Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Types of Stone Countertops

Countertops withstand a lot of abuse from hot pans, dropped items and knives. Laminate and tile are two material possibilities but they easily become cracked or discolored. Stone, however, offers the most stable and resilient countertop surface regardless of whether it is in the bathroom, bar or kitchen area. Several different types of stone countertops are available, each offering different characteristics and maintenance issues.

Granite

    Composed of feldspar and quartz, granite countertops have various coloration patterns and are quite resistant to chemicals and scratches.

Soapstone

    Composed of talc, dolomite, chlorite and magnesium carbonate, soapstone is non-porous, meaning it does not react to chemicals. In addition, it is resistant to heat and stains.

Marble

    Quite decorative with its crystallized veined appearance, marble comes in a variety of colors but requires a sealant and routine maintenance due to its vulnerability to stains and scratches.

Limestone

    Resistant to muggy conditions and available in a variety of colors, limestone is quite durable and can handle heat. However, its surface reacts to acids and requires a sealant for protection.

Slate

    Virtually non-porous, slate requires no sealant as it is impervious to stains. Slate is primarily black or dark gray although dark blues, reds, greens and purples have been quarried.

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