Best Natural Stone for Kitchen Counters and Their Benefits
Countertops are the foundation of the kitchen. Aesthetically and functionally, countertops determine the look and feel of the kitchen. The kitchen countertops are a humble workspace that beat the brunt of daily chores from cooking to cleaning.
If your countertops are in need of refreshment, then you might be looking for the best countertop material that fits all of your needs. Natural stones have a wider variety of benefits that make them a versatile option that can cater to an assortment of needs and wants. Keep reading to learn about the best natural stone for kitchen counters, and their benefits and discover which one is the right one for you.
What are Natural Stone Countertops?
Natural stone countertops are countertops made with naturally occurring materials. These countertops don’t include engineered stones that are made in labs. Instead, these gorgeous stones reflect the beauty and elegance of nature, supporting an organic appearance. Natural stone countertops include marble, granite, quartzite, soapstone, and limestone.
Natural stone countertops offer a myriad of benefits. They are naturally heat-resistant as they form under immense heat and pressure in the crust of the Earth. Moreover, no two natural stone slabs are the same. They each have a unique combination of colors and patterns, making your natural stone kitchen counters one of a kind.
Why Choose Natural Stone Countertops?
One of the most influential benefits of natural stone countertops is their amazing versatility. They can cater to a lot of different aesthetic styles and meet a lot of needs. For example, granite is one of the most sought-after stones due to the immense durability and longevity it provides. Alternatively, marble is known for its luxurious appeal and timeless elegance. Depending on your priorities, there is a natural stone option for you.
Another key benefit of natural stones is the value they gain if you ever decide to resell your home. Natural stone countertops not only make your home more desirable and more likely to get offers but also the offers will be higher.
The Versatility of Granite
Granite has been a favorite among homeowners and interior decorators for decades due to its long-lasting durability, and scratch and chip resistance. Moreover, granite is heat resistant, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchen countertops. Granite forms over millions of years through immense heat and pressure, making it an incredibly tough option.
You can put hot pans and pots on granite countertops without having to worry about causing heat damage to the stone. Although, the granite is highly durable, to ensure its longevity the use of cutting boards is recommended. However, in case of an accident, granite kitchen countertops are less likely to get scratched compared to softer alternatives.
The Sophisticated Beauty of Marble
The sophisticated appearance of marble made it the favorite material of legendary artists and kings. Marble has been a favorite in the art and interior decoration worlds for centuries. Its slightly light-reflecting appearance gives it life and helps it stand out among other stones.
Marble kitchen countertops bring a luxurious aura that is hard to beat. They can be the centerpiece of the room, catching the light beautifully while also harmoniously blending in. The most popular marble countertop colors are light and neutral shades such as white, beige, cream, ecru, and light gray. These tones have the benefit of beautifully pairing with a wide range of design styles and never going out of style.
The Longevity of Quartzite
Quartzite can be considered the perfect blend of granite and marble. It has a similar appearance to marble and supports its signature veins while also being very durable and long-lasting. Although marble is incredibly gorgeous, it is not the best match for busy households as it is a softer stone compared to other options. Quartzite is the perfect alternative for homeowners who want to implement the beauty of marble without committing to its maintenance.
While quartzite is very durable, it shares the main drawback of marble and granite, which is their porosity. Marble, granite, and quartzite are porous stones, meaning they have tiny holes all over in which dirt and bacteria can seep in. To ensure the stone can maintain its pristine condition, it needs to be regularly resealed.
The Mysterious Charm of Soapstone
Soapstone doesn’t get as much attention as granite or marble, however, it is also a great choice for kitchen countertops. It offers a lower maintenance natural stone option as soapstone doesn’t require sealing or resealing. As soapstone ages, it grows a patina that protects the stone while also bringing a charming appearance that sets it apart.
Soapstone is only available in darker colors such as dark gray, charcoal, bluish gray, or black. This limits its aesthetic compatibility with certain design styles. However, when searching for the best natural stone for kitchen counters, it is a stone that should not be overlooked.
Limestone
Limestone is another stone that offers a softer surface, similar to marble. It is known for its natural tones and offers an earthy appearance with subtle color changes. It is a great option for all homeowners looking for a minimal, understated appearance.
Limestone has a slightly textured surface, which may give the countertops and your kitchen a Mediterranean atmosphere. Limestone seamlessly fits into the space, adding visual interest without demanding all of the attention and allowing the surrounding decor to shine. Although limestone is a gorgeous stone, it is more susceptible to scratches because of its softer nature.
Choosing the Right Stone
Choosing the best natural stone for kitchen counters can be a hard process. Due to the high number of gorgeous stones with different advantages, determining which one fits in with your needs and aesthetic vision can require a lot of research.
The best way to select the right stone for you is to know what you value the most and which characteristics are must-haves for your kitchen. Comparing your must-haves with the qualities of each natural stone option will help you see the one that lines up with your needs.
If durability and longevity are the most important qualities for you, you can opt for granite or quartzite. Soapstone is a great option for homeowners looking for a countertop material that is as low maintenance as possible.
Maintenance and Care
Maintenance and care of natural stones can seem daunting. As they are natural, they can be affected by a larger variety of things compared to engineered stones. For example, marble is vulnerable to acidic substances and its surface can get etched if it comes into direct contact with lemon juice.
In general, care for natural stones is quite straightforward. Avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners is an important detail to keep in mind. In addition, to ensure the stone is properly protected, most natural stones need to be resealed once a year. The sealer acts as a protective barrier and ensures dirt and debris can’t seep into the stone.
In short, natural stones are a great combination of visual elegance and durability. They are more than a simple choice of colors and patterns, the decision about the best natural stone for kitchen counters is about needs and wants. As the heart of your home, your kitchen deserves nothing short of a gorgeous and durable foundation.