Soapstone is versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of designs. It has remained a go-to countertop material due to its long-known physical properties and classic old-world aesthetic.
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Home renovations reach a new summit with genuine, durable, sustainable natural stone. Learn how to make your granite dreams a reality with eco-friendly, low-impact, choices from Mother Nature, and get insider knowledge from an industry leader to create inspirational spaces that can last a lifetime.
Home owners work together to renovate their patio featuring an outdoor kitchen.
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Compare countertop materials. Consider price, durability, and maintenance.
When choosing a countertop surface for your kitchen, there are a lot of factors to consider. If granite has made it to the top of your list, read through the article below to determine if its advantages and disadvantages make it a good choice for your family.
Marble has been a popular trend in kitchen countertops for the past several years. If you compare performance characteristics in a kitchen environment, granite is the better choice.
Granite and quartzite have very similar performance statistics. Quartzite is generally harder and denser and the pattern is more like marble which is appealing to many homeowners.
Limestone and travertine will etch when exposed to the acids and bases present in many cleaning products and common kitchen ingredients such as vinegar, bleach, citrus, and wine.
Onyx is not a good option for most countertops, but it does make for a beautiful backsplash. Its beauty and translucence make it appealing, but still not practical.
Slate slabs are generally small compared to marble and granite so more seams will be necessary to complete a kitchen project. In fact, many slate quarries are limited to tile production because of the sizes of usable material that exist.
Soapstone is quite soft, making it a favorite material for the DIY homeowner for use as countertops. It is also non-porous so there is no need to seal it.
Two of the newest countertop surfaces on the market today, are Porcelain and Sintered Surface. New technology and trial and error have given way to material that mimics the look of natural marble.
Nothing beats the warmth and traditional charm of butcher block countertops. Many homeowners are choosing to use a combination of wood and granite, or another hard surface, in their kitchens.