Tips for Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertops

There are many selection criteria for kitchen countertops. Combine them all and you will have the essential 2 in terms of choice: the practical and aesthetic one. Hence, the idea that a kitchen countertop should look good and be durable. From all types of materials available, natural stone comply both criteria with optimal results. Every natural stone is durable against mechanical shocks and abrasive agents. Keep in mind that all natural stones have a nice and pleasant look.

1. Granite Countertop

2. Marble Countertop

3. Slate Countertop

4. Limestone Countertop

5. Travertine Countertop

Therefore, choosing a natural stone kitchen countertop is essential, since it complies with every condition for optimum use and besides, it has tens of years of lifetime. Comparing features from different types of stone will help you choose the best countertop for you. Here are the differences between stones you should keep in mind before placing an order for your countertop:

• mechanical shock resistance – includes behavior to kicks and scratches. All natural stones handle fine mechanical shocks by tapping and mostly also by scratching. Comparing different types of natural stone, you will notice that granite and specific types of marble can handle scratches better compared to slate, limestone and travertine. Influencing the surface friction, abrasive agents have no effect in residential kitchens, but for restaurants / cafeteria.

• porosity – closely related with water absorption rate and also depending on natural stone density. Travertine, limestone and specific marbles have medium porosity. Slate and rest of marbles have low porosity, low absorption rate and granite is almost waterproof. Finish is essential when analyzing porosity. It was determined that glossy finish is less porous compared to honed finish, which in turn is less porous compared to brushed, polished or cracked. Due to specific requirements, countertop’s finish should be glossy or honed.

• resistance to corrosive factors – these are commercial detergents and food acids, which lead to staining followed by honing of glossy surfaces. Corrosive stains are hard to remove, therefore it is recommended to apply treatment for preventing their occurrence in the first place. Granite and slate are less likely to be attacked by corrosive agents compared to marble, limestone and travertine.

Temperature or tensile strength are other elements to consider, yet not as important. Taking this into account, you will be able to choose the best countertop on an informed basis. Here are the available options:

1. Granite Countertop – is the easiest choice because granite is one of the best options for countertops. Cut directly from a slab or obtained from cladding with suitable tiles, a granite countertop is very durable (6-7 hardness on Mohs scale) is virtually waterproof and withstands perfect against corrosive agents. Glossy options are the best solutions for kitchen countertops, in terms of durability against external factors.

photo source: lumberjacks.com

2. Marble Countertop – many different features, yet less durable against external factors. With 3-4 hardness on Mohs scale and a medium porosity (0.08% – 0.8%), average durability against corrosive agents, marble countertop is better than other kitchen countertops, in terms of look and color. After waterproofing its surface, marbledelivers elegant, beautiful and durable countertops.

photo source: greatlakesgm.com

3. Slate Countertop – is similar to granite countertop, yet with different durability against scratching. However, slate is more sensitive than granite. Otherwise, these 2 stones have similar parameters, so we recommend slate for your kitchen countertop, for cladding, but also for massive countertops.

photo source: myidealhome.us

4. Limestone Countertop – typical for calcareous stone. With 3-4 hardness on Mohs scale and sensitive against corrosive factors, it requires surface sealing. It is a medium porosity natural stone with minor color variation. With superior lifetime and premium look, limestone is a perfect choice for a kitchen countertop.

photo source: pinterest.com

5. Travertine Countertop – typical for calcareous stone, with medium water absorption coefficient and durability against corrosive factors. Travertine has a particular color variation, assisted by both an archaic look and rustic look and better highlighted compared to other natural stones. As a result and also because of its lower prices, travertine is a popular option for kitchen countertops. 

PIATRAONLINE recommends natural stone countertops as perfect options and invites customers to visit the website for a complete look at our product range.