Stone Countertops
Just as haute couture enthusiasts go for luxury and flamboyance when scrutinizing the latest fashion vogues, kitchen remodeling aficionados also opt for stability and uniqueness when looking for a fresh countertop material. This is where the newest trend in countertop design comes in: natural stone.
Popularly recognized as the most eco-friendly material in kitchen renovation, natural stone has intrinsic aesthetic properties, as well as strength and longevity that can easily exceed those of its synthetic counterparts. The most common varieties available these days include soapstone, slate, quartzite, travertine, marble, limestone, onyx and some types of sandstones.
While they may perhaps resemble each other closely in detail, natural stone varieties are generally classified into two categories: siliceous, which is made up of inert and non-absorbent grains of silica similar to resilient glass, and calcareous, which contains a stable polymorph carbonate material that makes it extremely durable but rather sensitive to acids and harsh alkaline compounds.
A natural stone countertop’s sturdiness and prolonged existence depends on how well you understand its vulnerabilities and care requirements. Although most stone countertops usually come with a “sealer,” a protective layer that acts as a shield against unsightly stains and blemishes, allowing food spills to linger after use can result to blotting and discoloration sooner or later. Various edible oils and acids from tomatoes and citrus produce, particularly lemons and oranges, are noted as the most common stone countertop staining agents.
While natural stone countertops are as hardy as their closest cousin, granite, they will still sustain nicks and grazes from wayward knives, utensils, pots and other cookware if not utilized with utmost care.
On a similar note, no matter how well your stone countertop handles high levels of heat, never forget to use thick placemats or trivets when handling hot pans and dishes. Stone, no matter how dense and solid, can nonetheless show signs of chipping and cracking in the long run if frequently in contact with intense, localized heat sources.
Natural stone countertops are preferred especially in conservationist-oriented households since they do not give off any unpleasant odors over time or gather volatile organic compounds and allergens like some man-made substances. Stone countertops normally range from $40 to $100 per square foot when fully installed, the cost primarily based on the type of stone used, thickness, and the number of fixed cutouts that were utilized.
Clean up is definitely a breeze when using a natural stone countertop and a regular dose of non-toxic sealers every two to five years is enough to fully protect it against stains and blemishes.
Besides being capable of handling heat well, no two stone countertops ever look the same, providing you with a distinctive kitchen addition that you will be truly proud of.
Whether you will be opting for slate, soapstone, marble, travertine or onyx, investing in a natural stone countertop is absolutely a rock-solid choice!
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