This means it's also the most durable, making it great for family kitchens that get a lot of use but still want that element of luxury. It's also one of the most scratch- and heat-resistant natural stones available. Granite will need to be resealed regularly to maintain its longevity. If you're wondering where it comes from, granite is basically the crystalized form of hot liquid magma. Where to buy it: Artistic Tile. Marble has pretty much become synonymous with every type of natural stone or humanmade composite we see.
But it's actually pretty specific. Interestingly, marble is a composite of a variety of minerals, including calcite, graphite, and more. It's one of the softer natural stones, which makes it a little less durable. Where to buy it: Il Granito. Iridescent and translucent, onyx originates in limestone caves and is formed from water dripping, which creates beautiful, unique veining.
You can find it in vibrant shades of pink, green, orange, and more. It's super soft, even more so than marble but as much as its cousin calcite , which sparkles with crystals —that means it's a little less durable.
But with the right sealant, it can become more long-lasting and resistant, though wear and tear should be expected over time. Travertine is very similar in makeup, as it also comes from limestone caves and hot springs.
Calcite, travertine, and onyx are the only natural stones that can be backlit, which makes their natural glow even more beguiling. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram. Design Inspiration. Room Ideas. How to Renovate. Shopping Guides. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories.
The 10 Best Plants for Fall Color. Katie Hodges Design. Heidi Callier Design. Dzek Dzek Dzek. DeVol Kitchens. Leanne Ford Interiors. Aria Stone Gallery. These individual decisions all impact each other and can ultimately make the entire process overwhelming! Many find it easy to start the kitchen design process with countertop selection, but unfortunately that can raise even more questions! What material interests you? What is the best material for your lifestyle?
Do you need an easy-to-maintain stain-resistant surface? What kind of designs are you loving? What is your style type? The questions seem endless and essentially the primary question is this: what material is going to give you the best balance between beauty, style and maintenance? You are in luck!
Construction Resources offers a vast range of countertop options including natural stone , quartz , porcelain , etc. The industry professionals at CR will be able to walk you through the durability and maintenance of each product while keeping your aesthetic and style in mind. The Design Consultants and Project Managers have ironed out the differences of each surface and will be able to give you knowledgeable answers and advice. For more questions about countertops in the Atlanta area contact Construction Resources to speak with an industry professional.
Granite has been the number one kitchen countertop option for homeowners for several years. While it has more competition than in the past, granite remains to be a top choice among homeowners because of its natural composition, exquisite looks, and designs that cannot be replicated.
Each slab appears to be different than the next, making every piece one of a kind. Granite is a hard, unique natural surface that can withstand heat, making it very appealing to busy families for their day to day interactions.
While it does not chip or scratch easily, if nicked just right there is the possibility of etching or other damage. To keep your granite tops in the best condition it is recommended to seal it yearly, depending on frequency of use. Quartz is a man-made, extremely durable, low-maintenance, tough surface option. Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz countertops are non-porous meaning it will not stain or scratch and does not require sealant.
However durable, it is not completely resistant to heat and can be damaged if boiling pots or pans are placed directly on the surface. Pros: Low-maintenance, non-porous, repairable Cons: not heat-resistant, will show scratches. Corian Quartz, Formica Solid-Surfacing, and Silestone, are a few of the quartz composites now available. The main differences between engineered stone and traditional solid-surfacing materials are that engineered stone is much harder and has a depth, clarity and radiance not found in solid surfaces.
Pros: extremely durable, very low-maintenance, wide array of colors and patterns Cons: expensive. Concrete counters, which closely resemble natural stone, continue to be popular for people interested in a truly custom countertop.
A variety of colors are achieved by adding pigments to the concrete during mixing. Once cured, the slabs are honed and sealed to prevent staining. Cracking is always a concern with concrete, and fabricators often use wire mesh, metal rebar, or fiberglass or stainless steel fibers to strengthen the counter. Pros: scratch- and heat-resistant, available in virtually any color Cons: expensive, needs sealing. Plastic laminate—which is often referred to by its tradename, Formica—is a surprisingly durable material that can survive many years in the toughest kitchens, which is surprising when you consider that plastic laminate is made primarily of kraft paper impregnated with resins.
It comes in literally hundreds of colors and patterns, and in various textures. However, only those with a matte or fine-matte finish should be used for countertops.
Never use a textured laminate for a kitchen counter; its raised ridges will start to show wear rather quickly. Only general-purpose laminate is suitable for countertops; vertical grade is for backsplashes, and cabinet doors and drawer faces. Plastic laminate comes in sheets ranging from 2x4 foot to 4x8 foot Longer and wider sheets can be special ordered.
Another plastic-laminate option is called post-formed counters. Available at certain lumberyards and home centers, ready-to-install post-formed laminate counters have the front edge, countertop surface and backsplash all fabricated and formed into one seamless slab. Pros : Most affordable material, lots of colors and patterns, surprisingly durable Cons: Can chip or scratch, not heat-resistant, low resale value.
The trend in kitchen design for the past decade or so has shifted toward low-maintenance, seamless counters. As a result, there are fewer countertops covered with ceramic or porcelain tile. Just be sure to use tiles rated for use on floors or countertops. Never use wall tile on a counter. Tile is often applied to a plywood substrate or directly over existing plastic laminate countertops.
Pros: Affordable, lots of choices, ceramic tile is non-porous Cons: Regular grout resealing needed. Wood countertops are a great choice for a work surface. In fact, according to a University of Wisconsin study in which microbiologists intentionally contaminated wooden cutting boards during testing,
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