Where Do I Start?
What is my Price Range?
What Are My Choices for Countertops?
What type of finish am I looking for?
Do I go with The “Trendy Solution”?
Granite:
Is Art! It Is Naturally formed in Mother Earth. Granite is a Siliceous Stone composed of many types of Silica, Natural Quartz and Feldspar Particles. It is a Very Durable hard surface which is very resistant to High Heat, Scratching or Etching. Granite does require Sealing. It comes in many colors and patterns. These colors and patterns are specifically tied to a mountain or a particular Country’s Geographic Region where blocks of stone are extracted to produce slabs for Countertops. Granite used in the Countertop Industry is sourced in Countries from all over the world where Brazil and India are major players. Other sourced countries include USA, Canada, Spain, China, Norway and Africa just to name a few.
Price Range: $ - $$$$$
Quarzite:
If Granite is Art, Quartzites are the Picaso’s of ART! Probably some of the most Striking… Exotic Colors and Patterns used for Countertops. They also are amongst the most expensive. Quartzites are Natural Stones formed under high heat and pressure. They are comprised of mainly natural Quartz particles and is known for its vivid colors, hardness and durability. They also need to be sealed. Quartzites can be Bold, Wild in color, and awesome patterns. They can have a similar veined like appearance to Marble but with a much higher resistance to staining, scratching and etching.
Price Range: $$$$- $$$$$$
Quartz:
Quartz is an Engineered man-made product. It is composed of Approximately 90% crushed granite, and 10% resins and pigments. Quartz has a low resistance to staining but is only heat resistant to a certain temperature. The Beauty of Quartz is that it is low maintenance. Sealing is not required. Quartz comes in many different colors and patterns. Its patterns can be a fine consistent one or as wild as mimicking some of the most extravagant and expensive marbles in the world. ie; White Carrara, Statuario Venato and Calacatta Carrara just to name a few. Quartz is a great pick for the homeowner who wants the marble look without the maintenance of marble.
Price Range: $$- $$$$$
Marbles/Limestones:
Natural Rock Composed of Limestone, Quartz, Calcite, Clay, Calcium Magnesium, Micas, Iron oxcides. Marbles are some of the most beautiful colors and patterns hands down. They have been used in architecture since man invented the chisel. Striking colors and veining patterns. Marble is heat resistant but requires constant sealing to protect it against staining. It is a much softer material and is prone to scratching or etching . Although still widely used in kitchens and bathroom countertops, Marble is the reason Quartz was invented. Similar look without the high maintenance.
Price Range: $- $$$$$$
Finishes
There are basically 3 types of surface finishes which all listed materials above can come in.
1) Polished - Polished to a Gloss
2) Honed- Flat finish – No Polish
3) Leathered or Textured- Smooth bumpy Textured Feel
Most people still prefer a polished surface. The Honed or textured surfaces are excellent choices for those who would like to add a different flair or design element to their project. For a Natural Stone, the care is the same for either Honed or Textured surfaces meaning that they still need to be sealed or color enhanced.
Summation:
There are so many options with Pros and Con’s to Each.
The Bottom line here is select a Natural Stone or Quartz which fits your budget and color palette. One that fits with the style and project you are trying to complete.
Are you a consistent pattern person? One who loves Elegant Quiet Beauty? Or one who likes a striking bold pattern that screams check me out! They all have a place.
Step one is to visit our stone supplier web sites to familiarize yourself with the colors and different products available. Step 2 is to visit one of our Stone Supplier Partners to view up close and personal. They are the ones that have the limitless selection. View them, feel them. Am I feeling a Natural fissure in the slab or is the slab unusable due to a crack? Is it a pitted Stone? Better to find out first before it is in your home. And don’t put the cart before the horse…meaning go to a supplier when you are ready to make your selection. I would say a sufficient lead time is when you are placing your order for cabinets.
At CK Stonez we can help make this process EZ… er by aiding you in your decision process. We will, if needed, meet you at the stone supplier and extend our design services at no charge. We will answer your questions and help guide you through the entire process from Slab Selection to Installation.
Please Call Chris K with any questions @ 603 234 3528
