natural stone is a popular choice and one that many homeowners are turning to.
When homeowners decide to remodel, in most cases the focus is on the kitchen or bathroom spaces. The kitchen is the area where people tend to spend their time. And unfortunately, it can grow outdated quite quickly. Thankfully, you can renovate. So if your focus is on the kitchen, it is only natural that you will want to consider a stone countertop. A new countertop can create an altogether new look to your kitchen by creating great lines complemented with the right stone.
Choosing a natural stone kitchen countertop should make your life easier going forward. Stine countertops create a stylish and elegant kitchen area and can help to make maintenance easier.
Selecting the natural stone that is right for you
The great thing about natural stone is that there are a lot of fantastic choices. In most cases, it is all about homeowner preference.
Granite – Granite countertops are widely popular for kitchen options. This high-end surface is both visually gorgeous and highly resistant to scratches. And, with the vast array of patterns and colors available, it is easy to find one that will match your desired look. This all said, granite is a porous stone and so it is important to have the countertop sealed so that you can avoid stains and damage.
Quartz – Almost as popular as granite, quartz countertops offer a sleek finish in a wide variety of colors. And, a bonus in quartz is that it is non-porous, which means it does not need to be sealed, and it is quite easy to care for. Since it is not porous, it also means that it is resistant to heat damage, stains, and scratches.
Marble – Marble has been a popular surface for centuries. Though it is highly susceptible to scratches and stains, it is very beautiful and can create a feeling of luxury. Used in palaces all over the world, marble is renowned for its rich appearance and style, and can truly create an exquisite look. Sealing and regular maintenance are a must to keep your countertops in like-new condition.
Quartzite – If you love the look of marble but want something that will require less maintenance, quartzite is a great option. Very similar to quartz, quartzite is very durable and is strongly resistant to chips, heat, and scratches. Not only that, but it looks very much like marble and provides that same luxurious look.
What to consider when choosing a natural stone countertop
Before selecting the specific stone for your countertop, consider the following:
Natural stone comes in both light and dark colors. Many homeowners prefer to have some sort of contrast in the colors of their kitchen. Therefore, if you have a darker décor in your kitchen, a lighter stone countertop might be in order. On the other hand, if you have a lighter décor, perhaps consider a dark granite or quartz.
While most countertops are durable, each particular material provides different benefits. Granite and quartz, as well as quartzite countertops, are very resilient. Each of these surfaces is scratch- and chip-resistant and can thus handle very high levels of heat for short durations of time. Marble is scratch resistant as well, but it is not able to withstand high temperature. On the flip side, marble can hold its cool temperature, which makes it an excellent choice for countertop material. Marble is also more flexible than the other natural stones, which means it can be used for intricate edges and designs.
Maintenance and care are also essential to consider. As granite, quartzite, and marble are all very porous materials, you will need to promptly clean up surface spills to avoid stains and etching. Homeowners also need to have their natural stone countertops sealed regularly so that the appearance and durability can be preserved. In most cases, professional sealing should be conducted as soon as the countertop is installed, and then every year after that. Quartz is actually a human-made countertop material and therefore does not need to be sealed regularly. Since it is not porous, you will not need to worry much about stains or etching.
For more information on how to select the natural stone countertop that is right for you, contact slabmarket. When you buy natural stone slabs directly from a quarry, you can save quite a bit on costs. They have access to over 200 quarries all over the world. Many homeowners have benefited from buying their countertop materials in bulk because of the lower cost per unit. Though you may have to invest more money upfront, buying your countertop slab directly from the quarry can pay off in the long run. They make it easy to purchase your preferred materials and makes sure that the best quality possible is selected.
Regardless of the material that you select for your natural stone countertop, after installation, you will see that your kitchen has a completely new look. As the kitchen is often the most visited room in the house and is also where most homeowners conduct their entertaining, your new countertop will be a great conversation piece, and your family and friends will appreciate the quality and workmanship of the piece. The addition of a natural stone countertop will inevitably raise the value of your home as well, which will work in your favor if you ever do decide to sell your home.
