What Are Your Countertop Options In Dallas TX?

How to Choose the Best Quartz Countertop Colors

Typically, kitchen and bathroom countertops are made using one of a few common materials. The best materials to use depend on several factors, including durability, heat resistance, maintenance requirements, and the overall look of the finished product.

Below are six materials that are used most often for countertop construction.

Granite

Granite is a type of igneous rock that forms with visible grains throughout the mass, which creates a unique look for kitchen countertops. This type of rock is formed when magma slowly crystallizes, and the resulting product is mainly composed of quartz and other minerals. The mineral composition is responsible for giving granite countertops their red, gray, or white colors that contrast sharply with the darker grains.

For countertops, granite is a durable, relatively low-maintenance option that tolerates both heat and moisture.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock type that forms when limestone undergoes extreme heat and pressure in a process known as metamorphosis. During this process, calcite crystals interlock with one another, which is what creates the crystalized limestone in marble. Like granite, marble is composed of several rock elements, including calcite, quartz, graphite, and other minerals.

Marble makes for softer, typically smoother countertops than granite options, but it’s still a durable and heat-resistant countertop material. It’s also a viable option for homeowners looking for a variety of color choices.

Soapstone

Like marble, soapstone is a metamorphic rock, but the key component of this material is talc combined with chlorite, carbonates, and other minerals. Color-wise, soapstone usually appears green, blue, gray, or brown. Because this material got its name due to how similar it is to soap in texture, it’s easy to see how it’s categorized as a soft countertop material.

However, soapstone is a sustainable product, doesn’t require sealing, tolerates heat, and is resistant to staining. It’s a popular choice for household countertops.

Quartzite

As the name suggests, quartzite is a metamorphic rock that’s mostly composed of quartz. It forms when sandstone undergoes extreme heat and pressure during metamorphosis. This process crystalizes the sand and silica components, which helps bind them together. As a result, quartzite is durable and showcases natural grains that homeowners find attractive.

Because of quartzite’s durability, it makes an appropriate kitchen countertop option, especially for homeowners who prefer one of the limited colors available for this material.

Onyx

Onyx is a glassy-looking variety of agate, a silica-based mineral. It’s a sedimentary rock that’s often composed of black and white bands of color, which is ideal for homeowners who like contrasting colors. Some varieties of onyx are white and red or white and brown.

Onyx makes beautiful yet durable countertops. It’s heat resistant, but because of its soft material, it’s not difficult to scratch. In some situations, it’s better to install onyx countertops in areas that aren’t in constant use. For example, onyx makes a decent bathroom countertop option.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone, and among other building materials, travertine has one of the longest histories of any stone. Naturally, travertine color schemes range from warm to neutral tones and can have either matte or glossy finishes.

It’s a durable material for countertops, but it’s prone to becoming stained or etched with frequent use. However, it’s a good choice for homes with a more rustic theme.

Countertop Fabrication Options

In addition to the materials used, choosing the best countertop options also involves picking the fabrication type that fits the project’s parameters. Take these options, for example.

  • Natural stone: Natural stone slabs refer to large pieces of stone countertop material that have not yet been cut to fit the space where it will be installed. These slabs come in several thicknesses and natural material options.
  • Stone blanks: Stone blanks are pre-cut segments of stone that enable builders to install the product without requiring a lot of fabrications or alterations. This option is a good idea for fast-paced work or repetitive home layouts.
  • Prefabricated stone: Prefabricated stone is similar to stone blanks, but in addition to being pre-cut for installation, these pieces are also fully prepared for installation with the edges finished and the sink openings already cut out. This option is ideal for commercial building projects.

To choose the best countertop options for your project, contact Everest Stone. Our professional, experienced team will walk you through everything you need to know about countertop materials, including which product will best serve you for years to come.