There are so many options these days when it comes to selecting counter tops and flooring.
Will you go with tile, laminate, vinyl, or some variety of natural stone? On the grand scale, stone is the most durable.
Some are scratch and stain resistant.
Once you recognize the benefits of having a natural stone counter top or flooring, there are still several choices to decide upon.
For counter tops, quartz is a popular natural stone selection.
Being the fourth hardest mineral, quartz is intrinsically scratch resistant.
It also withstands stains from juices and oils.
It comes in a wide variety of colors and offers a very decorative counter top look.
It is more expensive, but requires less attention to resealing and overall maintenance.
Soapstone is the personal favorite of many people, especially for outdoor use.
It is perfect for environments with high acidic or alkaline activities.
The stone usually comes dark, adding elegance to where ever it is used.
Granite is a heavy mineral and is extremely sturdy by nature.
It can withstand any amount of scratching.
If maintained well and resealed regularly, it can also resist juice and oil stains.
Marble is a beautiful surface for counters, but should be used with caution.
It is a softer mineral and usually light colored.
It can be subject to etching and staining from contact with abrasive substances.
It also requires regular resealing.
Flooring has a few different options.
While natural stones like granite and marble are used for flooring as well as counter tops, other stones are used mostly for flooring.
Travertine is usually relatively light colored.
It is characterized by pitted holes in its surface.
Installers can use grout to fill these holes, if desired.
The stone is then polished and shined.
Limestone is one of the oldest flooring materials, so it looks the most natural in a rustic setting.
Although it is a soft stone and is therefore more prone to wear and tear, if it has been treated and sealed properly it can last a lifetime if properly cared for.
Slate is incredibly durable.
It is the most desirable stone to use in high traffic areas.
Polishing and resealing stones that require it is essential to maintaining a new appearance.
Polishing the natural stone in your home keeps it smudge-free and looking pristine.
Resealing it is what allows it to remain stain and water resistant over time.
Choose a counter top and flooring material that best suits the purposes you have in mind for it and the maintenance you are willing to give it.
Enjoy the benefits of nature in your home.
Choose natural stone.
Will you go with tile, laminate, vinyl, or some variety of natural stone? On the grand scale, stone is the most durable.
Some are scratch and stain resistant.
Once you recognize the benefits of having a natural stone counter top or flooring, there are still several choices to decide upon.
For counter tops, quartz is a popular natural stone selection.
Being the fourth hardest mineral, quartz is intrinsically scratch resistant.
It also withstands stains from juices and oils.
It comes in a wide variety of colors and offers a very decorative counter top look.
It is more expensive, but requires less attention to resealing and overall maintenance.
Soapstone is the personal favorite of many people, especially for outdoor use.
It is perfect for environments with high acidic or alkaline activities.
The stone usually comes dark, adding elegance to where ever it is used.
Granite is a heavy mineral and is extremely sturdy by nature.
It can withstand any amount of scratching.
If maintained well and resealed regularly, it can also resist juice and oil stains.
Marble is a beautiful surface for counters, but should be used with caution.
It is a softer mineral and usually light colored.
It can be subject to etching and staining from contact with abrasive substances.
It also requires regular resealing.
Flooring has a few different options.
While natural stones like granite and marble are used for flooring as well as counter tops, other stones are used mostly for flooring.
Travertine is usually relatively light colored.
It is characterized by pitted holes in its surface.
Installers can use grout to fill these holes, if desired.
The stone is then polished and shined.
Limestone is one of the oldest flooring materials, so it looks the most natural in a rustic setting.
Although it is a soft stone and is therefore more prone to wear and tear, if it has been treated and sealed properly it can last a lifetime if properly cared for.
Slate is incredibly durable.
It is the most desirable stone to use in high traffic areas.
Polishing and resealing stones that require it is essential to maintaining a new appearance.
Polishing the natural stone in your home keeps it smudge-free and looking pristine.
Resealing it is what allows it to remain stain and water resistant over time.
Choose a counter top and flooring material that best suits the purposes you have in mind for it and the maintenance you are willing to give it.
Enjoy the benefits of nature in your home.
Choose natural stone.
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