“Quartzite is nearly indestructible,” notes Louis Battista of New England Stone Technology in New Haven, Connecticut. Two of its strongest selling points is its hardness and durability. Quartzite is nearly twice as hard as glass and harder than the blade of a knife. It is also resistant to common kitchen acids and will not etch
Traditionally used for fireplace surrounds, chemistry labs, and sculptures, recent years have seen a resurgence in demand for soapstone as a countertop material. With its rich tones and resistance to heat and chemicals, it is easy to understand why modern builders and homeowners have turned to soapstone.
White kitchens are classic, and they gained popularity in recent years likely due to Joanna Gaines’ modern farmhouse renovations on HGTV’s Fixer Upper. Her countertop stone of choice was often marble, with light colors and stunning veining. While they’re beautiful, marble countertops can be considered high maintenance, says Galen Roth of Roth Restoration in
As a natural stone fabricator and sculptor, I can appreciate the timeless beauty and durability that only a building material like natural stone can provide. After all, I work with it every day (well, five to six days a week, but who’s counting?) and have done so for nearly thirty years now. I see the
Quartzite might just be the hottest natural stone at the moment. If quartzite were on Instagram, it would have thousands of followers, and as with any other celebrity sensation, people would wonder in hushed tones, “Can that be real?” “Looks too good to be true.” Or, “I’m not sure if I can trust it.”
Quartz is one of the most low-maintenance options for countertop materials on the market. Made from crushed quartz pieces held together by resin and other bonding materials, it is a nonporous surface that is heat, scratch, and stain resistant. Best of all, this manufactured stone requires no annual resealing, unlike some of its natural stone
Are you considering custom laminate countertops for your home renovation? This popular material offers many advantages, several of which are on par with its stone counterparts. From affordability to durability, here is what you need to know aboutchoosing laminate for your countertops. What Are Laminate Countertops? The laminate used for countertops is composed of two
Are you looking for a durable, low-maintenance natural stone for a custom countertop renovation? Then soapstone countertops might be the perfect fit. This material is praised for offering many of the same durability benefits as stones like granite, but without the annual maintenance required. Before deciding on a material for your countertop projects, consider these
Knowing how to clean granite countertops is key to maintaining their advantages. Granite is an ideal material for kitchen countertops because it is resistant to stains, heat, and abrasions. Even with these impenetrable qualities, granite’s longevity depends upon regular cleaning and routine maintenance. Certain popular cleaning substances can do more harm than good for granite.
Marble, a metamorphic stone, is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom renovations. Having formed under immense pressure below the earth’s surface, it is a durable natural stone that makes for a long-lasting investment. Minerals that crystallized within the rock create the unique veining patterns that give marble its signature opulent look. From its