2023-05-02
2020-12-29
There are dozens of surfaces available, ranging from natural stone, quartz composites, ceramic, wood, etc. And countertops comes in dozens of colors, patterns, and textures to satisfy any design goal. There's no one countertop that's ideal for every home, so the best material for your kitchen will depend on several factors: color, overall appearance, durability, stain and scratch resistant, and of course price.
The most common natural stones used to make countertops include granite, marble, soapstone and slate.
Granite is by far the most popular natural stone countertop material and comes in a wide array of colors, ranging from vibrant blues, browns to midnight black, deep red and white. It is cut into long, thick slabs and are polished to a glossy sheen, sometimes honed which is much less shiny and more of a matte sheen. Leathered granite has a slightly textured surface that lends a rustic, casual look to a installed place.
Marble is a high end natural stone that comes in fewer color patterns than granite. Marble is also relatively soft and porous, so it's not as stain resistant as granite. One should be careful when cutting or chopping though marble may show knife scars.
Soapstone & Slate both comes in far fewer colors than granite. Soapstone is porous and must be sealed with mineral oil to reduce staining. Slate on the other hand is non-porous and virtually maintenance free. Slate is relatively soft and minor scratches can be buffed out easily.
Often considered as an alternative to granite, quartz surfaces are a popular choice for kitchen countertops. More durable and long lasting than granite, quartz is one of the hardest materials in the world, making it a viable choice for countertops. As they are manufactured, the color and pattern possibilities are limitless - including varieties that are almost identical to granite or marble. One of the biggest benefits of quartz surface is that they are stain and heat resistant making them easy to maintain. The non-porous quality of quartz also makes it highly resistant to mold and bacteria contamination.
The trend in kitchen design for the past decade or so has shifted towards low-maintenance, seamless counters. As a result, there are fewer countertops covered with ceramic and porcelain tile, but that doesn't mean that we should totally disregard it for use. Tiles are mostly used for backsplashes and the thickness of the tile should be according to your application.
In conclusion, choosing the right countertop for your kitchen can have a significant impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of your space. With so many options available, it's important to do your research and select a material that suits your needs and personal style. If you're interested in high-quality natural stone countertops, Seven Seas Stones is one of the leading Natural Stone Suppliers in India, offering a range of beautiful and durable options to enhance your kitchen's beauty and functionality.
