Kitchen Remodel: 3 Natural Stone Materials To Consider For Your Countertops
When it comes to a kitchen remodel, your countertops are probably one of the main components that you want to focus on. Your countertops tend to attract the eye, which is why you want to make sure they look great. However, at the same time, you want to make sure that they are durable and resistant to stains (or at least easy to clean). Price could also be a factor. Here are three natural stones that you may want to consider using for your kitchen countertops:
1. Granite
Granite is one of the more popular natural stone materials to be used for kitchen countertops. In fact, according to research published by The Marble Institute of America, about 75 percent of remodeling homeowners want to use granite. This is because of granite's durability, natural beauty and overall value. Another reason is because of granite's safety, as granite is not a good source of radon.
Although granite has plenty of benefits, there are a few things that actually turn homeowners away. For example, granite is considered heavy, expensive ($45 to $200 per square foot) and somewhat high maintenance.
2. Soapstone
If you're not a fan of granite, another countertop stone to consider is soapstone. Its appearance is similar to that if you were to mix granite with marble, which is why it is a good choice for more modern kitchens. It tends to be a bit cheaper than granite, as it is roughly $80 to $100 installed per square foot. The color is limited and you'll have to want a grey shade of countertop in order for this matte stone to work in your kitchen. Over time, it can darken to a deep charcoal color and possibly maintain a greenish tint.
This is a smooth, natural stone that is resistant to heat and isn't typically impacted by acids, such as coffee or juice spills. It is prone to scratches, but the stone can easily be repaired with some mineral oil and fine sandpaper.
3. Slate
Another popular heat-resistant stone is slate. It is a non-porous material that works well in modern and traditional style kitchens. Slate tends to be scratch-resistant, although minor scratches can accumulate and be easily removed with a piece of steel wool. Slate is a stone that typically comes in several different colors, including gray, black, turquoise, red and deep purple. It has a low absorption rate, which allows it to be considered an eco-friendly natural stone countertop with anti-bacterial properties, according to The Kitchen Designer. It tends to cost somewhere between $60 and $70 per square foot.
These three natural stones can really add to the aesthetics and visual appeal of your kitchen. Before you decide on a specific type of stone, make sure that the countertop material you choose will complement the rest of the colors and design style of your kitchen. A professional can help you make the right decision for your home, while keeping in mind your personal preferences and your budget.
To learn more, visit a website like http://empiremarblegranite.com.
