Are Stone Countertops Worth It?

Are stone countertops worth it? Yes. When it comes to renovating a kitchen, the countertops are one area that deserves a lot of attention. Adding stone countertops to your kitchen can raise the value of your home, and when it comes time to sell the new countertops make the home stand out in the competitive real estate market. Keeping reading to find out the pros and cons of stone countertops and why we think they are definitely worth it.

Aesthetics

Stone countertops are beautiful. Many people are impressed with and love the appearance of granite or quartz countertops. Stone countertops make a great impression and are aesthetically very beautiful. When it comes to selling a home, the beauty and appearance of the home are not to be underrated.

When buyers are touring the home they will imagine themselves living there and the stone countertops will make your house stand out from the others. Whether your goal is to create the kitchen of your dreams in your family home or to renovate the home for a future sale, then adding stone countertops is a great way to improve the beauty and aesthetics of the kitchen.

Functionality

Not only are stone countertops very beautiful, but they also are super durable and long-lasting. There are different types of stone countertops that are available on the market including options such as granite, marble and quartz. Stone is highly resistant to heat and is so hard that it is extremely difficult to crack or chip.

It is important that with a granite or quartz countertop that there is an adequate amount of sealant applied to the top layer to repel stains. Most stone countertops do not absorb liquid, will not stain easily, and can be easily cleaned. The best part about stone countertops is that they are very long-lasting and will not require replacement for a long time.

Cost

The idea that stone countertops will cost you an arm and leg is largely a myth. Of course, there are cheaper materials to use such as laminate, but stone countertops add so much value to the home that the higher cost is usually worth it. Some of the most premium stone countertops can range way up there in price, but there are plenty of affordable options which are just as beautiful and durable. You can check navkar marbles official website for the most affordable granite countertops.

Natural Stone vs. Created Stone

While natural stone is beautiful and classic, there are some benefits to going with a created stone instead. If you want the appearance and the functionality of stone countertops without paying the premium price, then engineered stone countertops are probably your best option. They look and function mostly the same as natural stone, but upkeep and maintenance can be way lower. To most people, the difference between natural and engineered stone countertops is indistinguishable.

One reason that people love natural stone is its natural beauty. The designs and texture of the granite are created deep within the earth and have a completely unique, one-of-a-kind textured appearance.

Engineered stone countertops can perfectly replicate the appearance of natural stone while also allowing the homeowner to have full control over the colors and textures that they want. The appearance of engineered stone is more uniform and does not have the irregularities of natural stone, which some people prefer. The range of colors for engineered stone countertops is huge and you can even have them custom-designed for your exact preferences as far as the color and texture.

Where Stone Countertops Come From

Natural stone countertops are cut out of slabs of stone at a quarry. The textures of natural stone are one of a kind and created by the pressure of the earth to create a unique appearance. Granite is made up of feldspar minerals and can contain colorful flecks of gemstones as well.

Engineered countertops made from quartz are created with a combination of natural stone and man-made materials. Engineered stone countertops are not made with artificial stone, but rather the slabs are created manually by mixing ground quartz crystal with resin composite materials. Pigments are added to the resin and stone mixture to create the desired color and appearance.

The functionality of Natural vs. Engineered Stone Countertops

The durability and strength of the natural and engineered stone are virtually indistinguishable. They both offer great performance when it comes to holding up against heat, stains, and cracks. There is no advantage to natural or engineered stone when it comes to how durable and strong the material is. The main difference between the two is that engineered stone is often heavier and harder than natural stone due to the mix of ground crystal and resin.

Another functionality difference between engineered and natural stone countertops is the upkeep and maintenance required. Natural stone can be damaged by certain kinds of cleaners which break down the sealant on the surface. You need to be mindful about what kind of cleaning products you use on granite as well as keeping it clean to prevent staining. Engineered stone is typically far easier to maintain and requires less specific cleaning. This is one of the main benefits of engineered stone over natural stone. Click here to shop for high-quality engineered quartz countertops for your kitchen.

Conclusion

As we stated at the beginning of this article, stone countertops are definitely worth it. They improve the beauty, functionality, and value of the kitchen. If your goal is to resell the home then installing natural or engineered stone countertops can help put a positive spotlight on your home’s kitchen. To summarize all of the points that we made, here is a list of the pros and cons of natural and engineered stone countertops.

Natural Stone

Engineered Stone