Natural stone countertops are a favorite choice for many homeowners today. The trend of using more products that are natural in the home has fueled this in part, but the fact is, natural stones have been in use for the home long before that. The only difference is that a few decades ago, natural stone countertops were very expensive. Only the rich and a privileged few could afford to have them in their homes.
Today, advances in quarrying technology and lower shipping costs have natural stone countertops much more accessible to regular people. They still cost more than laminates and ceramic tiles, but not so much so that they are impractical for many homes. In fact, investing in natural stone countertops can add value to the home that cheaper alternative cannot. Here is the value added to your home with natural stone countertops.
Esthetics
Among the natural stones, many homeowners looking for elegance and grace choose marble for their kitchen countertops. It is not the most practical choice, as marble requires a bit more TLC than other natural stones. They are porous and etch easily. That said, the delicate patina unique to marble makes all these inconveniences a matter of indifference. Its beauty is undeniably very attractive to homebuyers with an eye for gracious living.
Granite also holds in own in the beauty department, albeit in a more robust sense. Granite comes in a variety of colors and design, not seen in marble. The range is from almost white to absolute black. A key element in making granite countertops a valuable addition to any home is its uniqueness. You will not find any two granite slabs that are completely the same, even if they come from the same quarry, or even the same block. Some have such fantastic patterns and colors that they dominate the room.
Flexibility
Granite countertops are particularly popular with interior designers because they are highly flexible. You can always find one that will go well any kitchen design and color. In fact, many designers create kitchen palettes around granite countertops, especially those with rich patterns and colors. It can stoke the creative juices for any kitchen style, from modern to rustic, and you can always find granite that will be a perfect foil for the personality of any homeowner.
Aside from design flexibility, natural stones also work well with other materials in a functional sense. It can complement the strengths and weaknesses of stainless steel, wood, concrete, or ceramic.
Natural stones can also serve functions other than countertops in the home. You can use it for backsplashes, fireplaces surrounds, floors, walls, and wall cladding. You can put them in any room in the house, and even outside. What can be more charming than a marble fountain, or a granite firepit? The flexibility of natural stones in the home is epic, and so is the value it adds to the home.
Strength
Natural stones are formed under extreme conditions, so they are inherently durable. True, they have a certain degree of porosity, which can lead some people to believe that they are high maintenance. However, the porosity of granite and marble and its effect on its strength is greatly exaggerated. The worst thing that can happen because of the porous nature of these natural stones is staining. Stains may look unsightly, but they have no actual effect on the integrity of the stone itself. A stain, no matter how bad, will not lead to the deterioration of the stone.
Granite and marble are rocks, so they are quite strong. They will not easily break, chip, or sustain damage under normal use. Granite is more durable than marble because it contains quartz, and it is heat resistant. However, marble weathers very well, looking better as it ages. Homes that have natural stone countertops can expect them to last a very long time with reasonable care. Both granite and marble enhance the value of the home because prospective homebuyers know they will outlast them.
Distinctiveness
Natural stones form without the intervention of man, so they are subject to the vagaries of nature. Changes in heat, pressure, and composition can greatly affect how the stone looks, and this happens in unpredictable ways. Granite is a prime example of this unpredictability, where no two slabs are alike. To a certain extent, marble is the same way. This is very appealing for many homeowners, because a cookie cutter kitchen makes no impact at all. A kitchen made distinctive by its natural stone countertops is enough to make the deal for many homebuyers.
Appreciation over time
The best thing about natural stone countertops is they will never go out of style. They will always have a place in home design because the natural look is always appealing. If you are going to go through the trouble and expense of putting in new countertops, you can take the most value from it if you choose natural stone countertops.
Putting in natural stone countertops is not for amateurs, though. You need someone with the skills to do it properly. You need someone reliable, and no stone countertop specialist is better than KNC Granite in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia area. .
KNC Granite has a large array of granite slabs from which to choose. You can check actual slabs at our showroom in Lanham, Maryland and we will walk you through how we can meet your budget and still give you quality granite countertops for your home.
We do not only supply top-quality granite stones, however. We are experts at fabricating and installing kitchen counters or bathroom vanities. Also we specialize in kitchen remodeling and bathroom upgrade projects, delivering on time and on budget.
Aside from natural stones, we carry some of the top brands of engineered stone, including Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all of which comes with manufacturer warranties. Give us a call or email us for your free in-home consultation and quote.
Feel free to ask any questions over the phone, or get in touch using our contact form. We offer free estimates and quotes for any of your kitchen countertop needs.