In a World of Solid Surface Counters, Reasons to Go Natural
There’s no question that natural stone can create that high-end look you're chasing while designing your kitchen. Natural stone is a premium material that can create the “WOW” factor in an interior design. Like anything else, natural stone comes with its own set of pros and cons that you should weigh carefully when choosing finishes while planning your remodel.
Natural stone includes granite, quartzite, marble, limestone, and soapstone. These stones all have a few disadvantages in common - replacements and repairs are known to be very hard to accomplish, it’s an expensive finish option and maintenance for natural stone can get costly as well. Each piece is unique, making replacements nearly impossible. Should you ever need to match a tile or slab, finding an exact color match is challenging due to limited availability. If the stone gets chipped, repairing these stones can be quite difficult.
Investing in natural stone can significantly impact your project budget. Natural stone countertops run more expensive than any other countertop options comparatively. The cost of the stone itself, along with installation and maintenance expenses, can make it a very pricey purchase. Maintenance on natural stone is something to consider before deciding on what material to install. Because most natural stones are very porous, they are prone to staining. They need to be sealed once annually, or every 6 months if you cook and use your kitchen often. Sealing your stone will prevent bacteria growth and discolouration from oil, wine, or acidic liquids.
Although natural stone is hard to match, expensive and requires a higher level of maintenance than some other finish options, there are several advantages to consider as well. Advantages include its timeless beauty and variety. With tender love and care, natural stone can last decades longer than other engineered materials. On top of that, the luxurious look and long lifespan can increase the resale value of your home.
With its organic patterns and beautiful colors, natural stone adds a touch of luxury to any space. Natural stone comes in a variety of options, including granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, and travertine, which allows homeowners to choose a material that best suits their style preferences and functional needs. There’s something about having a beautiful, natural stone in your home that people really tend to gravitate towards. It speaks to that human craving to have nature implemented in our interior spaces.
Natural stone countertops typically last longer than synthetic countertop materials. With regular maintenance and sealing, natural stones stand the test of time, maintaining their beauty and functionality for a long time. Additionally, natural stone's durability and resistance to scratches, heat, and wear make it a long-lasting investment for your home, especially granite and quartzite.
Because of its premium look, feel and durability, installing natural stone countertops can increase the resale value of your home. The property value of homes with natural stone in the kitchen tends to be higher than those without natural stone. This high end look tends to be a very attractive feature that potential home buyers want in their new home. This is something to really consider if you think you may sell your home in the future. All that to say, natural stone may be an investment in your home, as well as give you the beauty you're dreaming of, and the durability you need. So, carefully consider what the best choice for you and your household is.
