No matter the room, countertops are an extremely visible and constantly utilized part of the home. Because of their importance, many homeowners choose to install countertops in order to modernize their home’s appearance or increase the functionality of a particular room. Stone is a popular choice for this task, since the wide variety of stone enables the homeowner to select a type that is well-suited for a specific purpose.
There are many characteristics to consider when selecting a type of stone for your countertop. Among them include porosity, thickness, clarity, and patterning. Each characteristic affects not only the stone’s appearance, but also its suitability for different situations. A kitchen or bathroom countertop, for example, should be non-porous, since it’s bound to be exposed to a good deal of moisture. A professional stone installer will be able to advise you on what type of stone can best meet your needs.
Many homeowners opt for laminate countertops, instead of stone. Laminate is relatively cheap, quite resilient, and requires less maintenance than natural stone. Laminate can also be manufactured to replicate the appearance and texture of stone.
The uses of stone or laminate in the home aren’t limited to countertops. The materials can also make excellent backsplashes, vanity tops, and bathtub or fireplace surrounds.