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Has the time come for you to finally pick your kitchen countertop? If this is indeed the case then it’s definitely time that you begin weighing your options for a new countertop. There’s a world of wonders waiting for you when picking the next kitchen countertop. However, the problem – or the dilemma now is the fact that there are so many amazing countertop materials to choose from.
There are two primary types of kitchen countertops you can choose from. Man-made countertops and natural stone countertops. By the name itself, man-made countertops are those made by man and are usually derived from artificial materials such as binding resins and other artificial items that can be used for kitchens.
On the other hand, natural stone countertops are sourced directly from quarries worldwide. These quarries are located in many countries including Italy and the US. What’s great about natural stone countertops is that they are very durable but they do have their downsides too. But of course, the most apparent downside is that these kitchen countertops are very expensive.
Another downside is that more natural stone countertops are usually porous. Porous means that there are tiny miniscule holes within the surface of the countertop. This means that fluids and liquids can seep into the surface and can result in the development of mold and bacteria but thanks to sealing, natural stone countertops can become non-porous.
There are many natural stone countertops to choose from and we’re lying if we say that these aren’t some of the best of the best in the industry. For your next kitchen countertop, then it might be time to pick one of these amazing stone countertops for your kitchen or even your bathroom. It’s going to be a great investment on your end.
Marble
When people think of kitchen countertop ideas, they immediately think of marble. This isn’t very surprising though considering that it’s currently the most popular type of kitchen countertop out there. Previously, it’s only rich people that got marble countertops but lately, even regular people invest in marble countertops.
Sourced from select quarries in Italy, marble countertops is one of the most expensive countertops out there. There are many types of marble countertops and they range from $150-$250 per square foot. As you can see, it’s not really the most affordable countertop for your kitchen. The question remains, is it worth it?
Yes it is. Marble is one of the most durable kitchen countertops out there. Though porous, it has been made non-porous thanks to the sealing process. Marble can also increase the value of your home by a huge margin. Each slab of marble is unique from others so it’s a very good countertop to have.
When getting marble, make sure that you get the best quality of quartz. While more expensive, it will certainly be worth it on your end as what you’ll get is an amazing countertop that can last for several years without getting any issues. Of course, it still pays to be very caring for your marble countertop whether if it’s for the bathroom and your kitchen.
Granite
Another front runner in the natural stone countertop industry is granite. It’s one of the most popular kitchen countertops because of its warm tones and its price range isn’t that bad too. You can get it for around $100-$200 per square foot. It was in the top spot before granite. However, due to its massive popularity, it has become a common piece for the typical household, thus lowering its value.
You can find a ton of kitchen counters with granite countertops. However, since the trend dropped tremendously, the demand for granite is constantly on the rise again. THis is a great opportunity to invest in a great countertop material because it’s price is still relatively low. Eventually, the price of granite will soar once again and the value of yours will increase too.
One of the best parts about granite is that it’s not a hard countertop to source. It’s a very common countertop which is why it’s price has become more affordable as well. It may not be as popular as other countertops for now but if we’re talking about quality and aesthetic, nothing beats granite as a countertop.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a very unique countertop material made of stone. It is also one of the cheapest as well. You can get a slab of soapstone for around $80-$200 depending on the type you get. Despite being cheap, there are many merits to soapstone that people simply can’t live without for their kitchen.
This natural stone countertop feels soft to the touch, hence its name. However, it’s nice texture results in a few complications as well. Soapstone isn’t as durable as other kitchen countertops. It’s susceptible to scratches, dents, and chips. As such, you need to make sure that your soapstone is well treated by your contractor first.
Another downside to soapstone is the fact that it only comes in two colors. These are black and white. The good news is that these are very neutral colors for your kitchen so they aren’t going to be hard to match with other items in your kitchen. Hence, it’s a great option regardless of your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Dolomite
Another lesser known but very formidable countertop is dolomite. It’s a lesser known stone that’s getting more popular as well. Don’t confuse dolomite countertops with the mineral called dolomite but the mineral does make up a huge portion of the countertop’s make. Still, both are completely different things.
Dolomite is a sedimentary rock and it comes in contact with magnesium-rich groundwater as well. Once it comes in contact with that, it undergoes a serious chemical process that results in the unique streaks that make dolomite look more like quartz. Dolomite can be sourced from many locations which make it cheap as well.
Since it’s plenty to get and it’s less popular, dolomite has become one of the cheaper options on the market currently. It’s wise to invest in a dolomite countertop for now while the price is still relatively cheaper as compared to other countertop materials.
Quartz
Many would argue that quartz shouldn’t even be on this list because technically, quartz countertops aren’t actually made of pure natural stone. In reality, quartz countertops are only made out of 90% crushed quartz and the rest are binding resins which bind the entire countertop together. It can range from $100-$200 per square foot as well.
The rise of quartz as a popular countertop completely changed the industry. Due to its popularity, quartz basically resulted in the decrease of the price of granite. Despite not being exactly pure natural stone, quartz looks and feels like the real thing. As such, it’s also considered as a prime choice for your bathroom or kitchen countertop.
Due to the fact it’s engineered, quartz countertops can come in various colors and veining. As such, you can have one to fit your kitchen perfectly. It all really depends on your preference as well. Make sure that you weigh your options heavily as there’s just so many colors to choose from.
Onyx
Many people consider onyx as an exotic and unique countertop material. It’s called a banded rock. What this means is that it is lined with various strips of colors and textures which make it very appealing for a natural stone countertop. This unique trait is caused by different mineral concentrations in onyx.
It is a very durable and beautiful countertop material that’s the choice of many people. Of course, the biggest draw of an onyx countertop is it’s amazing quality and look. However, there is a downside to onyx countertops that many people think of resulting in them picking other countertops instead of this.
Onyx is one of the softest and most vulnerable countertops out there. As such, it undergoes a rigorous sealing process before being made into a countertop that can be used for your kitchen. When done properly, an onyx kitchen countertop can be a great addition to your home that not many will have.
These natural stone countertops might be a bit more expensive than other options on the market. However, if we’re talking about functionality and aesthetic value, then it’s definitely a fact that natural stone countertops are very durable and long-lasting. As such, the countertop you buy today will be there for as long as you want to.
While it may seem like a large investment on your end, think about the fact that a natural stone countertop can effectively increase the value of your home. That’s not even taking into account that these are very functional surfaces for your kitchen. As such, find a contractor who can get you a natural stone countertop for your kitchen so you can enjoy the benefits of one.
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