Granite – one of the most popular materials to be use for kitchen countertops, but there are plenty of other variants of a natural stone that can be used for kitchen countertop and other elements in your home. Actually natural stones, such as marble or sandstone, may very well be used in a bathroom. Marble is also ideal for fabrication of fireplaces, floors and so on. There are certain aspects of each type of a natural stone that are necessary to considering when making a choice for its use in a certain area of your home.
Granite is one of the firmest natural materials. It is capable of sustaining levels of extreme stress, is tolerant to high temperatures and will not stain easily. The removal of stains from granite is something that can be done with ease. Most high-end fabricators, our company included, will recommend the application of protective sealing from stains. Thanks to the durability of granite, it can be used in any area of your home, from granite tile floors to external windowsills. Granite is also commonly used in landscape design.
Marble and sandstone are far more porous than granite. Additional care is necessary for maintenance of a marble or sandstone top. It is characteristic for white marble to turn yellow in due course if it isn’t sealed properly. Granite countertop fabricator companies in particular always recommend special sealants for soft and porous types of a natural stone.
Marble can be successfully used in all house hold products. It is perfectly usable for a kitchen countertop, and for facing of walls, manufacturing of windowsills and floors. The Structure of marble, unlike the structure of granite, is more uniform and products from it will look more organic. Nevertheless, there are exceptions for its use and of considerably porous materials in the kitchen in general. Marble will easily stain from red wine and it will be virtually impossible to restore it to its original shape. If used in the kitchen, marble needs to be sealed and resealed regularly (preferably once every couple of years).
As the porous stone absorbs liquids, it is recommended to use it in places where marble or sandstone can coexist with them. It is not ok for liquids to remain on the unprotected surface of these natural stones for an extended period of time. Even the damp bottom of a glass can leave a trace on a soft stone, such as marble or sandstone. But all can be avoided if proper procedure is applied when sealing the stone. Additionally, an extremely important factor to consider is if the stone will be in contact with hot objects. Marble is not nearly as heat tolerant at granite.
Marble surface cleaning is restricted by the substances that you can use – it is impossible to use abrasive cleaners, they scratch the surface and completely destroy the polished layer. If it has already occurred the only way to restore it is by re-polishing the marble top. If a home owner follows the recommended product care instructions closely marble may last as long as granite, however if you are not willing to put time and effort into the proper care, granite may be your best choice.