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Your Top Choices for Kitchen Countertop Materials

At Stone Concepts, Inc., we’re proud of the stone materials in our showroom. We stock amazing selections of granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, and soapstone, and any of these slabs would be a great material for kitchen countertops.

The types of countertops for the kitchen that you choose depends on your lifestyle, preferred maintenance level, budget, and aesthetic choices. The best choice you can make is something that will last and stay in style. Luckily, both of those qualifiers hold true for our stone selections.

In this article, we’ll explain our five kitchen countertop materials and what you can expect from them. This way, you’ll find it easier to decide when it’s time.

Marble

Marble is known for its timeless and sophisticated nature. It’s also quite versatile, because it lends itself to a modern or traditional aesthetic. The reason for this is that marble comes in so many different colorations and veining patterns, so it’s easy to find something you love.

This natural stone is porous and somewhat soft, so it requires maintenance and care that a harder stone might not. Even when it’s sealed, stains are possible if you don’t clean up spills right away. For this reason, we advise being careful around your marble countertop and remembering to use a cutting board when you chop food.

But just because it calls for a bit more care doesn’t mean marble is ultra-fragile. It has the potential to last for up to a hundred years if you take care of it correctly. It’s a great investment.

Quartzite

Quartz and quartzite may have similar names, but they are not the same material. Quartz is an engineered stone, while quartzite is a natural stone that is found within the earth.

The aesthetics of quartzite are often compared to marble, because it has unique veining and beautiful, crisp colors. Unlike marble, though, quartzite is a very hard surface. It still requires sealant, but it’s very unlikely to sustain scratches or heat damage.

Quartzite is a great choice for people who want both beauty and brawn!

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular natural stones on the market, if not the most popular. This stone, with its bold and confident aesthetics and super-hard surface, does well in almost any type of home.

This stone is known for its heat and scratch resistance as well, and it’s also very unlikely to stain. As long as you keep your granite slab sealed, it will serve your family for generations, and it will never go out of style.

Quartz

If you’re looking for a sturdy engineered stone, look no further than quartz. Quartz counts as a man-made material because it’s made mostly with natural quartz, but there are additives included (called polymers and resins) that bind the particles together and seal quartz’s pores. This means you never have to seal it yourself.

This stone is for those who enjoy the look of natural stone but might not have the inclination to keep up the maintenance routine that natural stone calls for.

It has the potential to fade under direct sunlight and doesn’t love heat, so just remember to keep your quartz countertop inside and to always use a hot pad or trivet when handling kitchen items.

Soapstone

While soapstone is a natural stone, it’s naturally nonporous and doesn’t need to be sealed. This makes it a highly desired material for many people who love its dark, rustic appearance and soft-to-the-touch surface.

Soapstone can really enhance the mood of a room, but be careful because it can sustain scratches somewhat easily. But it’s very unlikely to crack!

Another great thing about soapstone is the fact that it doesn’t stain easily and it’s extremely easy to clean. All you need is warm water, soap, and a soft cloth.

Choosing Your Material

At Stone Concepts, Inc., we have the best stone selections around. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.

Will Mildew Grow on the Stone Countertops in My Bathroom?

Even in the brightest, crispest bathrooms, there are still spots that are cool, damp, and dark – and those are the places that mildew loves to grow. So, if you’re wondering if mildew can grow on the stone countertops in your bathroom, the answer is yes – and the longer you leave it untreated, the more damage it will do.

In this article, you’ll find the most common signs of mildew, along with what you can do to prevent it from growing.

Signs of Mildew

Mildew needs moisture in order to grow – and moisture usually means water. So, when you’re looking for signs of mildew, look for signs of water damage, too.

Check out these five warning signs that mildew might be growing in your bathroom:

Visible Mildew

While this might be obvious, it’s worth mentioning because mildew (and mold) typically start growing underneath the surface. Once it breaches the surface, that typically means you’ve got a severe problem.

Musty Smell

In some cases, you’ll be able to smell mildew before you can see it because when the spores decompose, they emit an earthy, stale scent. If you notice a musty smell even when your bathroom is dry, you could have a mildew problem.

Ants

Ants enjoy living in moist wood, so if you have ants in your bathroom, you might have mildew growing underneath your floor tiles.

Soft Spots in the Floor

If your floor feels soft when you walk on it, that usually means the subfloor is rotting due to moisture or mildew growth. Call a professional immediately.

Wall Damage

The signs of water damage on your wall include crumbling plaster, loose/cracked tiles, discoloration, blistering paint, or gaps in the caulk or grout.

Preventing Mildew

Now that you know the warning signs of mildew, here’s what you can do to prevent it.

Since natural stones are a porous material, they can cause issues with mildew in a high-moisture room. But that doesn’t mean you should be afraid of installing them. Instead, follow these tips.

Seal Your Stone

Sealing your bathroom countertops prevents them from absorbing liquid readily. This helps water run off your shower tiles rather than getting soaked into them.

Ait Out the Bathroom

Of course, your bathroom will get wet when you shower, but mildew can only grow when the tile stays wet. For that reason, make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated and that your shower and countertops have a chance to dry between uses. Open a window or turn on the fan to encourage air flow.

Remove Excess Water

If a lot of water has collected on the floor or walls of your shower, or the surface of your countertop, use a squeegee to remove it and guide it down the drain.

Clean Your Tiles/Countertop Regularly

Residual soap scum can lead to the growth of mildew, so clean your shower tiles and countertop on a regular basis. Just make sure that you’re using gentle cleansers and not harsh chemicals!

Repair Cracks in the Grout

If you notice any cracks or gaps in the grout between your tiles, repair them quickly. These cracks could be letting water in and behind your tiles, which leads to the growth of mildew that will be hard to eradicate.

