How countertops can add beauty to your home

There are a couple of materials that are available that you can consider using for your countertop.  Try out the virtual option at marble.com - it helps to have a proper look at the different choices to see which looks best for you. This way you get to actually see and visualise each kind of colour, design, and material according to your taste. If you are designing a kitchen from scratch or planning on remodeling your kitchen, there is plenty to love about using these choices below for a countertop.

Marble is waterproof and heatproof, and outstandingly beautiful. It’s an exceptionally stunning stone, with unique veining. Because no two sheets of marble are ever exactly the same, each marble countertop will be completely unique. It’s the perfect choice for those wanting to add class and give a luxurious look and feel to their kitchen.

Another timeless stone is quartz. Because it’s low-maintenance, it never needs to be sealed. All you need is mild soap for daily cleaning. It’s also antimicrobial which means stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew can't penetrate the surface. Over and above, it’s design-friendly because the resins make quartz more flexible than natural stone, giving more allowance for bending and shaping.

To elevate the design of your kitchen or bathroom to a new level, this is the stone you’re looking for. It’s on the pricey side, but granite countertops have a number of advantages over other materials that make them well worth the price. For one, granite is usually more durable than many other types of material and stands up against daily wear and tear. It’s very hard, so it also resists scratches, and is heat-proof. When it comes to stains, you will never have to worry about them on granite countertops.

This attractive stone has subtle shifting in coloration and is less bold than marble or granite. You can find distinctive shades of charcoal, gray, and brown, and some slabs might have highlights of green, blue or red. It’s non-porous which makes for easy clean up and slate helps to keep bacteria and mold away. Since it doesn’t absorb liquids easily, it won’t get stained easily either. It’s also quite resistant to chips and scratches. It’s very attractive in looks as well as in price being more affordable than other options.

Limestone has a smooth granular surface and it varies in hardness. It can be polished but is not as shiny as marble or granite. Limestone adds glamor to your kitchen. For example, dark limestone pairs beautifully with stainless steel appliances. Before you install your countertops you should seal your limestone against liquids. After that, it’s advised to seal your countertop at least once a year. Water-based sealants offer the best protection for your limestone countertop.

If you want to go for something different, soapstone might be the choice for you. Soapstone has an inviting and milky look, due to the high amount of talc in the stone. This material starts out in a great natural gray color but it may darken over time. Homeowners enjoy it for its uniqueness, despite it being a bit costly. It blends in nicely with rustic or cottage and farmhouse kitchens. 

The range of materials used for kitchen countertops is long and diverse. To choose the best one for you, think about your kitchen habits and needs, as well as your overall kitchen design. There are several other options more than the ones mentioned, such as onyx, gemstone and even concrete, which has been quite trendy the past years. You can also consider mixing material and patterns; like a dark granite for counters and a lighter one for the kitchen island. When searching and picking, don’t knock out any option before you know more about it.