Why search the available options of stone countertops
If you are looking for the ideal countertop, choose the one that best fits your reality and your family’s daily life. Consider how resistant the material of this countertop is since it will have to have greater durability, stability and be extremely resistant to make a stone countertop.
A stone countertop can make all the difference in the decoration and also in the practicality. Although other materials such as wood or stainless steel are a possibility to use as a countertop, you will not have a countertop as resistant as a stone one.
As the best raw material, considered the favorite to make a stone countertop, there are several stone options available on the market today to make your countertop, from the most natural to the most technological, sophisticated, or modern, thus meeting all possible tastes and needs.
Furthermore, each type of stone still has its varieties. There are many different types and colors of quartz, as well as a wide variety of different types of granite, quartzite, and marble, expanding your decision-making possibilities.
Another factor that can also influence your decision for your stone countertop is the features of each stone, which varies from one to another. Quartz, for example, is recognized as a more elegant stone, while granite is more famous for its strength.
Want to better understand which would be the perfect stone countertop for your home? To help you choose, we’ve compiled some precious information about the best stones for your countertop and how to use them assertively.
The best stone options to make your stone bench
When choosing the ideal stone for your countertop, it is important to consider where it is going to be installed.
For the kitchen, for example, that is an internal ambiance, the chosen stone can be either natural or made from a combination of natural stones and synthetic additives.
To differentiate them, consider that natural stones have different designs and veins, which is different from the smoothness and homogeneity of the synthetic ones. However, the differences go far beyond the aesthetic look.
Each stone has specific qualities that can best fit your goals, so it’s important to consider every detail when making your decision.
Find out each type of stone countertop fits the best on your reality, based on its pros and cons. Below, we present the main types of stones in the market.
Granite
Granite is an extremely resistant stone because it was formed from volcanic lava, better known as magma. Due to its formation consisting of lava from volcanoes, granite is known as an igneous rock, which means that it was produced by the action of fire.
The main minerals that make up granite are mica (biotite and muscovite), feldspar, and transparent quartz. The stone’s shine comes from the mica, while the color is attributed to the feldspar.
These features make up the appearance of this rock that varies a lot with regard to colors and patterns. This variation ranges from the most granular to the smoothest. Furthermore, these characteristics also make granite a stone resistant to impacts and high temperatures. Because it is resistant, granite can be used outdoors or indoors. It absorbs liquids very easily and can become stained if not cleaned properly. Therefore, thinking about a waterproofing service is an interesting option for those who choose to make a stone countertop with granite.
Its striking look is perfect to compose any room and make it more modern and practical, transforming the countertop into a point of attention in your home decor.
Therefore, it is recommended that you use your granite stone countertop with neutral colors of furniture in the room where it will be installed. However, granite also requires a lot of care in its maintenance is not very practical for those who do not have a lot of time to dedicate to cleaning the stone countertop.
Marble
Marble is the perfect stone for those who want to add refinement and good taste to the decoration or ambiance; also, if compared with granite, it is considered a noble stone. Marble is a metamorphic rock: it stems from limestone, and, depending on the composition of its materials, it can present varied colors. The largest deposits of marble are found in regions that, in the past, were marked by the strong presence of volcanic activity.
In addition, marble is a natural stone with a more homogeneous visual pattern, thus facilitating the combination with furniture used in the ambiance where your stone countertop is installed.
The variety of different types of marble that exist in the market allows you to calmly choose the one that best fits your style and the style of your home.
However, it is important to emphasize that marble is a very permeable stone that scratches easily, making it necessary to take special care with your stone countertop in this regard. Due to this factor, it is not recommended to use this stone in ambiances that have direct contact with water, such as sinks and outdoor areas, but despite that, marble is a material that brings sophistication to any ambiance in which it is installed.
Quartz
Quartz is a “technological” stone, and being a synthetic material composed of 94% natural quartz and 6% resin it has a wide variety of colors.
The biggest feature of this stone is the fact that it is a highly resistant one, in addition to being waterproof, antibacterial, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.
If your dream is to have a white countertop, this is the perfect material for you to choose! Quartz is an extremely beautiful and elegant stone, capable of composing the ideal decoration for any ambiance, giving it an air of sophistication.
With the right care, which isn’t too much, your quartz stone countertop can last for years in perfect condition, making it an excellent investment for your home.
When it comes to strength, quartz is much more resistant than granite or marble, as it is a stone with low porosity.
The only disadvantage of this stone is that it is not resistant to high temperatures like granite, for example. Therefore, you should avoid placing hot pans on the top of stone countertops made of this material.
Quartzite
Quartzite is even more resistant than granite, as it is a medium-grained metamorphic rock, containing mica and recrystallized quartz. They chip in a natural way, being very common to be used in roof coverings. A striking feature of this type of rock is that, as it is recrystallized, it has great hardness.
Quartzite is an extremely versatile stone, however, it is not flexible, which eliminates the possibility of using it in curves/bends. But, it is an extremely easy material to maintain. To clean quartzite, just a little bit of water and a mild soap is enough, and quartzite becomes more resistant to problems such as stains and wear resulting from time.
It is also a great option for those who want to create a better decoration at home: quartzite has a very wide variety of colors and patterns. If you want to be more daring in your home decor, this is the perfect material for you, as the tones of the quartzite stones are differentiated and extremely beautiful.
This is the ideal stone to give a modern and innovative look to any ambiance!
Learn how to choose the ideal stone countertop for your home
Now that you know the characteristics of each material, check out our tips on what to consider so that you don’t make any mistakes when choosing the stone that will be used in your stone countertop.
Durability
In general, considering whether the material is durable or not is an extremely important aspect, because a natural stone will be a lifelong investment. It is very common for the raw materials used in stone countertops to be durable, but still, this is an essential aspect of your choice.
If you are going to install your stone countertop in your kitchen, for example, and you cook a lot, this should probably be the busiest room in your home. Therefore, the durability of the stone countertop makes all the difference in maintaining your quality of life.
Aesthetics
The aesthetic of a stone countertop is the factor that varies the most from one material to another. So take time to see the stones in person and research applications to visualize how and if they match other elements of your room.
In order for you to make the best decision, it is important that you find a stone supplier and carefully study which stone is the best to compose your home’s personality.
Size
Have you ever thought about the area that should be covered with the stone? This is also a factor that can influence your choice. Large countertops or islands predominate the decoration and space of your room, therefore, they must follow a pattern that does not tire over time.
Furthermore, the size also impacts the price of the piece. In a smaller environment, for example, you can invest in a more sophisticated and elegant stone. In a larger ambiance, you may choose remnant slabs, that are cheaper than the others but with the same quality.
Practicality
In the rush of everyday life, what mostly happens is that people do not have time to clean the house and this is an extremely important factor for their decision.
If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to your stone countertop, consider purchasing a stone that is easy to maintain and that is unlikely to stain or scratch, thus avoiding headaches in the future.
Have you considered all these aspects? Now, all you have to do is find a stone supplier and hire their services to install the material on your stone countertop.
After making your choice and buying the stone along with the services of a supplier, you will see that your daily life will be positively impacted by this decision.
Want the perfect stone countertop for you and your home? Check out the stones available on our website and get your estimate with us. You will definitely find the best stone for your countertop and you won’t have any further problems with it.
