When one is faced with selecting a countertop surface for the kitchen or the bathroom, the choices can be quite complicated and numerous. One of the top choices is stone, which is durable, beautiful, and can come in multiple finishes. However, what are the three types of stone countertops you ought to be on the lookout for? In the following article, the most common stone types for countertops will be focused on and the pros and cons of all will be evaluated. We will even offer pearls on what type of countertops materials, to consider while redesigning your kitchen or bathroom.
1. Granite Natural Stone Countertops
Granite natural stone is considered to be one of the best when we talk about natural stone countertops. There are many reasons such as its strength, beauty as well as color variety why people like it. Granite natural stone countertops are made from nuclear granite which is an igneous rock that is formed when volcanic eruptions occur. This type of stone is very popular because of its compact structure thus it is very hard to get scratches, heat, or stains on it.
Pros:
Durability: One of the biggest advantages of using granite is its great resistance to heat and scratching, thus lending itself perfectly to busy kitchens.
Aesthetic Appeal: Since the coloration of Granite is very diverse, it is very easy to accent any kitchen or bathroom that is being adorned with it.
Low Maintenance: All that is needed are sealed granite countertops and their cleaning and upkeep will not prove to be a big problem.
Cons:
Price: One negative aspect of granite is that it is not affordable especially when one chooses infrequent colors or designers.
Sealing: Granite countertops are expected to perform well with stain resistance. however, maintenance of this is only possible through the application of a sealer now and then.
In addition, many homeowners consider granite stone as the best kitchen countertop material because of the gadget’s beauty and functionality.
2. Quartzite Natural Stone Countertops
Another strong candidate for the title of the best stone for kitchen tops is quartzite. Because of the similarities between the two materials, there are some problems in differentiating them, quartz is an engineered material while quartzite is a metamorphic stone that has been developed from sandstone. It is known quite well that quartzite countertops are a natural stone, making it very durable & hard like granite but it has a very much closer look to marble instead.
Pros:
Marble-like Appearance: One of the disadvantages of marble as a kitchen surface is that it is porous and requires maintenance. Here, quartzite is the answer.
Durability: This can withhold the heat & the scratches making quartzite the best-fit option in a kitchen.
Versatility: It is available in many shades & bright colors and high gloss or low sheen finishing can be given.
Cons:
Cost: Another downside of quartzite is that it will generally be costlier, compared with the other types of stone countertops.
Sealing: Similarly to granite, quartzite also has a barrier that can also be removed through a very fine periodic sealing application.
People who want a material that possesses all the aesthetic qualities of marble and all the functional performance of granite must go for quartzite natural stone countertops.
3. Quartz Countertops (Engineered Stone)
Quartz worktops, unlike granite or quartzite, are not types of natural stones but rather fall under the category of types of made-up worktops. A quartz countertop consists of ground quartz embedded in resin – it is engineered to produce a hardened non-porous surface. This engineered stone has attracted many customers for its range of colors available and its maintenance is simple.
Pros:
Low Maintenance: There is no need to seal quartz tops, they are resistant to scratches, stains, and even bacteria.
Variety: In terms of variety, there is a lot of room to be Creative with quartz tops as they are not limited by natural stone colors or patterns.
Durability: Quartz is very tough and ranks up there with the best countertop stones for use in the kitchen.
Cons:
Heat Sensitivity: Quartz worktops are among the most durable manufactured stones for surfaces, however, they do not withstand high temperatures as well as natural stones such as granite or quartzite
Price: Quartz worktops are expensive, and prices match focus & luxury conception materials.
If a homeowner wants the look of natural stone but does not want the hassle of maintaining one, then quartz countertops will be a good option.
Natural Stone Countertops: Benefits and Disadvantages
Every material has its advantages and disadvantages and the same goes for natural stone countertops which you should keep in mind when comparing the other stone counterpart types. For instance, granite and quartzite are beautiful and long-lasting natural stones, but they call for a bit more upkeep in terms of routine sealing. There are internally made choices like quartz, which are low in maintenance however these are not as heat resistant or as real as natural stones.
Advantages of Natural Stone Countertops:
- Beautiful: All pieces of natural stones can be used to create the countertops as there is no uniformity in the composition hence making the stones most beautiful.
- Highly Element: Granite and quartz for instance are natural stones that are extremely high and very much able to cope with any wear and tear associated with days even-in activities.
- Fireproof: Most natural stones are heatproof because of their scarifying use thus making them suitable for kitchen tops.
Disadvantages of Natural Stone Countertops.
- High price: The ordinary granite or quartz countertops are generally less expensive to man-made than the cleanest stone surfaces.
- Care: Natural stone is susceptible to stains and dampness therefore needing the outward restoration surfaces such as sealing consistently.
How to Choose a Countertop Material?
How do I know what kind of countertops should I get? There are several factors which must be considered first.
- Durability: Any surface area that is going to be used in high-traffic use should consider the use of more durable materials, for example, granite and quartzite. Quartz countertops are also very strong but have a weakness in the heat.
- Maintenance: Natural stone is more maintenance-intensive than engineered stone. If you desire a cutting-edge look with low maintenance, a quartz countertop is a good choice.
- Aesthetic: For buyers who love pieces of natural stones with different patterns derived from veining, granite natural stone countertops or quartzite natural stone countertops suffice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a less varied pattern for your countertop quartz comes in various colors and patterns.
- Budget: This last option can be feasible even if natural stones are expensive, especially rare ones. Traditionally quick-fix manmade countertops for example quartz are likely to be on the chic side but they are likely to be more friendly on the pockets.
- Heat Resistance: If the surface will be subjected to high temperatures as in the case of a kitchen countertop it is advised that a material such as granite or quartzite which is heat resistant be selected.
Types of Man-Made Countertops
Even though we have concentrated on types of natural stone countertops, it is also important to look at types of man-made countertops. In addition to quartz countertops, which are the best-selling engineered stone option, there are other man-made materials as follows:
Laminate: Inexpensive and stylish, but won’t stand much abuse, unlike stone.
Solid Surface: These countertops give the illusion of being installed without any joints, however metal fittings on the edges are more common, and they can be more prone to scratches than other stones.
Concrete: Offers modern aesthetic and flexibility but its tendency to crack is a major drawback if the installation is not done thoroughly.
To sum up, there are three types of stone countertops that you should consider, granite natural stone countertops, quartzite natural stone countertops as well and quartz countertops. There are various benefits you get, for instance, granite offers durability whilst quartz has the advantage of low maintenance. When considering what type of countertops should I get, other factors like durability, maintenance, aesthetic appeal, and budget need to be taken into consideration.
In the case of a vitrine and well-fitted kitchen table or bathroom top, the most preferable choice is made of natural stone such as granite or quartzite. Such natural countertops as quartz are also reasonable but for those who want a more uniform and hassle-free look. No matter what you decide, I recommend purchasing geometrical stone counters as they will improve the design and usability of your space.
Granite natural stone countertops, quartzite natural stone countertops, and quartz countertops are three types of stone countertops that you must have in your home. In addition to allowing beautiful finishing, granite is among the most stones in the kitchen because of its strength and its availability in vast colors. Quartzite is beautiful such as marble and strong such as granite, and quartz countertops are easy-to-maintain imitations of stone surfaces. Every type of countertop has its benefits and demerits and hence choice may vary concerning the level of maintenance and durability as well as budget. We have a China factory where you will find all the kinds of stone materials you need for your project wholesale and you cannot buy them any other way.