$link = str_replace('content/', '', $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI']); $linkstring = str_replace(' ','',$link );

Remodeling your kitchen can become an intimidating project. There are plenty of beautiful and durable countertops to choose from but if you are in the early stages of renovations, you will need to do some research before committing to a type of natural stone.

Narrowing Your Selection

It’s important to consider the aesthetic of your kitchen before deciding on a type of natural stone for your countertops. Do you have a certain color palette in mind? You can find a wide variety of colors depending on which natural stone you choose. If you like to cook, some natural stones work better with extreme temperatures compared to others.

You’ll also want to think about your budget and how much square footage you’ll be needing for your project. It’s also important to consider the different grades that are available in each natural stone. Once you’ve decided on a remodeling plan, you can move forward with the selection process and create the kitchen of your dreams.

Granite

There’s a reason why granite is one of the most popular choices for natural stone countertops. It’s one of the most durable stones on the market. Granite can be very difficult to chip but if you do damage the stone, it is easy to patch up. Granite can also handle scorching hot temperatures. You won’t need to use pot holders or towels when placing hot dishes on the counters.

Granite countertops need occasional maintenance. It’s a porous stone that can soak up liquids. It’s important to wipe down the countertops with warm water and soap each day. You will also need to hire a professional to properly seal the countertops every few years. This will protect your investment from stains, chips, and scratches.

Granite comes in a wide variety of colors. You can find nearly 3,000 different colors and designs depending on where the stone is sourced. Shades range from bright shades of pink or red to deep blues and greens. Darker browns, blacks, and greys can also be found.

It used to be very expensive to use granite for countertops. Prices have dropped as supplies have increased over time and more sources are available across the world. There are many different factors that can impact pricing on granite countertops.

Quartz

Quartz is considered as a more affordable option for natural stone countertops. Technically, the stone is an engineered product. The stone contains about 93 percent quartz particles and 7 percent man-made materials. You will not find a solid quartz slab out in a quarry.

Quartz does not require as much maintenance compared to other natural stones. According to this website, it is stain-resistant and does not have to be sealed. Quartz can also handle hot temperatures so you won’t need to keep pot holders and towels nearby. You can keep your quartz countertops clean with warm water and soap.

You won’t find a wide variety of colors in quartz. There are more muted colors, including blues, greys, and whites. Some shades of quartz can actual resemble other popular options like granite, marble, and slate. However, you can expect to see more varieties of quartz as the stone becomes more popular over time. Pricing ranges between $60 to $150 per square foot.

Slate

Slate is one of the strongest and most durable natural stones on Earth. It would be very difficult to seriously damage your slate countertops. Slate holds up well to heat and will not scorch. However, slate can be brittle depending on the cut. Professionals recommend that homeowners have the edges rounded off to protect the stone from being too thin and breaking off.

Unlike granite or marble, slate is a non-porous stone. You won’t have to worry about liquids ruining the surface of your natural stone countertops. It is a low-maintenance option that is easy to protect over time.

Slate is the perfect choice if you are using a neutral color palette in your kitchen. The natural stone comes in muted colors in greys, blacks, and browns. Slate works well in both bathrooms and kitchens and can even be used as a backsplash.

It’s also an affordable choice for natural stone countertops. Slate prices average between $55 to $65 per square foot.

Marble

Marble is one of the most elegant and luxurious options for natural stone countertops. The stone comes in shades of white, grey, black or blue. Rarer colors include green and pink. All marble slabs feature a beautiful vein of color, a design that has become iconic over time.

This is a porous stone that is easy to stain, mark, or chip. Like granite, marble countertops need to be sealed every few years. Marble is a high-maintenance stone that requires plenty of upkeep. Spills must be cleaned up quickly to prevent a stain.

You can keep your marble countertops clean with warm water and soap. It’s important to read the ingredient list in your soap before purchasing. Acidic liquids can seriously damage the marble and put a dent in your investment.

Marble is heat-resistant and stays cooler for longer periods of time. This makes it easier to roll out dough and prepare meals. Many professional chefs prefer using marble in their kitchens for this particular reason.

Marble comes in either a glossy or matte finish. It’s important to see both finishes in person before making a final decision. You’ll also want to personally select the slabs of marble used in your home. Each slab is different and you’ll want your countertops to either match or compliment each other.

There are many factors that can impact the final price of your marble countertops. It’s important to consider where your marble is sourced from. Carrera marble is an affordable option because it is readily available. Different colors and patterns can also be more expensive.

Homeowners can also save money by purchasing marble tiles instead of marble slabs. You can also adjust the thickness in the marble to help stay in your budget. It’s important to reach out to several professionals and get quotes before making a final decision on your contractor.

 

If you live in the Rochester or Finger Lakes Region of New York, you’ll find professionals to help with your renovation project at www.FindTheHomePros.com.