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By Tim Sousa
Stone countertops are a popular option in kitchens these days. They have a rich, luxurious look, and they are durable. You can have a stone countertop in the form of a single slab of material, or individual tiles. If you choose a stone countertop for your kitchen, be sure to choose the one that will work the best for your needs. Most stone countertops require very little maintainance, other than regular staining or oiling. Stone countertops come in a variety of colors and finishes, including high gloss, and matte.
Granite countertops are the most durable stone countertops. Granite will not crack or chip, and is extremely heat resistant. If you aren’t careful, however, you can end up breaking glasses or dishes if you set them down too hard. Granite comes in several colors, and a polish that won’t wear off. You will need to reseal granite countertops about once a year, since granite is a porous material.
Soapstone is made up mostly of a mineral caled talc. Soapstone countertops are popular in modern and country style kitchens. If you get a stain on a soapstone counter, it can easily be sanded out of the counter. Soapstone countertops often come with flaws, which add character. A rubdown with mineral oil will bring out the color of soapstone, and make it shine.
Marble countertops are commonly found in bakers’ kitchens. It makes an excellent surface for working with dough and pastry. Marble is more porous than granite, so it needs to be sealed more frequently to prevent stains. Marble is not as hard as some other stone countertops, so it may be best to use marble only for small sections, rather than the main countertop surface.
Slate countertops come in various tones of grey, green, purple, and black. Slate is becoming a popular choice for kitchen countertops. It is stylish and durable, making it an excellent choice for counter surfaces. Like soapstone, slate countertops should be rubbed with mineral oil regularly, to bring out the beauty of the material. Small scratches can be removed with a damp sponge. Deeper scratches can be buffed out with steel wool.
Limestone is made up of the mineral, calcite, which has a neutral tone. Limestone is more porous than other stone countertops, and will stain easily. It should be resealed regularly to help prevent stains.
Quartz countertops are composed of natural quartz, mixed with epoxy resin binders. Quartz makes a hard, durable countertop surface. It is non-absorbent, so it is very stain resistant. Quartz countertops are pretty much maintainance free. Just wipe off the counter with a sponge and warm water. Quartz countertops come in a wide array of colors. Different pigments are added to the epoxy binder. So, chances are, you’ll find a color to match your kitchen decor.
Lava is an unusual countertop material. The lava is quarried in France, then enameled and fired. Lava stone countertops have a high gloss finish, and like quartz, you can find these countertops in a wide array of colors.
When it comes time to replace your kitchen countertop, you may want to consider a stone countertop. They come in a wide array of materials, finishes, and colors, and they last. They may cost a bit more than other countertops, but the money spent is well worth it.
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