It’s important to create a budget for your Connecticut home renovation project and natural stone countertops should be included. Natural stone countertops are beautiful and offer an elegant look to your home. They can also boost the resale value if you decide to sell your house in the future. While there are plenty of benefits to installing natural stone countertops in your home, it can become an expensive project. There are options available that can add a sophisticated touch to your home without breaking the bank.
Granite, A Natural Stone Countertop That Is Still Trending
Granite is one of the most popular options for natural stone countertops. There are nearly 3,000 different colors and designs available, with shades ranging from deep blues and greens to bright shades of pink or red. You can use complementary colors to boost the design in your kitchen or bathroom.
The stone has been known as an expensive material in the past but prices have dropped as supplies have increased over time. You can also save money on different sizes or choose tiles rather than natural stone slabs. Granite can withstand very high temperatures and you won’t have to worry about hot pans or dishes scorching your countertops.
Granite is a porous natural stone that can soak up liquids. If you decide on granite natural stone countertops, you’ll need to have a professional seal your natural stone every few years. This helps protect your natural stone countertops from scratches, chips, and stains. The natural stone countertop can be cleaned if you catch a stain early enough.
Granite is a very heavy material and can be difficult to install. It’s important to meet with a professional to go over your project before committing to a natural stone countertop such as. For more information, please visit slabmarket.
Another Common Natural Stone Countertop Choice Is Marble
Marble countertops are another popular and common natural stone used for countertops. It’s a luxurious natural stone that comes in a smaller range of colors. You can see marble slabs ranging from white, grey, black, or blue. Rarer colors include green and pink. Each natural stone marble slab features a gorgeous vein of color, a design that has become synonymous with marble.
This is a high-maintenance natural stone that requires plenty of upkeep. Like granite, marble countertops need to be sealed every few years. Marble is also a porous natural stone, meaning it’s easier to stain, mark, or chip. It is harder to clean marble stains compared to granite.
You might be able to use marble’s delicate natural stone to your advantage. Once you’ve chosen your preferred slab of marble, you can hire an artist to create your own special design in the natural stone countertop itself.
Keep your natural stone countertops clean with soap and warm water. It’s important to read the ingredient list in the soap before cleaning. You’ll want to avoid using products with acid. Like coffee and citrus juices, this material can harm your natural stone countertops.
Homeowners can choose between a glossy or matte finish in natural stone countertops. Each option offers a different finish. It’s important to visit a natural stone showroom or quarry in person to select your marble slab. No pieces are similar and they’ll need to complement each other in your home. Pricing can vary in marble. Some types of marble natural stone, including carrara marble, can start as low as $40 per square foot.
Quartz, Another Beautiful Natural Stone Countertop
Quartz is a popular option for natural stone countertops. While quartz is technically an engineered product, the stone contains about 93 percent quartz particles and 7 percent of man-made materials. Solid quartz slabs are not produced by just quarrying.
The stone is produced as a low-maintenance option compared to marble and granite. Quartz does not have to sealed like other stone countertops. Quartz countertops are easy to keep clean and are stain-resistant. You won’t have to worry about keeping hot pans or acidic liquids off of the natural stone countertops.
Quartz is a fantastic option if you are looking to save on natural stone countertops. Since the stone is not completely natural, it is one of the more affordable options available. You can also save by choosing different slabs, tiles, or size of materials. You can expect to see more varieties in quartz styles and pricing as the stone becomes more popular. Pricing usually ranges between $60 to $150 per square foot.
Slate A Non Porous Natural Stone Countertop
You won’t find a wide variety of colors when picking slate countertops. The natural stone comes in more muted colors, including grey, black, pewter, or brown. It’s a versatile stone that is non-porous and is easy to maintain. Slate works well in kitchens, bathrooms, or as a backsplash.
Slate is not easy to chip or scratch. You’d have to do some serious damage to notice imperfections in your countertops. The stone holds up well to heat, making it a perfect choice for the kitchen. However, slate can also be brittle, depending on the cut. Professionals advise homeowners to have the edges rounded off to protect yourself from getting hurt.
Slate is one of the most affordable options for natural stone countertops. Prices average between $55 to $65 per square foot.
Soapstone, A Natural Stone Countertop Resistant To Stains
Like slate, soapstone is a natural stone countertop that comes in deep, rich colors. This can include greys, blacks, and browns. Some stones have veins of white flowing through the material. Like marble, no slab of soapstone is alike. Soapstone has historically been used to build countertops and bathrooms. The stone has a smooth and silky feel and is resistant to stains.
Soapstone will scratch overtime, much like granite and marble. However, this will offer an antique look to your home. If you aren’t thrilled with the timely look you can consider a seal. Some damage can be buffed out, depending on the severity of the stain or chip. Experts say you can clean minor spills yourself with balsamic vinegar and warm water. All soapstone surfaces must be treated with mineral oil.
Soapstone can withstand some higher temperatures but it’s best to protect your natural stone countertops with pot holders and coasters. Keep your counters clean with soap and warm water. Your soapstone counters may darken over time.
No matter what natural stone you select for your home, you’ll have a wide variety of options that can impact your final bill. It’s important to check out all the options available, consider your project, and get more than one estimate from a professional. Consider your choices in countertops when whilst choosing kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators. Natural stone countertops can last a lifetime if properly cared for.
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