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As countertop materials go, natural stone and cultured stone are two options that are favored by all, irrespective of budget. The first is naturally more expensive than the other but the second has properties that tip the balance in its favor in some areas. The top choices in natural stone include granite, marble and soapstone. All three vary in price and properties but remain favorites among consumers willing to invest more in countertops. Let's see what features they offer. Granite: A tough, durable stone, granite is prized for its beauty and longevity. It's a very heavy material and dense too which means it holds up well against nicks and scratches, spillage and heat, three culprits responsible for facilitating wear and tear in countertops. The patterns offered are as varied as the streaks found in marble. No two are alike. This means you're assured uniqueness which also plays out well if you ever decide to sell your house (buyers put a lot of stock in durable and beautiful countertops). Its many benefits means that granite is not a cheap stone and can set you back by over $100 per square foot (installed). The starting price is around $35 to $40. Marble: Even more expensive than granite, marble has long been considered the most luxurious natural stone there is. Intricate veins, soft, warm and cool colors and a luminescence no other stone offers means it has the ability to instantly turn an otherwise simple kitchen into one that exudes elegance and class. For all its beauty, marble is a touch difficult to maintain. It isn't very resistant to staining and can chip and crack under heavy impact. If you must have it, use it as an accent or for stations where slicing and dicing won't be performed. Soapstone: Though nowhere in status as granite and marble, soapstone has nevertheless carved a nice niche for itself owing to its unique look and feel which fits very well with old world style kitchens. It's a soft stone that darkens and develops a patina over time which can be either a pro or a con depending on your taste. Like marble, soapstone is prone to cuts and scratches so is much better used in stations for kneading dough and other non-cutting preparations. Occasional polishing helps it retain its original form though it cannot be shined and will revert to its original matte finish. Cultured stone And now we take a look at cultured stone, a relatively new material that's making waves because of its lower cost and ability to mimic the look of natural stone. Cultured stone or cast stone is made of cement, crushed stone, natural sand and coloring pigments to achieve an appearance very similar to that of natural stone. It's a perfect replacement for the more expensive options. It can ape the look of granite, marble, soapstone, bluestone and slate, among others. Where durability is concerned, cultured stone may or may not match the longevity offered by natural stone. Much would depend on how well the manufacturing process is undertaken, what type of crushed stone is used and how much abuse it endures when installed. If it uses better quality stone then price is undoubtedly affected. However, even lower-grade stones can still allow it to stand up to regular wear and tear well. Countertops are made of natural or cultured stone, the latter being a popular choice since it is inexpensive, durable and acts as a perfect replacement for marble and granite. Click here to buy the finest countertops in Chicago at affordable prices.
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