Natural Countertops – The #1 Choice this Season

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Published by admin on September 12, 2014

Types of Natural Countertops

In order to discover why they are number one, you should probably learn a little bit about the different kinds of natural countertops, including their pros and cons. The basic types of natural countertops are granite, slate, quartz, marble, and soapstone. Each different material is made naturally below the earth’s surface. While natural stone countertops are overall durable, each one has its different properties that make it more appealing to some than a different type. Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of the different types of natural stone countertops.

Granite Countertops

Granite is a unique material that is made when rocks below the earth’s surface are pressed together under varying temperatures and pressures. Naturally, granite is one of the most durable stone countertop materials you can find in today’s market. It is also heat resistant, resistant to bacteria, scratches, stains, cracking, and chipping. Granite is available in a wide variety of colors that are naturally created due to the different types of rock and stone coming together. There are no two slabs of granite that are exactly alike, and each one will feature its own unique set of flecks, specks, swirls, and veining of different colors. Granite is easy to maintain, but does require additional sealant to be placed on it once per year.

Slate Countertops

Slate countertops are loved for their durability and low maintenance. All you really need to do is rub some mineral oil across the surface to buff out scratches and bring back the natural shine. However, the color options with slate countertops are limited to greens, blacks, grays, and purples.

Quartz Countertops

Essentially quartz countertops are maintenance free, as they contain resin binders. In addition, quartz countertops do not absorb liquids, which prevent them from being able to be stained. The color choice is abundant, and they only need to be wiped down with a sponge and warm water. However, as you may have noticed, quartz countertops are not exactly natural. While they are made from natural quartz, they are manufactured to include the resin binders that give them their durability.

Marble Countertops

Your next choice is marble countertop. They are the go-to for those who love to bake, because of their cool flat surface that is perfect for rolling out dough and working with pastries. With that said, they are not the ideal natural stone countertop for most homeowners. They are prone to chipping and the surface tends to appear worn sooner rather than later. In addition, marble is tends to stain easily, which can only be prevented by frequent sealing, and it is more expensive than most stone countertops.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is mostly comprised of talc, which is a finely grained soft mineral. This is beneficial when it comes to owning soapstone countertops, as you can easily sand down the surface if it becomes stained or scratched. It does require frequent rub-downs with mineral oil to maintain its shine, which is one of the major downfalls of this type of countertop.

The Benefits of Natural Countertops

Overall, with so many choices when it comes to natural countertops, there are some pretty prominent benefits, which is what makes these types of countertops the number one choice of homeowners. First and foremost, natural stone countertops look amazing in any kitchen. From country or contemporary to elegant and Victorian, stone countertops work in any design. With little maintenance for the most part, stone countertops last a lifetime, and if you choose a neutral color, you can change the kitchen décor, including the wall color, several times without the need for replacing the countertops. Lastly, natural stone countertops increase the value of your home. Whether you are planning to sell or not, this is always beneficial.

The Connection to Fall

As was mentioned, natural countertops are the number one choice of homeowners this season – fall. Perhaps it is because of the natural beauty found outdoors this time of year that brings people to think about adding natural elements to their home. Perhaps it is just because fall is a great time to start a remodeling project and natural countertops are ALWAYS the number one choice of homeowners and designers. Whatever the case may be, there is simply no reason why you should not consider replacing your old countertops with something new this season – such as granite countertops.