Natural countertops are at the top of the list when it comes to what’s hot in today’s homes. Granite, marble, slate, and limestone all offer a unique beauty provided by nature, but each one comes with its own set of qualities. It is important to point out these qualities to potential customers, so they are aware of the benefits and natural characteristics of stone.
Granite is by far the best choice and the most popular stone for natural countertops. It is not only the hardest and most durable material available, but also the most stain resistant. It comes in a wide variety of colors and its beauty lasts more than a lifetime. It is also easy to clean and maintain.
Marble is also quite popular, especially for bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds. It is also among one of the most beautiful stones available in the market today. It is a relatively hard material, but it is not as hard as granite. Depending on the environment it is in, there is a chance of staining. Marble also comes in quite a large variety of colors. With proper care and maintenance, marble is relatively easy to maintain.
Slate offers a unique look. It is great for floor tile, but not the best choice for kitchen countertops. It is a relatively soft material and can stain rather easily. It is also not the easiest material to clean up. However if you are looking for a “weathered” look, it is quite appealing.
Limestone also offers a unique look. It is great to use for fireplace surrounds, but use caution when recommending it for kitchen countertops, and bathroom vanities. It is the softest natural material available and therefore the easiest to stain and scratch. It is extremely porous and therefore use of an acrylic based sealer (which adds a sheen to the appearance) is recommended to protect it.
While each material offers a unique beauty all its own, it is important to point out their characteristics and then let the customer decide which natural surface material fits their needs.
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