It’s not always easy selecting the best countertop for your kitchen. There are just so many different materials to choose from. If you know you do want stone, then join the countless others who’ve chosen the same for their kitchen countertops.
However, you’ll come to find that there are various types of stone options – some natural and other partially engineered. So, in the following guide, we will discuss some of the different options that are available to you.
Let’s review!
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Don’t be surprised if you end up falling in love with this gorgeous stone. In fact, many homeowners do for all sorts of reasons. But what sets apart granite from all the others?
It’s a natural stone that’s made with igneous stone deposits. It’s mined from various parts of the world, including Asia and South America. Volcanic activity is responsible for its production. It all begins with molten magma that slowly cools and forms the rough and tough granite stone.
What makes natural stones like granite unique is the fact its comprised of various minerals. So, no two slabs have the exact same composition. This also gives them a unique appearance. For example, granite stone that has a lot of feldspar will have rich pink and red highlights.
While granite composed of high concentrations of mica will have more brown and black veining. Then granite with a lot of quartz will end up with white, pink or black hues. You can tell the contents of the granite stone by simply looking at its colors.
The advantages of granite stone are what also helps to make it highly desirable. For instance, the quality. It’s tough and can withstand scratches, stains and heat – even more so when it’s properly sealed and regularly resealed.
It’s also eco-friendly, which is always a bonus. At the end of the day, the distinctive beauty of granite stone is bar none.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Quartz stone is man-made but offers the same elegance and beauty as natural stones. What makes quartz attractive to homeowners is the array of colors ranging from bright to dark. There are all sorts of grays, browns and creams to choose from.
It has the look of natural stone, but extra toughness and durability. The hardness of quartz is what makes it a highly functional kitchen countertop. Because of its durability, you don’t have to worry about sealing or resealing quartz countertops.
Since quartz is an engineered stone, it doesn’t go through the same natural process as granite and other solid stones. It is, however, comprised of 93% natural stone called quartz. This is found in the earth’s crust. The rest is made up of color and a resin binder.
During the process of creation, it is ground down into small particles and then mixed together with pigments and polyester resin to hold it together. Small bits of glass give it the metallic reflective flakes that give quartz its unique appearance.
At the end, you have an attractive slab of engineered stone that’s suitable for kitchen settings. You can choose between a matte or polished finished.
There are various advantages to having quartz countertops. Besides being resistant to heat, scratches and stains, it’s also hard to chip. Then there’s the money-saving factor, since it doesn’t require you to seal it repeatedly. The seams between the slabs aren’t as visible as with natural stone slabs.
Then there’s the fact that the veins are more consistent in design, compared to granite. If you want a uniform look for your countertops, then quartz can provide this.
Marble Kitchen Countertops
Marble is a resilient and elegant natural stone that’s commonly used to portray elegance. It’s a richly veins surface that’s unique to the other solid stones out there. You can find some of the finest sculptures in history crafted using marble stone.
This includes Michelangelo’s artwork like David and Pieta. Marble is a stone that’s naturally crafted by metamorphic rock. It has a lot of contents of dolomite and calcite. Marble is a Greek work that means to gleam or sparkle.
You can find different types of marble out there, which come in different colors and veining. The Carrara variety looks white or bluish gray. Then Purbeck marble has a gray/brown appearance. And the list goes on. The different colors include whites, grays, pinks, greens, blues and yellows.
Marble stems from all over the world, including Italy, America, Greece, UK, Germany, Sweden and India.
You can opt for different finishes, such as hones or matte and polished. Leathered finishes are also available. While marble is a natural stone like granite, it isn’t as tough. It’s resistant t heat but is susceptible to scratches and chips.
Therefore, it’s recommended that you have the countertop sealed and resealed by a professional on a regular basis.
Finding a Reputable Seller of Stone Countertops
Natural stones continue to reign supreme in kitchen countertop designs. Therefore, a lot of homeowners in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Delaware choose Keystone Marble and Granite.
We have a large selection of natural and engineered stone options, including marble, quartz and granite. You can have your pick of all sorts of colors and designs, especially when it comes to engineered quartz.
We carry stone slabs from leading brands, such as Zodiaq, Caesarstone, Cambria and Silestone. All our products come with warranties, which you can call and ask us more details about.
Why Hire Keystone Marble and Granite
As you’re shopping around for a new kitchen countertop, it’s essential to find a contractor to install it for you. At Keystone Granite & Tile, we have products for sale that we fabricate and install for our customers.
With us, you get a one-stop shop experience and unbeatable rates. Give us a call today to get your free estimate!