Whether you’re building, remodeling, or just looking for a change, choosing the right material is a big decision. Selecting the right stone takes thoughtful preparation and research.
Two things to consider for choosing stone:
1. Lifestyle
Each type of stone offers benefits to different ways of living. Your lifestyle will have a heavy influence on the type of stone that you choose. A family with young kids will have different concerns than retired empty-nesters. Some stones are better suited for light usage, while others work really well for heavy usage.
2. Stone Aesthetic
Chances are, you’re going to live with your new countertop for a long time, so getting the aesthetic you want is a big deal. Thankfully, there are thousands of different stone variations for you to choose from. There is no right or wrong aesthetic choice, but your selection should depend on your personal taste. If you’re starting from scratch, let your stone drive your palette. When you find your perfect stone, the rest of the design decisions will follow.
Now that you’ve considered these important factors, it’s time to find the right stone for you.
Our Top 4 Stone Countertop Choices:
Quartzite
It is a 100% natural stone with a unique and marble-like appearance. The extreme toughness and durability of Quartzite makes it a great choice for frequently used surfaces such as countertops, bathrooms and outdoor spaces. It is easy to clean, but should be sealed annually, just like most natural stones.
Granite
Made up chiefly of quartz and feldspar, granite has grains large enough to be seen by the naked eye. Granite is one of the hardest surfaces on earth. As a result, it is scratch resistant. It holds up well on heavily used surfaces and is typically heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.
Marble
Marble is easy to recognize thanks to its distinctive veining. Comprised of calcite crystals, marble is vulnerable to mild acids that may etch and patina the stone. Due to its vulnerability, we recommend using marble for bathroom surfaces, fireplace surrounds, hearths and occasional accent pieces.
Engineered Quartz
Made up of 93% natural quartz and 7% resin pigments, this man-made material is consistent in appearance from slab to slab and is non-porous, meaning that liquids will sit on top of the stone rather than seeping in. Quartz is a durable product that doesn’t require sealing and is stain and scratch resistant. We recommend using Quartz in kitchens, bathrooms and heavily used spaces, but not outdoors.
Here at Architectural Justice, we have over 3,000 full slabs of stone in our granite yard, making us one of the largest stocking fabricators in Northeast Ohio. With so many different stones to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. We invite you to set up an appointment with one of our designers today.
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