SELECTING STONE
Choosing the right material for your home or business is important in terms of appearance, functionality and maintenance. Moreover, since each natural stone is unique in its composition and properties, it is particularly important to view the actual slab to be used in your project.
Quartzite: Most popular and newest option for kitchens and baths
If you’re in the market for a new countertop, you might be considering quartzite as an option. Quartzite is a natural stone that is often confused with quartz, a man-made composite material. While quartzite shares some similarities with quartz, it also has some distinct differences that make it a unique choice for countertops.
One of the main advantages of quartzite countertops is their durability. Quartzite is a hard, dense stone that is resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. It is also less likely to chip or crack than other natural stones like marble or granite.
Additionally, quartzite has a unique, swirling pattern that can add a touch of elegance to any kitchen or bathroom.
Granite: Used for countertops and other heavily used surfaces
Granite used to be one of the most popular natural stones on the market. With its downturn in popularity, it has become a bargain for the budget conscience consumer.
Available in a striking array of colors, granite’s durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops, bathroom vanity tops and shower walls.
While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, or wine. It is also nearly impossible to scratch and with proper cleaning, will not stain under normal use (ask ICM about sealants to further improve resistance to staining).
A leading consumer magazine recently compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block, and other manufactured surfaces. Granite received the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material.
Travertine, Limestone & Slate: Beautiful enhancements for your home
Travertine, limestone and slate are other examples of natural stone used in residential applications.
Travertine is a type of limestone and one of the most popular natural stones for interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, statuary and curbing.
Popular applications include flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding, and exterior paving.
Additional slate applications include kitchen countertops, fireplace facings and tabletops.
Travertine, limestone and slate should be cared for as you would a fine wood finish. Using coasters on table tops and cleaning up spills immediately will help prolong these stones natural beauty.
Marble: Beautiful for furniture tops, bathrooms, fireplace facing and hearths
Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is also an occassional choice for countertops. See also Marble Institute of America Soundness Classification.
Marble should be cared for as you would a fine wood finish. Using coasters on table tops and cleaning up spills immediately will help prolong marble’s natural beauty.
Quartz /Engineered man-made: Beautiful and durable. Many colors to choose from. Come by our showroom to view samples from most major suppliers
Silestone– Quartz surfaces designed for high-quality kitchens and bathrooms, including countertops and sinks with advanced bacteristatic technology. Offers a certified warranty, in writing.
Caesarstone– Caesarstone quartz surfaces are the ultimate combination of nature and technology. Non-porous, scratch resistant and highly resistant to stains, Caesarstone retains its beauty without sealants or waxes and is almost maintenance-free. Ideal for any interior space.
Zodiaq– Zodiaq® quartz surface is ideal for kitchens and baths because, when properly cleaned, it does not support the growth of mold or mildew. Because DuPont™ Zodiaq® is made with quartz crystals, it’s also extremely scratch-resistant. You never have to seal, polish or recondition the surface to maintain its luster. Zodiaq® quartz surface is easily cleaned with soap and water, and does not require sealants or waxes.
Okite-It’s a unique compound of resin and up to 93% natural quartz, one of the toughest and most naturally attractive of all minerals. OKITE® is highly heat, stain and scratch resistant and is extremely durable. It never needs sealing. Plus, it’s remarkably easy to clean and maintain.
Cambria – Cambria creates unique surfaces with the true elegance you demand of natural stone, and the hard-working performance your everyday life requires. Comes in extra-large size slabs for seamless installation.