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The future market projection is that countertops made from natural stone, such as granite, will continue to be a great choice for kitchen countertops in both value and functionality through to 2007 at the very least. The demand for natural stone continues to be a high consumer concern as more people look for the style and the luxury that natural stone can offer. There are many reasons that natural stone is becoming the first choice for builders and home owners around the world, the top of the list being of course that natural stone is much more durable than any other material for kitchen countertops.
Different types of natural stone:
There are many different types of stone that you can choose from when it comes to your kitchen countertops depending on the look that you’re going for and how hard you want the stone to be.
Granite: Granite is by far the most common natural stone to use for kitchen countertops. Because granite is a natural material it comes in a wide choice of colors and patterns that nature has created. A few years ago many remodeling and building budgets couldn’t afford to buy granite but that has changed with the advanced technology that is available to cut and fabricate the stone. Some of the benefits of using granite for kitchen countertops include:
· Granite is strong and durable.
· Granite is resistant to stains. If granite is sealed it becomes even more strong and durable.
· Granite is resistant to high temperatures.
· You can buy granite in a wide variety of colors and patterns to match any décor in your kitchen.
There are some slight disadvantages to using granite for countertops however most people won’t see this as a deterrent when it comes to using granite in the kitchen:
· Granite can be scratched if not taken care of.
· Some seams in the countertop may be evident if the granite has a grain or a pattern that is strong with color and design.
· Unless you’re experienced, granite countertops will need to be installed by professionals.
Jerusalem stone: This natural stone looks like much like a limestone but it isn’t quite as porous or soft as limestone. Many times people avoid using limestone for kitchen countertops because it isn’t resistant to some stains, such as red wine. This is where Jerusalem stone is gaining popularity: it has the look of limestone but is as hard and durable as granite. Jerusalem stone is dark gold, light gold, or tan beige in color, which means that you can get all the color variations of warm sand colors into your kitchen décor. It will nicely complement and accent darker kitchen cabinets, such as cabinets made of cherry wood, or it will nicely define cabinets that are made of walnut.
Quartz: Natural quartz that is found in quarries is also becoming more popular as a choice for kitchen countertops. Natural quartz has a blue-gray tint to it so it is perfect for most color themed kitchens. Quartz is strong and durable, won’t scratch or stain, and has a very calming and smooth appearance to it that many home owners are looking for.
The fabrication and finishing of natural stone:
The fabrication and finishing of natural stone countertops is crucial to the final result. The more time that you focus on the finishing of the countertops the better your new kitchen countertops will look. You have two choices when it comes to the slab of natural stone that you’re going to be using for your kitchen: (1) you can buy a finished piece that will then be fit to your kitchen sink and stovetop, or (2) you can start from the beginning with a template. A template allows you to get the exact measurements
The cost of installing your natural stone will be determined by the size of the project and the type of natural stone that is used. Natural stone that is of single thickness will be significantly cheaper that stone that needs to be elaborately cut, such as stone slabs for a fireplace. Included in the price will be the cost of your stone kitchen countertops will be:
· transportation costs
· measurements and the templates that are used
· cutting the stone
· polishing the stone
· the delivery of the stone to the project site
· the final installation of the countertops
If you want a custom design keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a bit more for this privilege.
When your natural stone kitchen countertops are installed the fabricator installing them will try to determine the layout of the stone according to the pattern of the natural veining in the stone. The fabricator will also try to minimize the pieces of natural stone slabs that can’t be used.
Countertop finishes:
Another reason that natural stone countertops are becoming the standard for kitchens is the finished that can be used, particularly on granite. Some of these finishes include:
· an abrasive finish
· an acid etched finish
· a honed finish
· a sandblasted finish
· a polished finish
· a brushed finish
The finish that you choose for your kitchen countertops will reflect the rest of the styling in your kitchen. When you choose natural stone for your countertops you’ll be joining the growing number of home owners that understand the beauty and the functionality of using stone for home projects.
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