Why Stone Countertops are Perfect for your Home
There is just a certain kind of beauty in stone countertops that other types of materials cannot match. Their appeal contributes greatly to making any space attractive. Place natural stone anywhere in your house, and it will draw visitors’ attention. It can even be an excellent conversation piece during home gatherings. There are many good reasons why stone countertops are perfect for your home, and we’ve laid out some of them in this article.
Makes your Home Look Stylish
Aside from the beauty that stone countertops add to your house, they also bring style to your kitchen, bathroom or any other space in your home. They are not something that ordinary or average folks are used to. So, if you intend to give your house a stylish feel and look, then you should consider having stone benchtops.
Durable Enough to Last Long
Natural stone materials are hard and sturdy which means that they are also durable. If you properly take care of your stone countertops, you can make them last for many decades. Probably the only reason you would have for replacing them is your desire to change your home’s look.
Does not Easily Get Stained
When stone countertops are sealed and cleaned properly, you can rest easy knowing that they won’t easily get stained. Whether you spill wine or any sauce on this surface, you do not have to worry about staining. Even nail polish can easily be removed by acetone, and the stone surface won’t be affected.
Timeless Appeal
Natural stone is a material that never goes out of style. Over the years, more and more homeowners are starting to realise that stone countertops are a great investment for their home. Natural stone benchtops are so valuable that they are one of the first things that real estate agents write on listings. When the time comes that you decide to put your property on the market, you won’t find it difficult to find buyers.
Some Things to Remember Before Buying Stone Countertops
There are some things you have to know about stone countertops before you decide which one to get for your home. Perhaps, one of the most popular concerns that people have about stone countertops is the maintenance and care they would need. You will find different answers to this question, but they all come down to the fact that stone countertops still need to be maintained and properly cared for. It only varies depending on the type of stone material you’re planning to get.
To help you answer whether stone countertops are ideal for you, we’ve also listed some things you have to consider. It is true that stone countertops are exceptional, but they are not for everyone. So, take a look at the factors below to know whether the material will suit your lifestyle.
The Type of Maintenance you Want
You have to determine whether you prefer ‘low-maintenance’ or ‘high-maintenance’ stone countertops. The level of maintenance depends on the type of stone material you will choose. Typically, softer stone materials like marble require sealing from time to time. By doing so, it will ensure that they will stay beautiful and strong enough to last for many decades.
The Environment your Stone Countertop Would be In
One of the things you have to consider is the environment that your stone countertops would be placed in. Will they be used for food preparation? Will they be constantly exposed to food-related acids, oils and other types of stains?
Particular Look for your Kitchen
You might be aiming for a particular look for your kitchen, and only a special kind of natural stone can achieve that. It is worth noting that some stone finishes work better with period or older homes. On the other hand, there are stone materials that work better in a contemporary-style home. Take onyx as an example. It has a creative and natural touch to it, but it goes better with modern-style homes due to its striking colours.
More Affordable Options
Some people want to enjoy the timeless and beautiful appeal of natural stone. However, they do not have the budget to get them. Thankfully, there are other options that provide a similar feel or look of natural stone. You might want to look at engineered stone countertops for inspiration. These are made of natural stone aggregates, so they have virtually the same appeal as natural stone.
Access to Natural Stone Outlet
It is important that you visit an outlet before you make a purchase. This will allow you to see the stone countertops in person and decide which will suit your taste better. It is worth noting that the natural veining and variability occurring in certain stone materials may not be completely visible on smaller samples. Having the ability to personally inspect the slabs helps you avoid surprises down the road.
Maintenance Involved with Stone Countertops
If you conduct some research online regarding stone materials, you might find conflicting opinions and information regarding how they should be cared for. It is important that you take your time and study the perspectives of different sources. This will allow you to come to an agreeable point where you can determine how you want your stone countertops to last and look.
Regular Sealing
It is unrealistic to expect stone to stay blemish-free and new without proper maintenance. The appearance, performance, and lifespan of your stone countertop will depend on the treatment and care you provide it.
Most natural stone materials are porous, so you have to immediately clean the surface when you spill cooking oil or wine. The two most delicate stones are marble and limestone. If they are not sealed, they will easily etch when exposed to citric juices, vinegar and other types of acidic liquids. Once etched, the surface will noticeably look dull.
You can avoid this type of deterioration and protect your investment by sealing your countertop. Re-sealing depends on the type of stone, the amount of abuse it will be subjected to and the cleaning materials and methods you would use.
Cleaning your Stone Countertops
When you have stone countertops, you have to be careful in selecting the cleaning solution you would use. Keep in mind that the cleaner’s chemical makeup must be compatible with the stone material. Otherwise, you might damage the sealing and make the surface dull. With the sealing damaged, the stone’s lifespan will be shorter, and it will become exposed to the elements.
Stone benchtops are a valuable investment for your home. However, it can be quite difficult to determine which material is ideal for you. If you want to know more about natural and engineered stone, contact Aurora Stone today. We will gladly assist you with your enquiries and help you find the right stone countertops for your home.
