Stone is Number One for Kitchen Counters

Natural Stone is Number One for Kitchen Counters

A key element to making a kitchen both elegant and functional is a great countertop. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the number one choice for surfaces and countertops.

However, people are moving away from shiny granite and going for matte finishes such as soapstone and slate in kitchen countertops, says Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail, CO. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel. While it can easily scratch, soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. A new smooth and durable countertop material on the market may provide an alternative: Jerusalem stone resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft and therefore not as susceptible to stains.

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most common remodeling projects, and consumers dedicate a great deal of time and money to make their rooms elegant and functional. An easy place to start is with countertops. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the No. 1 choice for surfaces and countertops. However, people are getting away from shiny granite and going for a more natural look in kitchen countertops, said Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail. Mat finishes like soapstone and slate are more popular than ever, he said.

Soapstone
Soapstone is quarried just like marble and granite with components of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel; however, it can easily scratch. Soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Soapstone comes in blue, green and gray, and if mineral oil is applied consistently, it will bring out a charcoal-gray color making it look older and much more elegant.

Slate
Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. Composed of seabed, slate stone reflects hues of dark green, blue and black. Just like soapstone, if mineral oils are applied to it, the colors will be enhanced to a darker glowing hue.

Jerusalem stone
A new countertop in the market is Jerusalem stone, which resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft. People love limestone, but they’re afraid of red wine or tomato sauce staining it. As the name suggests, Jerusalem stone is quarried from areas around Jerusalem. Many people favor it because of its durability, which is like granite, and its smoothness, which is similar to marble. It sets up a nice framework for natural woods and for darker woods.