We live in the age of plastic - in the time when disposable is the most frequent solution to everything in almost every field of our lives. But how many times have you wished for something you own to last, to be there for your children and their children?
For many of us, kitchens are our little pieces of heaven, our shelters from the world where we go to create and be free. Is it not sensible that we want our kitchens to look and feel strong and sturdy? There are many materials which we can use to achieve just this, but none communicate this feeling of endurance and permanence while at the same time keeping the atmosphere pleasant and homey like stone.
When you shop for stone, either for you countertops or for your floors, it is very important to remember that there are numerous possibilities available. Do not limit yourself with what you can find in your local home improvement store - go further, because if you look hard enough, you will find something which you will be able to use to express yourself completely.
Which Stone to Use?
There are many types of stones available on the market and all of them come with specific properties and maintenance requirements. Each of the natural stone types have subtypes, according to the way they are treated in the processing stage. Take the often used limestone, for example. Limestone can be honed, can be treated with water, stiff bristles and hammers, it can have smooth finish of satin or be polished to the maximum level using fine abrasives.
#1 Granite
Granite comes in a number of different colors and contains mineral sediments which create the specific, recognizable pattern. It is great for kitchen surfaces because of its durability - granite is very strong and it will rarely be damaged by knives and other sharp kitchen tools.
#2 Marble
Marble, crystallized limestone, is not as good for kitchen surfaces as Granite, but it is also very durable. Marble tiles is perfect for floors, so consider putting it down there. However, being essentially limestone, marble is known not to deal too well with rust stains, so you must be careful where you put it.
#3 Slate
Another great type of stone to use for your kitchen countertops is slate. Slate is formed in the oceans and comes in many beautiful colors. Its matte surface looks very stylish, but a great care needs to be taken in order to maintain it properly.
#4 Maintenance
It is important to remember that, although it looks and feels indestructible, stone also needs to be properly cared about. You should avoid leaving surfaces wet, especially if the spilled liquid is acidic in nature (such as lemon juice), and clean them as soon as you can. When cleaning, avoid cleaners based on ammonia and use neutral products. While the countertop is in use, try to enforce using coasters - this way you will make sure that the need for cleaning occurs as infrequently as possible.
For many of us, kitchens are our little pieces of heaven, our shelters from the world where we go to create and be free. Is it not sensible that we want our kitchens to look and feel strong and sturdy? There are many materials which we can use to achieve just this, but none communicate this feeling of endurance and permanence while at the same time keeping the atmosphere pleasant and homey like stone.
When you shop for stone, either for you countertops or for your floors, it is very important to remember that there are numerous possibilities available. Do not limit yourself with what you can find in your local home improvement store - go further, because if you look hard enough, you will find something which you will be able to use to express yourself completely.
Which Stone to Use?
There are many types of stones available on the market and all of them come with specific properties and maintenance requirements. Each of the natural stone types have subtypes, according to the way they are treated in the processing stage. Take the often used limestone, for example. Limestone can be honed, can be treated with water, stiff bristles and hammers, it can have smooth finish of satin or be polished to the maximum level using fine abrasives.
#1 Granite
Granite comes in a number of different colors and contains mineral sediments which create the specific, recognizable pattern. It is great for kitchen surfaces because of its durability - granite is very strong and it will rarely be damaged by knives and other sharp kitchen tools.
#2 Marble
Marble, crystallized limestone, is not as good for kitchen surfaces as Granite, but it is also very durable. Marble tiles is perfect for floors, so consider putting it down there. However, being essentially limestone, marble is known not to deal too well with rust stains, so you must be careful where you put it.
#3 Slate
Another great type of stone to use for your kitchen countertops is slate. Slate is formed in the oceans and comes in many beautiful colors. Its matte surface looks very stylish, but a great care needs to be taken in order to maintain it properly.
#4 Maintenance
It is important to remember that, although it looks and feels indestructible, stone also needs to be properly cared about. You should avoid leaving surfaces wet, especially if the spilled liquid is acidic in nature (such as lemon juice), and clean them as soon as you can. When cleaning, avoid cleaners based on ammonia and use neutral products. While the countertop is in use, try to enforce using coasters - this way you will make sure that the need for cleaning occurs as infrequently as possible.
