When we think of home, we are filled with a sense of calm and serenity, and when we design it, we think of using only the best materials for it. So why leave the kitchen behind, the kitchen where much time is spent doing the most useful activity in the world: “cooking”.

There are different stones that can be selected, such as natural granite, quartzite, marble, sandstone, and artificial stones such as quartz, etc. Each stone has its pros and cons and they are selected by different people as beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

So what are the factors that affect the choice of stones to use?

1. Cost: Cost is often one of the key determinants in choosing a stone for the kitchen. The cost of the stone depends on several factors such as the demand for the stone, the color, the cut, the thickness, etc. The more difficult it is to find the stone in nature, the more expensive it becomes.

2. Appearance: Natural stones are not uniform in color and pattern, this may be seen as an aberration or beautiful. While artificial stones are more uniform in appearance. Natural stones are available only in colors that occur in nature, but pigments can be added to artificial or engineered stones to give the stone its color. It is also due to their unique irregular pattern that natural stones turn out to be more expensive.

3. Durability and Care: Most natural stones are porous in nature, thus requiring more care and maintenance. They must be sealed every 2 years. Without proper sealing, stains can penetrate the stone and cause staining. Man-made stones are non-porous and therefore do not absorb liquids or stain, requiring less care and are more durable than natural stones. All natural stones require a little more TLC than engineered stones.

4. Availability – Availability is also a factor when choosing a countertop stone for the kitchen, stone that is available locally will certainly cost less than stone that needs to be transported a long distance.

5. Installation: Installation costs differ from stone to stone. For example, granite slabs are difficult to install due to their large size, while granite slabs are smaller and can be easily manipulated to install anywhere.

6. Hardness: Engineered stone countertops are very hard, so they don’t crack as easily as granite or slate. It is also heat resistant and therefore would not burn.

Finally, choosing a stone counter for the kitchen is not an easy job, it is a place where you spend a considerable amount of time. Natural stone can be beautiful and a joy to look at, but a nightmare to clean, and engineered stone can be engineered into any size, shape, and color, and can be easy to clean, too. The choice is quite subjective and must be made last. http://www.legacymarbleandgranite.com