Five Questions to Ask When Choosing Granite or Quartzite for your Kitchen Countertops
The kitchen is the hub of the home, and natural stone countertops transform it into a beautiful gathering spot. Once just a luxurious upgrade, the popularity of natural stone has made it a more affordable option, and the benefits are many. Natural stone, including granite and quartzite lasts a lifetime. Its durability stands up to busy households, and a wide variety of colors, styles, and veining make it perfect for any décor.
When you head to CSW’s showroom in Shawnee, Kansas, it’s important that you find the stone that will work best for you. Here are five questions that will help you choose your best option.
1. How does my lifestyle impact my choice of stone?
Understanding the dynamics of a customer’s household is the most important consideration when choosing stone, says Graham Power, Sales Representative at CSW in Shawnee, Kansas. He likes to steer busy families toward granite. “It’s so durable and versatile,” he says. “It’s a good workhorse countertop. I typically like to recommend mid to darker colors to avoid staining.”
Granite is always an excellent option for countertops; it meets the needs of homeowners desiring added durability, as well as offers a variety of options in lighter designs. Another popular alternative would be quartzite. It demonstrates excellent durability as well but gets even closer to mimicking more marble-like color tones and veining.
2. What is the best finish for a kitchen?
Natural stone comes in a variety of finishes, and each offers its advantages. Polished is best if you want to keep it looking nice. Honed, brushed, and leathered finishes are also optional finishes for both granite and quartzite. Ask your sales representative at CSW to show you the options available and explain the different types of finishes.
3. What kind of care does stone require?
People often think stone is indestructible, but every material requires basic care, says Steve Lee, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CSW. “It’s important to match the right stone to your comfort level so that you’ll be happy with it years later.”
Stone surfaces can be cleaned with a soap made for natural stone or a mild liquid detergent. Some types of natural stone, such as marble, require extra attention.
“Marble is a calcite-based stone and will react with acids, such as wine, lemon juice, vinegar or even coffee and olive oil,” states Steve. “It will cause an irreversible chemical reaction that is etched on surface. With marble, you need to stay on top of wiping up spills.”
4. What kind of care will natural stone require?
In addition to regular cleaning, we recommend sealing natural stone. Talk to your stone provider to learn more about sealing recommendations. Steve gives customers a simple test to know when it’s time to reseal your stone: “Find an often-used area of your countertop, and place a small drop of water there,” he says. “Leave it for 15 minutes, and when you come back if it’s still there, your sealer is good. If it’s been absorbed, it’s time to reseal.” You can contact the team at CSW to ask about resealing your natural stone countertops.
5. Once you’ve selected a type of stone, is it important to choose a specific slab?
Yes, says Graham. “Take your time and enjoy the process,” he says. “Mother Nature made this beautiful granite or quartzite, and it should be enjoyed for years to come. Each piece has its own characteristics. Find one you love. It’s art for your home—the focal point of the room—and it should speak to you and reflect your personality.”
Choosing the perfect natural stone for your countertops can be overwhelming. Working with the team of professionals at CSW will make the process easier. We work to educate our clients about their choices for granite, quartzite, and quartz. Contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment to view the many stone slabs in our Shawnee, Kansas showroom
