Natural stone countertops are a trendy selection for both kitchens and bathrooms. There are two main reasons why they are so common. Firstly, natural stone is incredibly durable. It lasts a long time and is hard-wearing. That means the investment you make in your new countertops will give you great value for your money. You won’t need to replace them for many years to come.
Not only are natural stone surfaces robust, but they’re also gorgeous. With natural properties and features, these countertops look stunning in any space. Whether you use them in a kitchen or bathroom, stone counters look fantastic. They work well in traditional and modern rooms, so they are ideal for anyone’s home.
Is Marble Right For Me?
Marble is very popular as a stone countertop material. There are several reasons for this. Marble offers many unique benefits. Of course, marble is very strong, but more than that, it is incredibly luxurious and stylish. It adds a hint of sophistication and elegance to any room. Whether you chose them for use in a kitchen or bathroom, marble lends a touch of glamor to the space.
Not only is marble beautiful, but it also offers some benefits that are particularly helpful in your kitchen. As marble has a naturally cool temperature, it is excellent for baking. You can make pastry on your countertop easily, thanks to the low temperature of the stone surface. Marble is also impressively heat resistant. That is an enormous advantage in a kitchen where temperatures can get very high and hot pans may contact surfaces.
There are a couple of things you need to keep in mind if you’re considering marble countertops.
First, you need to be aware that marble requires ongoing regular maintenance. To keep it looking beautiful and in top condition, you must seal your marble surfaces and care for them properly. Marble isn’t a low-maintenance choice for either kitchens or bathrooms.
You should also be aware that etching is a potential problem you could encounter with your marble surfaces. Etching occurs if you expose marble surfaces to acidic substances.
Unfortunately, many everyday household items contain acids that can etch marble counters. Many of those are in your kitchen, including regularly consumed foods and drinks. Wine, lemon juice, colas, fruits, coffee, and salad dressings are just some of the substances that can damage marble. Some cleaning products can also cause etching on marble. Therefore, you have to take care when preparing foods and drinks in your kitchen if you have marble countertops. You also need to be careful when selecting cleaning products to use on your surfaces.
Is Quartzite A Good Option?
Quartzite is another popular choice of natural stone countertop material. It offers some excellent benefits that make it a standout choice for your kitchen or bathroom. Firstly, it is strong and durable, so it’s a good choice for a long-term investment. Not only that, but quartzite has a very luxurious look which is similar to marble. It’s a great way to add a glamorous touch to your home.
One advantage that quartzite has over marble is that it is resistant to acids and scratches. That could make it a more sensible choice for your home if you want greater peace of mind.
Etching won’t be a problem if you choose a quartzite surface for your kitchen or bathroom.
There is one thing you need to bear in mind when choosing quartzite countertops. They still need to be sealed, just like marble counters. That means they require ongoing maintenance.
What To Bear In Mind When Selecting Natural Stone Countertops
When you’re choosing stone countertops for your home, there are some things you need to weigh up. It’s only by keeping these elements in mind that you can make the right choice for your needs.
Firstly, you need to consider long-term practicality. People only change their countertops very occasionally. However, they may change their bathroom or kitchen décor far more frequently. Therefore, you must choose a countertop color and pattern wisely. You need to think about whether it will work with other shades and styles in the future.
Secondly, you need to bear in mind the risk of etching if you’re considering marble countertops. Are you prepared to take extra care when using your surfaces? If not, marble may not be the right option for you. Quartzite is resistant to acids and so could be a better choice if you’d prefer to avoid the hassle.
One further consideration is how many countertops you’re going to need. You need to recognize that some colors and patterns will look better in a large space. If you have a compact kitchen, you may need to think carefully about your choice. It may be best to choose a less obvious pattern and a more neutral color.
