Kitchen Styles - Countertops - Stone

Granite

Polished granite countertops are a popular element of up-scale kitchens.  Such a natural stone top conveys a sense of beauty and warmth that is combined with a durable work surface. Food preparation, including rolling dough, can be done directly on the surface without scratching or staining. Because of its density and non-porous nature, granite is naturally cool surface; therefore, hot pans can be set directly on countertops without blistering or scorching.  There will be slight variations from slab to slab because of mineral content and veining which adds to the character of the natural stone. Granite is available in three different finishes: polished surface which is appropriate for most kitchens, a thermal finish which has a rough-textured touch and a honed finish which provides a matte surface. For most countertops the optimum thickness is 1¼”.

Marble

Marble is recrystallized limestone. Numerous minerals are present which account for the markings and color range associated with the product. Marble is available in white, red, green, yellow, and black. Some marbles feature directional patterns; others have more general overall design. Generally, the more colorful and decorative the marble, the more fragile it is. Each vein in stone is the result of natural discoloration from water. It is like a tiny fracture which, under pressure, can lead to breakage. Marble is soft and porous. This means it will stain easily if not initially sealed with at least two coats of penetrating sealer, and resealed frequently. White marble is softer and less dense than colored marble, so the staining concern is intensified. Yet dark marbles show scratches more easily.

Slate

A great combination of earth tone colors and finish makes this stone one of its kinds. The vibrant colors and unique textures make slates appropriate for interior as well as exterior applications. Because it is formed in layers, it can easily be split to expose beautifully textured surfaces. The usual colors of slates are earthy (various shades and mixes of browns, beiges, yellows), black, dark-grays, and greenish-gray but shades of pinks, purples and copper are also found. They usually exhibit lot of variations amongst the pieces quarried from the same pit. Slates, depending on their individual hardness, are used for flooring, cladding and landscaping.

Limestone

The muted tones of limestone are perfect for today’s more casual and comfortable lifestyles. Generally these soft beiges and tans, either polished or honed, is appropriate for bathrooms, fireplaces, counters and less-traveled flooring where a more informal décor is desired. Limestones are sedimentary rocks that are formed at the bottom of lakes and seas, as silt and organic matter settle to the bottom. As more and more layers build up over thousands and millions of years, adding more and more weight, the heat and pressure cause chemical reactions to take place to harden the sediments into solid stone.