When it comes to choosing stone for countertops, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is choosing which one best suits your home. If you’re not extremely familiar with stone materials like we are at Stone Concepts, Inc., the process can be quite intimidating.
That’s why we’re here. We want to make the process easy, breezy, and fun.
The Stone Countertop Difference
Natural stone countertops like granite, marble, soapstone, and quartzite consist of just natural stone—that’s it. There are no resins or other components in the slab. Engineered quartz countertops contain mostly natural quartz plus a small percentage of resin binders.
Stone countertops offer a look that brings depth and visual interest to a space, and every slab is unique. When you install a natural stone countertop, you’re installing your very own piece of art.
The Best Stone Countertops
Let us tell you a little bit about the stones that we offer so you can get familiar with them.
Granite
Granite is well loved by homeowners because it’s durable yet requires little maintenance. There is a wide selection of granite patterns and colorations available, so you can be sure a granite slab exists that matches your personal aesthetic.
Since granite is a porous natural stone, it requires a sealing routine to keep it strong against liquid damage, but rest assured that this sealant won’t alter the look of the stone in any way.
Soapstone
Soapstone countertops have the power to elevate the look of your kitchen or bathroom. These slabs come in dark colors, somewhat similar to granite, with the elegant veining patterns most often found in marble.
Soapstone darkens as it ages, which most people enjoy. It is a natural stone countertop that does not need to be sealed, which is preferable for many.
Marble
If elegant and sophisticated is what you’re drawn to, we can’t recommend anything other than marble. Marble is durable and heat resistant, though not to the level of granite. It needs to be sealed, but many homeowners find peace of mind in knowing that their marble slab will last for a hundred years or more.
Quartzite
Quartzite boasts an aesthetic that is similar to marble, but it’s known for being more durable—more on the level of granite.
This stone, since it is natural and porous, must be sealed in order to maintain its integrity. It is known for its density, which means it’s highly scratch resistant and heat resistant; in fact, it’s one of the most durable natural stones out there.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone that is nonporous and low maintenance. Due to its nonporous nature, it never needs to be sealed. It’s a great material to use in both the kitchen and the bathroom because it’s difficult for germs and bacteria to gather on its surface.
The patterns of quartz are uniform and predictable. So if you aren’t drawn to the sometimes unpredictable nature of natural stone, choose quartz.
Stone for Countertops
At Stone Concepts, Inc., we love using stone for countertops. To learn more about the materials we offer, check out our website or get in touch with us today.
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