Your Mildew-Free Bathroom

Use these tips to keep an eye out for mildew and to do what you can to prevent it from growing on your bathroom countertops. To learn more, get in touch with Stone Concepts, Inc. today!

Why Should I Choose Granite Countertops Over Another Kind of Stone?

Granite countertops are hugely popular—and they’ve held this degree of popularity for quite a while. Trends say that this material might even be getting more popular as time goes on!

Why Granite?

There are tons of countertop materials to choose from, so what makes granite stand out? This article gives you five reasons why you should choose granite over another kind of stone.

1. It’s durable.

Granite is one of the hardest natural stones. Did you know that to scratch its surface, you’d need another piece of granite or a diamond? Since it’s so tough, it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to replace it—this countertop will last in your home for generations.

To add to their durability, granite countertops are also very heat resistant. It only makes sense, since they’re created under high amounts of pressure and heat under the earth’s surface.

If your granite does sustain damage, it’s an easily repairable material. Just call the pros and we’ll take care of it for you.

2. It’s low maintenance.

After you seal your granite, it doesn’t call for much more maintenance. The sealant makes it impervious to germs and bacteria, and this hygienic surface is great for bathrooms and kitchens.

You don’t need any fancy chemicals to clean granite with, either. Mild dish soap and warm water will do just fine.

If you spill something on your stone, there’s no need to fret. Just make sure to clean it up right away to prevent potential staining.

3. It increases home value.

Granite countertops don’t just make your home more attractive; they also make it more valuable. Since buyers are looking for natural stone countertops, having granite installed is an automatic interest point.

4. They’re a long-term investment.

Granite lasts twice as long as some other types of natural stone materials, and these countertops are a very cost-effective solution when you think of the money you save by not having to replace them every few years.

5. They’re gorgeous.

Many homeowners think of function first when they’re picking out countertops, but there’s no reason to forget about the beauty of your material. After all, your kitchen countertops are often the first thing you see when you walk into the room, or even the house—and granite has a lot of stunning beauty to offer.

This natural stone comes in all types of bold patterns and colorations that make any room come to life. And even more, since granite is a natural stone, no one else in the world will have a slab that looks exactly like yours.

Making Granite Your Own

One thing to note about granite is the fact that it must be installed by a professional for you to enjoy all of its noteworthy benefits. Since it’s such a heavy stone, it should be handled delicately and with care. Let our team of installers take care of the job for you!

There’s nothing like the look of a granite countertop. These countertops can serve your home in so many unique ways, and granite is one of our favorite stones at Stone Concepts, Inc. To learn more about it or get started on your project today, get in touch with us.

The Beauty of Having Stone Countertops

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.

What Is the Most Durable Countertop?

If you’re considering a new countertop material, you’re probably looking for one that can stand the wear and tear that comes with everyday life. After all, your kitchen is the most-used room in your home, so the centerpiece of the space shouldn’t be something you have to tiptoe around.

Of course, another important aspect of the countertop is its beauty. There’s nothing like a stunning countertop that takes your breath away, and we know how well a gorgeous countertop can change the look of a space. But if you have a large family or one that is known to spill, you probably shouldn’t compromise durability for looks.

So, is there a way to enjoy both of these aspects—a majestic countertop that can hold its own in the way of toughness? We’re happy to answer that question with a resounding yes. The material that we offer at Stone Concepts, Inc. that is just as durable as it is beautiful is none other than engineered quartz.

The Durability Factor

Engineered quartz is the most durable countertop you’ll find on the market. As with all other materials, it has its pros and cons, but when you weigh them against each other, the durability comes out victorious compared to any other aspects that might fall short.

If you’re wondering just what makes quartz so durable, you’re not alone. Here are a few details about this stone that make it stand out from the rest:

– It’s extremely scratch resistant.
– It’s nonporous, meaning it never has to be sealed.
– It’s a flexible stone, making it unlikely to crack.
– It’s unlikely to stain.

Quartz countertops qualify as engineered stone because they are a man-made material. While the slabs are made of 90 percent natural quartz, there are about 10 percent polymers and resins that seal the pores and make the stone more flexible. Because it’s nonporous, it doesn’t need to be sealed, as granite, marble, and other natural stone countertops do. Also, because there are no pores in the countertop, there are no places for bacteria and germs to make a home, and no places for liquids to seep in and create stains.

But while these resins are a great asset for many reasons, they can be a drawback when it comes to heat. Since resins are technically plastic, you should exercise caution when handling hot items around your quartz, and always use a hot pad or trivet to prevent scorching, melting, or thermal shock.

Other Durable Options

While quartz is undoubtedly the most durable, it’s not the only durable material that we offer at Stone Concepts, Inc. For those who want nothing more than to install a natural stone countertop, you’ve got plenty of durable options.

First of all, granite should be noted for its durability. This stone is known for its heat resistance and how hard it is to scratch. In fact, to scratch it, you would need to use another piece of granite or a diamond. But while granite doesn’t bat an eye at heat, it is a bit more susceptible to cracking and chipping than quartz because it doesn’t have those added resins for flexibility. It also requires periodic sealing in order to keep it strong against stains and liquid damage because it is a naturally porous stone.

Marble is yet another material that we offer whose durability can’t be forgotten. While many people see marble as a fragile, delicate stone, we promise you that’s not the case. While it might need more maintenance than granite and quartz, that doesn’t mean it’s weak. It is incredibly heat resistant and has lasting power that not many other countertops have. It’s been on trend for hundreds of years, and it’s not going out of style anytime soon!

Your Durability Needs

If durability is what you’re searching for, we recommend quartz as our most durable countertop. But if you’re focused on the heat resistance of a material, we might instead recommend granite or marble. To get a more specific recommendation from Stone Concepts, Inc., give us a call today at (978) 568-1911 for a consultation.

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