Types of marble and the best alternatives for kitchen countertops
For those who are going to remodel or create their kitchen from scratch, every detail is precious. From cabinets to kitchen countertops, everything must be chosen with care and attention, as it will be in this scenario that you will prepare the next meals. In this article, we talk about the types of marble , their use in kitchen countertops and what are the best alternatives.
Historically, pure marble was widely used in kitchen countertops, both for its price and the ease of finding this resource. Nowadays, marble continues to be used in civil construction and interior decoration; however, it is no longer usual to find kitchen counters that are entirely made of marble.
The vast majority of kitchen countertops available today combine various materials , such as stone, sand and various types of marble.
To choose a kitchen countertop, you must balance your personal taste with the following factors:
- Durability
- Cost
- Maintenance
It is useless to choose a cheap material that will need constant maintenance or a bench that will last a lifetime (at a gold price!) For a house where we will live just a few more years. However, we must not neglect comfort and functionality; after all, we all need a practical and complete kitchen ! So, before choosing the type of marble and other materials that will compose your countertop, you should think about how, when and for how long the countertop will be in use title = ”Kitchens”. It will be this analysis that will show you the most suitable material.
Natural Stones
For centuries, stone has been used by nearly all civilizations. Each corner of the world and each layer of earth yields a multitude of stone varieties, and a uniqueness within each stone, giving you a vast palette of possible applications wherewith to create your masterpiece.
Sinks
Large selection of Kitchen Sinks, Bathroom Sinks and Bar Sinks
Engineered Stones
Engineered stone is a composite material comprising of crushed natural quartz, pigments and polymer binders (resin) used to emulate natural stone. It is used primarily for kitchen tops, countertops, worksufraces and bathroom vanity slabs.
Faucets
We carry faucets from Kohler, Brizo, Moen, Rohl, Grohe, Delta and Hansgrohe brands
Types of marble and kitchen countertops
Stone and marble countertop
Granite and marble are included in the category of stone countertops . These stand out for their resistance to various aggressions; however, most stones react negatively to acids (such as vinegar and lemon juice), and may lose color and stain.
It is very difficult to find stone countertops or any type of marble that is one color. Usually, they retain the natural effect of the stone, that is, a mixture of shades. Therefore, if you are looking for a one-color countertop, these materials are not the most suitable.
Quartz Countertops
One of the most luxurious options is the countertops made of quartz stones . Like marble and granite, quartz is very resistant to sharp objects, but reacts negatively to acidic or chemical products.
This type of countertops has a very limited color palette, usually found in solid colors. It combines perfectly with kitchens with classic decor, recovering the opulence of imperial kitchens.
Granite or marble?
The granite kitchen countertops and marble stones are both noble and aesthetically very beautiful, ma s is important to understand the characteristics of each one to make the right choice for the kitchen sink!
Think about that specific part of the room. In the sink, all household utensils, dishes and appliance parts are washed. In addition, many foods are cut on the surface: we handle acidic substances, foods that give color and so on. That is, this material cannot absorb much water, as it will always be wet. It must also be resistant to cracks, stains and scratches, so that it can last for a long time, without losing its beauty.
Features of granite
The granite is a type of rock formed by minerals such as quartz, feldspar, mica, among others. Granite tiles come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, styles and shapes to match any kitchen.
In addition to being beautiful, granite kitchen sinks are highly durable and very resistant to heat. Granite is also extremely scratch resistant, very hygienic and easy to clean. It is no wonder that it is one of the most frequent choices for both the sink and the kitchen countertops.
However, some granite models and colors (especially the lighter ones) can absorb liquid and stain over time. For this, it is necessary to waterproof the part, with specific products for this function.
Features of marble
The marble is a metamorphic rock derived from limestone and widely used in general construction and decoration. Their colors and designs vary according to the metamorphic degree and the ores present in each rock. Like granite, it can be smoothed and polished to produce various decorative and functional pieces that we see in stores.
Marble is highly valued as a building material and therefore tends to be relatively expensive. It is more porous than granite and, therefore, ends up absorbing more water and creating stains. In addition, it has a greater propensity to deform and even break or chip, as it is a less resistant stone.
Despite this, marble can also be treated to become waterproof, with specific products. Always remember to consult the opinion of professionals, before buying and waterproofing your pieces, as you may end up damaging the stone.
Now it’s up to you!
Does a granite or marble kitchen sink weigh on your budget? An affordable alternative to a solid stone sink is made of acrylic material or even a quartz stone surface, but with resin in its composition ( synthetic stone based on quartz). The additional advantage of this model is the considerably greater resistance and the lower porosity (and therefore more resistant to stains) when compared to natural stones.
Do not postpone until later, call us right now by phone:
1 (908) 231-6677
or send us a request by e-mail:
info@unitedgranitenj.com
We will be happy to create your dream quartzite countertops !
Blog posts about Quartz Countertop
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