Natural stone is one of the most in demand products for home upgrades right now. Everything from
the floor, to countertops, backsplashes and other tile products are seeing demand from homeowners for their upgrades. Especially In the kitchen, natural stone is seeing demand for limestone tiles, granite countertops, marble islands, and other uses. While limestone, granite and marble make up the majority of the demand, zinc products are seeing an increase in attention as well.
Limestone
Limestone has been a product that has been in demand for many years for flooring, but is gaining desirability for a countertop or as kitchen tiles. Limestone has an appearance that is similar to granite, but comes with a lower price point. That price point differential does deliver some problems with a limestone countertop though. Naturally, limestone does go with nearly any décor in a room and remains that way indefinitely.
Pros:
- Limestone adds value to a home and retains it well if maintained
- Limestone is truly beautiful and timeless
- It is durable and strong enough to resist general use
- It matches stainless steel exceptionally well
- It gives the kitchen a unique look
Cons:
- Limestone is still quite expensive
- It has a tendency to scratch easier
- It is porous, and reacts negatively to acidic or alkaline spills and foods
- It requires a significant amount of maintenance to keep it beautiful
Zinc
Zinc has a shiny appearance when new, but that slowly fades and develops into a soft warmth over time. It has often been used by restaurants for countertops and bars due to the fact it is highly resistant to liquids. Zinc countertops will last significantly long, but not nearly as long as other natural stones like limestone, granite or marble.
Pros:
- Heatproof
- Resists water and absorption
- Gets warmer and beautiful over time
Cons:
- Scratches easily
- Shows fingerprints
- More industrial looking
Marble
Marble has been a highly desired product for thousands of years now. It generally can outlast all but granite countertops, sometimes lasting for over 50 years. Marble comes in a virtually endless amount of colours, patterns and shades. It does require more maintenance than granite.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Timeless beauty, and elegance
- Cool to touch
- Many options available
Cons:
- More porous than granite
- Requires additional maintenance
- Prone to scratches and stains
Granite
Granite is one of the
most popular choices in the kitchen these days. It combines the beauty and artistic properties that nature intended with the things we need most – resistance to the elements and low maintenance. With sealing, granite will be protected against most spills and stains.
Pros:
- Absolutely stunning
- Brings natural beauty into the home and creates a great focal point
- Heat resistant
- Scratch resistant – You can use it as a cutting board
- Cool to touch
- Can last over 50 years
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Requires regular maintenance
- Major cracks or chips are hard to repair
- Can stain if not sealed annually