If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you’re not alone. More than half of America’s homeowners are considering remodeling their bathrooms, and almost as many would like to revamp their kitchens. Either of these home improvement projects can give you numerous benefits and generate high returns on your investment.
Several factors enter the mix when you’re planning a remodel. Each one plays a key role in the finished project. Countertops are certainly important elements for bathrooms and kitchens. They affect not only the cost of your remodel but also the appearance of the room you’re focusing on and how well it serves you moving forward. World Stone Group offers a variety of premium countertop materials for you to choose from, and each one has an array of strong suits.
Natural Stone Countertops
Natural materials are in high demand right now. They’re beautiful and durable, and they come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Since they’re created by nature, each one has its own unique characteristics and appearance. As such, no two natural countertops are exactly the same, even if they’re made of the same material.
Marble is one of the premium materials in this category. It’s considered a high-end option. It brings beauty and luxury to any space, and it’s extremely durable. It’s also one of the most expensive materials for countertops. Granite is another premium choice. It has a pattern all its own, and it comes in several colors. It’s more affordable than marble, but it offers many of the same advantages.
Quartzite is a natural stone as well. It’s resistant to heat, scratching, denting, and stains. Soapstone and limestone are also popular choices. While their counterparts have shiny surfaces, these two materials have a more matte finish.
Engineered Stone
In addition to natural stone countertops, engineered stone versions are available. They’re made of a combination of natural minerals, pigments, and binders. Once those components are mixed, they’re pressed and molded into shape. Then, they’re polished to create smooth surfaces. Quartz countertops are popular choices in this category.
Sintered stone is an option as well. It’s made using minerals, heat, and pressure. It makes for a non-porous surface that’s often harder than engineered stone. Though it’s generally less costly than marble, it’s also more expensive than other types of natural and engineered stone.
Semi-Precious Stone
If you’re looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary, you may be interested in semi-precious stone countertops. They’re made from stones like tiger’s eye, amethyst, jasper, labradorite, and sodalite. These countertops are statement pieces, and they have remarkable appearances.
In most cases, to make countertops of these materials, a layer of the stone itself is placed over an underlying layer of fiberglass or other more common materials. Because of their rarity and exceptional aesthetic appeal, these are among the most expensive countertops. Still, they can certainly bring a unique appearance to kitchens and bathrooms.
Bringing the Beauty of Premium Countertops Into Your Home
Countertops are important elements of kitchens and bathrooms. They affect their appearance, functionality, maintenance requirements, and many other factors. Several materials are available for countertops, including tiles, stainless steel, and wood. Stone is among the best and most popular choice, though, because of its beauty, durability, and longevity. It’s a premium material that gives you numerous options to choose from, and it’s well worth the investment.
