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Slate & Soapstone
Slate is a natural stone which people tend to associate most often
with flooring. However, it is an excellent choice for countertops,
and in many ways better suited for that purpose than granite or
marble. Slate is fine grained, relative to granite, and also much
more uniform in composition. This results in a very durable and
nonporous material. capable of withstanding heat and chemical abuse.
It is softer that granite, so it is important to round the edges
to avoid chipping. On the plus side, scratches can be easily rubbed
out. It is easy to maintain simply by cleaning with a dishwashing
detergent. Slate does not have the glossy shine of granite and marble.
Even so, the rich matte appearance of a smooth hone finish has a
luster all of its own. This can even be enhanced by a light coating
of mineral oil, which also acts as a sealer. Certain types of slate
require an impregnating sealer. Natural slate is available in colors
ranging from black, gray and purple to subtle red and green.
Soapstone is a natural stone that was traditionally used in colonial
New England for fireplace hearths, sinks, countertops and wood stoves.
Most people recognize it as the material used for decades as work
surfaces in laboratories and science classrooms. Its dense and durable
composition makes it chemically and thermally resistant to stains
and burning, characteristics that also make it a popular choice
for countertops. Acids and alkalis will not etch soapstone, as they
will granite or marble. It is primarily composed of talc, giving
it an especially warm and soft feeling to the touch. Soapstone has
a unique soft color with light flowing veins. When it is cut, it
oxidizes from a light gray to a dark charcoal color. A silky-smooth
honed finish and a protective coating of mineral oil, applied periodically,
will enhance the color. Soapstone is much softer than granite, or
even slate, and will acquire a lustrous patina over time.
Quartz Surfacing
Fashionable in Europe for more than a decade, quartz surfacing (also
called engineered stone) is now rapidly gaining popularity in the
kitchen and bath countertop market here. Cosentino developed their
quartz surfacing product Silestone® 12 years ago in Italy. Another
quartz surfacing product called Zodiaq™ was recently introduced
in the United States by DuPont. Composed primarily of natural quartz
particles mixed together with binders and pigments, quartz surfaces
have the weight and solid feel of natural stone. The quartz particles
give quartz surfaces the glimmering radiance and brilliant clarity
of granite. Quartz surfacing is extremely dense and non-porous.
Unlike natural stone, it never requires sealing, polishing or sanding
to retain its shiny finish or to resist stains. It is more resistant
to scratches, heat and burns than solid surfaces. Cleaning requires
simply soap and water. The resin binders used to make quartz surfaces
give the surface greater flexural strength than natural stone as
well. This prevents much of the chipping and cracking that can sometimes
occur with granite. Although the color palette in quartz surfacing
is currently more limited than natural stone, a great advantage
is that computer- controlled technology duplicates the exact color
shade from one year to the next. No color variation eliminates the
need for additional seams as well as adding to the inconspicuousness
of the seams. Quartz surfaces can be machined and manufactured with
a variety of edge treatments possible.
Tile
Tile is a versatile material that can be used for practically every
kitchen surface, from floors to countertops to back splashes. It
is valued for its durability as well as its variety of colors, shapes
and patterns. The design possibilities are endless.
Of the three main types of tile, ceramic, porcelain, and quarry,
porcelain is the toughest, since it is baked at a higher temperature
and becomes very dense. The surface of a porcelain tile is virtually
waterproof, and resists scratches, burns, and stains. This especially
makes porcelain tile an excellent choice for countertops. Tiles
can be glazed or unglazed, and the glazes can be matte or glossy.
Some of the glossy pieces seem to be almost translucent. There are
beautiful hand- painted tiles, and tiles with three-dimensional
patterns and textures that can be used on vertical surfaces only.
New, exciting tile products include glass tiles, and tiles with
a metallic surface. These can be used to create unique walls and
back splashes. To clean tile, use spray cleaner or water with vinegar
or just wipe clean the metal or glass tiles. When choosing grout,
keep in mind that there are a myriad of colors. Selecting one similar
in color to the tile will result in a more unified look. Professionals
recommend using an epoxy grout to help protect the grout against
staining or mildewing. One drawback of tile that is often mentioned
is that the surface is not smooth enough for cutting or rolling
dough. However, the current trend for placing a variety of surfaces
in the kitchens, based on their end usage, makes that not so much
of an issue.
Granite & Marble
Granite is formed deep beneath the earth's crust at temperatures
in the thousands of degrees. Its broad range of elegant patterns
and mineral-rich colors has made it probably the most popular natural
stone available today. It is the most versatile, durable and maintenance-free
of all stones, making it ideal for kitchen countertops. Granite
is impervious to damage from household kitchen acids such as vinegar,
citrus drinks and sodas. It also handles heat extremely well. A
hot pan taken from the stove and placed on a granite countertop
will not damage the surface. When granite is used for countertops,
large polishing machines are used to progressively grind the stone
to a mirror- like finish. After installation, the granite countertop
should be sealed with an appropriate penetrating sealing product
so that it cannot be darkened by oils or stained by certain liquids.
Once sealed, regular cleaning with warm, soapy water is the only
maintenance required.
Marble is formed from limestone, a sedimentary rock that is formed
at the bottom of lakes and seas as silt and organic matter settle
to the bottom. When the limestone undergoes enough heat and pressure,
it metamorphoses into a crystalline structure known as marble. Marble
is usually polished to a mirror-like finish, and is valued greatly
for its rich palette of beautiful colors. It is perfect for use
in the bathroom. However, it is a more porous stone than granite.
Special care must be taken when choosing it for kitchen countertops
so that it is not subjected to etching substances. Like granite,
marble should be sealed with a penetrating sealer. Marble can be
damaged by acidic substances, which if not wiped up promptly can
dull its polished surface. For regular maintenance, use a stone-
specific cleaner that is formulated to be gently to stone surfaces.
Solid Surface
Solid surface has been around for 30 years, ever since Dupont introduced
the original Corian (c). Today the versatile material is being used
in a huge variety of applications including work surfaces, countertops,
sinks, vanities, shower trays, wall cladding and furniture. Created
from a combination of acrylic resin, natural minerals, and pigments,
solid surface is a highly workable material. The grain pattern of
solid surface goes all the way through, so it can be cut, carved,
routed, sandblasted, inlaid and thermoformed into a variety of attractive
shapes. The advantages for use on kitchen and bath countertops are
many. It is very durable, as well as impact and stain resistant.
Should any accidental damage occur, the surface is renewable with
a light sanding. It is non- porous, so it will not support the growth
of bacteria. It is visible "seamless" when joined. It
is available in a rich and ever evolving palette of many colors
to blend with any interior.
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