Natural Countertop Choices
While granite is the best option for countertops because of it’s hardness and durability, there are other natural choices for countertops, bar tops, fireplaces, and tub surrounds. Some of the choices include marble, limestone, slate, soapstone and onyx. Many consumers however, are confused when it comes to natural stone, so I thought I’d pass along some helpful information.
Granite—Granite is by far the best choice for countertops and the most popular. It is the hardest and most durable material available. It is quarried all over the world and there are numerous color choices, (well over 400). Since granite is an extremely hard material, it is, for the most part, very stain resistant. At PGC, we seal every countertop before it leaves our facility. Granite is also easy to clean and maintain and is beautifully stunning.
Marble—Marble is also a very popular stone. It has a beauty all of its own and is a great choice for fireplace surrounds, or a bathroom vanity. Marble is relatively hard, but not as hard as granite, so there is a chance for staining depending on the level of use. Some consumers choose to use marble in their kitchens for countertops, but do so knowing that spills should be wiped up quicker and any cutting should be done with a cutting board. Marble also comes a a wide variety of color options and with a little extra care, marble is relatively easy to maintain.
Limestone—Limestone offers a unique look and generally has a softer tone. It is the softest natural material available and therefore is not typically a good choice for kitchen countertops. Limestone however, works well for bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds. It is also appealing for floor tiles.
Slate—Slate offers a unique earthy look. It is a great material to use for flooring and comes in a variety of multi-colored choices. It comes in both a honed and cleft finish and often has a rugged, or weathered look. It is a softer material and thus not the best choice for kitchen countertops, but works well for fireplace surrounds.
Soapstone—Soapstone also offers a weathered look and is quite popular to some consumers. Scratching is considered normal for this stone and is part of its characteristic. Soapstone countertops require periodic sealing with mineral oil, which brings out the richness of the stone. Abrasive cleaners such as Ajax are recommended for cleaning as well as a bristle brush. Soapstone typically comes in two varieties, original and iceflower, both of which offer a unique look.
Onyx—Onyx is often considered a gemstone. It can be extremely fragile to work with, but has a stunning beauty all its own often with verigated formations. Onyx is not typically recommended for kitchen countertops, although we have fabricated some. It can be used for bar tops, fireplace surrounds and makes a unique furniture top.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on November 13th, 2007 by Barb | |
