Differnece Between Stone And Granite Countertops

Kitchen countertops are a major component of the room. They can greatly alter the look and feel of the entire room. Many homeowners choose granite counters because they look so luxurious. However, raw granite countertops are often too expensive for some budgets. They also require a little bit of maintenance that some homeowners do not like. One great alternative to granite countertops are stone composite counters. These are cheaper and don't require quite as much maintenance. This article explains the differences between these 2 types of countertops.

Granite Countertops

The main perk of granite countertops is that they look more natural. Every piece of granite is completely unique. So no two countertops are the same. The slab of granite that is installed on your counter is basically a piece of stone that is cut from the ground. The stone is quarried from the ground and the cut into slabs. The slabs are then polished to give them the finished sheen. One of the main features of granite is that it needs to be sealed to be waterproof. This is obviously a huge issue in a kitchen environment. An unsealed granite countertop can end up with sanitary issues. Mold and grime can grow in the tiny pores if granite is not properly sealed. You need to reseal granite counters every few years or so. It is an easy job, but it is inconvenient and the sealant is quite expensive.

Stone Composite Countertops

Stone composite countertops are engineered to look like granite, marble and other popular stone surfaces. While they might contain some of these natural stones, they consist of stone aggregate that is glued together. This composite finish looks very stylish and can be dyed for unique colors. Since the slabs do not consist of 100% stone, they are not as expensive as real granite.

The epoxy that holds the stone together also makes it more waterproof and suitable for kitchen counters. Unlike granite, it does not need to be sealed. All you need to do is clean it with a generic all purpose cleaner. Over the years, this low maintenance will save you a little bit of money. Combined with the cheaper initial cost, stone composite counters are much more affordable.

In the end, you should probably make your decision based on your personal budget, style, and ability to perform normal maintenance. It is easy to see why some homeowners prefer the low-maintenance product.

For kitchen appliances, contact a company such as Arnold's Appliance.