The countertop is the heartbeat of the kitchen. It’s where you can prepare food, have casual meals with the family, pay bills, or help Junior with homework. Stone is the best countertop material for durability and character.
Each rock pulled from the earth has its own unique mineral color and veining. It does not matter if it is a solid, burgundy, or sky-blue quartzite.
Permanent too. Stone countertops can withstand heat and water but will not be damaged by hot pans or other liquids. A stone countertop requires little maintenance and planning to protect it from water marks, stains, and the etching that is often caused by acidic food. However, professional restoration can often be done, even in extreme cases.
We’ll explain the differences and give you money-saving advice. The final chapter will teach you how to bring your kitchen’s beauty and elegance into the Stone Age.
Stone Standards
These guidelines are key to a beautiful, durable counter.
Backsplash:Â Seal with silicone
Thickness:Â You can choose between 3/4″ or 1 1/4″ slabs.
Cabinets: The top goes directly on the plywood or base units.
Edges:Â Flat ones won’t crack as easily as squared ones.
Overhang equal or greater than the projections of drawer pulls.
All Stones Are Not Created Equal
Even the darkest granites aren’t immune to staining. Stone’s resistance to stains will depend on its chemical makeup and microscopic fractures that were formed millions upon millions of years ago. It doesn’t take a geologist or a scientist to figure out whether your counter is able to withstand a glass of vino. Do this simple test.
- Grab a sample piece. Apply a sealer.
- Put a few drops of ketchup on a plate. Put them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cleanse the surface each morning. You’ll be amazed at how well the surface holds up to accidental spills.
The Competition
These manmade materials can replicate the appearance of stones, even expensive ones such as lapis and onyx. Here are the durability, maintenance, cost, and price results.
Solid Surfacing
Moldable resins are used in special glues to make a seamless counter. Nonporous. Food cannot etch it. Stains can be removed easily. Sealers don’t need to be used.
How Do You Get It?
Who to Contact:Â Most stone yards/home centers offer a one-stop shop: You pick the stone, and they fabricate it for you. This includes cutting the holes for the sink and faucets and shaping the edges. Or, you can buy your slab direct from the retailer and have your own fabricator.
What they do:Â A crew prepares templates of the tops for your base cabinets. For retrofit jobs, it may be necessary to remove your existing counter. The dimensions are needed for the cutouts of the faucets and sinks.
Time Required:Â Allow for approximately one to three weeks to cut and seal the slab.
How it happens:Â Installers lay plywood onto the cabinets. There is no need to underlay thicker slabs. The installers lay the new counter and fill gaps between slabs using a color-matched adhesive. They mount the sink and faucet. A plumber may be required for final connections.
What is possible to go wrong? Contracts are rare. However, a good installer will repair any counter cracks, chips, scratches, or scratches during installation. He should also fix uneven overhangs, gaps, and other issues that could indicate slipshod templating. Expect the painter to charge you if your walls get damaged.
