5 Tips for choosing Stone Countertop. Whether you want to replace all the countertops in your home, or you just want to concentrate on one room of your home, there are several great reasons to choose stone. Granite, marble, quartz, and other stones are great for providing durable beauty. Knowing that you’re likely to use your countertops heavily for food preparation or to hold the many products in a bathroom, it’s important to take some tips from others who’ve used stone slabs in their homes.
1. Choose a Thick Slab
You’ll quickly discover that there are many choices to consider, from vein patterns to molding and customization. One of these decisions is the thickness of the stone. You may consider thinner pieces of ¾ inches, but these pieces tend to be more fragile and vulnerable to damages. Thicker pieces are less likely to crack and chip. You’ll pay more initially for an inch-thick slab of stone, but you’ll spend less in the long run because you won’t have to repair and replace it as often.
2. Inspect Stone Slabs Thoroughly
Stone countertops are an investment and should be treated as such. Don’t settle for countertops with hairline cracks or minor imperfections. Those deficiencies can grow as you use the countertop or become more irritating to you once the stone is installed. If you can’t find the perfect stone the first time you look, be patient. Continue searching and waiting until you are truly happy with the slab.
3. Work Within Your Budget
If you’re committed to purchasing a stone countertop, you can find affordable options. Along the way, keep some money-saving tips in mind. For example, if you have an under-mount sink, you’ll have to pay more for the slab of stone because contractors will have to cut the stone to fit the sink. Ask the stone manufacturer which type of sink is best to keep your costs low.
There are many types of customized edges to consider. These often vary by manufacturer and fabricator. However, a standard cut is usually the most affordable. Pay attention to additional costs that come with customizing the stone.
A seamless counter increases the cost of the countertop, but this is an area where many people are willing to pay more. Most people find they prefer the seamless look, even if they’ve purchased a seamed countertop initially.
Although you want to go with as thick a slab as possible, choosing a thinner stone is another way to save money. Carefully balance your desire for a durable slab with the practicality of saving money. One good tip is to continue saving until you can afford a thicker countertop.
4. Research the Care of Your Stone
There are important tips regarding caring for stone countertops. Some of these include avoiding abrasive cleaners and sponges, acidic cleaners, and dish soap. All of these products can scratch, etch, and dull the finish of your stone. Colonial Marble & Granite, a national leader in custom stone countertop fabrication and installation, offers suggestions for proper maintenance based on the type of natural stone you’ve chosen.
Some of these suggestions include using coasters, trivets, and placemats to protect the stone. A mild, neutral cleaner can be used on some countertops, but too much of soap or cleaners will leave a film or cause streaking. There are many popular household cleaners that contain acids and should never be used on stone surfaces.
5. Get an Accurate Quote
Before you get a quote on the cost and installation of your stone countertops, make sure you have a general overview of the project prepared. Prepare a sketch of the room you’re renovating and include specific measurements. Remember that initial quotes are estimates, and the end cost may be higher than that estimate.
5 Tips for choosing Stone Countertop – The addition of stone countertops have the potential for providing you with many years of love and satisfaction with your home décor. Protect this future by taking advantage of tips from those homeowners who have already included stone surfaces in their kitchens and bathrooms.
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