Ready to treat yourself to a kitchen upgrade? If so, then you may want to consider incorporating some beautiful natural stone into your updated kitchen space. Not only is stone naturally durable, but it comes in a nearly endless array of colors and styles to suit your tastes. Whether you’re thinking about stone for your countertops, backsplash, flooring, or any combination thereof — you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from that are sure to make your new kitchen pop!
Top Five Stone Options For Kitchens
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of stone options that can be incorporated into your new kitchen design, these are some of the most popular stones in kitchen remodels today.
1. Quartzite
Not to be confused with quartz (which is an engineered stone), quartzite is a unique metamorphic rock that is extremely hard and resistant to scratches. It offers a very similar look to granite but tends to be more affordable. Like granite, it also comes in just about any color and style imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a more modern look or something a little rustic, you can find options to suit you or your client’s design tastes.
Most often, quartzite is used as a kitchen countertop material due to its scratch-resistance. It is worth noting that this stone is dense and not very porous.
2. Granite
These days, granite is frequently found in kitchen spaces. It is often used as a kitchen countertop material, but there are other potential applications for granite as well, including backsplashes and even flooring.
There are many benefits to using granite in your kitchen, starting with incredible durability. It is extremely heat-resistant and scratch-resistant, which makes it a popular choice for countertop materials. This stone also requires very little maintenance; it just needs to be resealed about once every year or two. This simply involves spraying and wiping on a store-bought granite sealer to protect it against staining and other damage.
Many homeowners also love granite for use in kitchens because it comes in so many different styles and colors. No matter what kind of look you’re going for, you can pick out the perfect granite slab to suit your tastes.
3. Marble
In recent years, marble has also become increasingly popular in kitchen design. While not quite as durable or stain-resistant as granite, marble offers a truly elegant and luxurious feel unrivaled by other stone types. Often, marble is white or off-white in color, with unique veining running throughout each slab. However, it is also possible to find marble in colors other than white.
While marble can be used as a kitchen countertop material, it is less durable than many other types of stones and thus tends to be better suited as a backsplash. Some homeowners may even choose to mix things up by installing a marble countertop on just a small island or peninsula in the kitchen.
Like granite, marble also needs to be regularly sealed because it is naturally very porous and can thus be prone to staining.
4. Soapstone
Another type of stone that has recently grown popular in kitchen design is soapstone. This unique option tends to be quarried in a dark gray color, and many slabs will have unique veining throughout (though the amount of veining can vary greatly). Soapstone is also unique in that it has a smooth and somewhat silky feel that sets it apart from many other smooth and glossy stones.
Most often, soapstone is used in kitchen countertops because of its natural hardness and durability. It is also very resistant to heat and staining, though it is not as impervious to scratching as many other types of stone. Still, many homeowners enjoy using soapstone as a countertop material because scratches can be easily sanded down. Over time, small surface scratches and imperfections can also create a unique and antique look within the space.
From a maintenance perspective, soapstone does not have to be sealed. However, if you or the client are looking to keep the natural color of the soapstone, it’s recommended to use Laticrete Bulletproof to help achieve this. In addition, if you’re looking to darken or enhance the color of the stone, mineral oil is a great option to do so while keeping the stone looking its best. Likewise, occasional sanding may be required in areas of countertops that see heavy use.
5. Travertine
While most people tend to think of travertine as a stone flooring option, it has become increasingly popular for use in kitchen countertops and backsplashes. This type of stone is made mostly of calcium carbonate and comes in a wide range of colors, finishes, and patterns. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or something a little busier, you’ve got options with travertine.
Like most other stones, travertine needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining. Homeowners should also avoid using any harsh cleaning products on travertine countertops or flooring, as this could cause the stone to etch or break down the sealers that protect the stone over time. Instead, it’s better to stick to gentle soap and water or a cleaning solution specifically made for use on travertine.
Which Stone Option is Right For You?
When deciding on a stone option for your kitchen, there are many factors to consider. For starters, what kind of application are you using the stone for? If you’re looking for a stone countertop that you can cook and bake on, then you’ll want to choose something resistant to damage from heat and sharp utensils.
Budget is another consideration when selecting a stone for your kitchen renovation. Costs for natural stone can vary greatly, so you’ll want to choose something that works for your lifestyle and budget. In addition, make sure you select something that you’re comfortable caring for and maintaining.
Whether you end up selecting granite, quartzite, marble, or some combination of the beautiful stones listed here, your kitchen remodel is sure to be a success when you incorporate natural stone into your design.
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