Stone is a hallmark of durability and character; and if you have these two as important considerations when designing your kitchen counter tops, stone can serve best. Counter tops serve beyond being cooking platforms in the kitchen. They can contribute to a kitchen design which is both functional and attractive. With several types of ecologically friendly stone counter tops which can suit your needs, each one can be a distinctive work of art. Besides being environment friendly and sustainable, stone counter tops stand the test of time and can be worthy partners for a lifetime.
Stone counter tops for your kitchen
Natural stone counter tops are available with many sub variations, possibly due to the kind of material used in making the counter tops. They have their unique mineral contents, veining and colors. They are essentially durable and their special ecologically-friendly character can make them your preferred choice when wanting closer to the nature. Most of the stone counter tops are scratch resistant and permanent solution to a kitchen design. Some are even oil stain proof.
Besides easily managing hot pans (or fluids), stone counter tops are usually easy to maintain with routine care and tools. Regular cleaning, appropriate sealing and damage prevention can ensure longevity to stone counter tops. Since these counter tops are tailor-made to suit kitchen designs, it is easy to find one which can enhance the charm of working in the kitchen.
Vivid stone counter tops for your kitchen
While there are many choices in the category of eco friendly stone counter tops, the popular ones have been discussed here to enable you choose the appropriate.
Granite Counter top
Granite, a popular counter top material, can be a chosen one when you want elegance and style. The wide availability of granite as a counter top material has made it relatively affordable for many kitchen designs. Even the most modest kitchens can have granite as the first counter top choice. Its capability to resist heat and longevity makes it a high valued resource for houses. Granite comes in many colors and has been rated as the second hardest material after diamond.
Improper sealing can make granite susceptible to stains. Regular maintenance can keep granite both functional and beautiful. It can be a sturdy and durable counter top material when used in the correct manner. Being one of the heaviest materials, proper installation is necessary.
Quartz counter top
Quartz, the 4th hardest mineral, is a naturally occurring substance which can furnish tempting looks to any counter top. Its natural scratch-resistance and hardness make it suited for designing vivid kitchen counter tops. The lack of porosity makes it suited to the heavy demands of cooking. Its natural luster, flexible designing technique and easy installation make it a good surface to work with.
Quartz (in ground-up form) combines with resins to form a hard surface (similar to engineered granite). Generally, quartz counter tops have over 90 percent quartz. Antibacterial substances may also be combined with quartz (by some makers).
Quartz counter tops may not be economical (compared to engineered granite or slab) and you may get them for $60-$100 per square foot. Quartz counter tops can provide a vast range of colors. Certain organic materials (like glass) can also be incorporated into quartz to give it an enhanced appeal.
Marble counter top
Marble may not be found as a common counter top material owing to its high price. Marble can provide an extremely fascinating and lavish appeal wherever implemented, including a counter top. It is waterproof and heatproof, making it a functionally implemented element in a kitchen design.
Being soft, marble demands proper maintenance and can stain easily. Although advanced sealers reduce staining, marble counter tops should be dealt with utmost care. It is porous and can scratch and stain easily. Elaborate repairs can also make marble a practically less affordable choice.
Concrete Counter top
Concrete counter tops can be heat and scratch resistant, and can provide an unusual but exotic appeal to a kitchen counter top. Concrete counter tops may not be cheap and make them a chosen one for select kitchen designs only. Advanced techniques make concrete counter tops more practical and functionally superior. Concrete can provide both a traditional and modern appeal.
Considerations for choosing one
Individual preferences apart, certain considerations can enable you to arrive at a more meaningful stone counter top design. There are many features, like color, which can be complemented with your house décor. You may choose an earth tone color or natural gray to suit most décor needs. Countertop thickness is also an important consideration, and should be around 2-1/2″ up to 5″ (minimum).
Granite can serve a strong and good material. Marble, although tougher than granite, can be more porous. French limestone can also be worthy material for kitchen counter tops with its intense colors (and veining).
Conclusion
Whether you choose a vibrant or subdued style, stone can complement most kitchen designs when implemented properly. It has been used since long and is still a popular choice in designing houses. Stone can serve an unmatched platform for interesting designs with emerging techniques in the times to come.
