Slate Countertops
Let’s talk about slate countertops. Kitchen remodeling projects are among the most common, and homeowners focus a great deal of effort, time, and money in the creation of more functional and beautiful accommodations. As homeowners shoot for greater durability and elegance they are leaning away materials simply because of their lower price. With the renewed focus on durable, functional, and visually pleasing materials, many homeowners have become interested in natural stone countertops. Choosing the right countertop requires consideration of all the material’s qualities.
The stain and burn resistance, appearance, and usable life of the material are top among those qualities homeowners consider. Natural stone materials rank high in each of these categories, making them a top choice for those looking for the best the market has to offer.
When considering natural stone countertops, homeowners have options for finishes, thicknesses and textures, and appearances. One of the finest design benefits of utilizing natural stone for countertops is the creation of a truly unique kitchen for each and every home. No two stones in nature are alike, and therefore no two stone countertops will be alike.
Various stone materials are available from which to choose, but the top choices are marble, limestone, granite, and slate. Of the varieties available, slate ranks highest in all of the categories previously mentioned as essentials in selecting the right countertops. When selecting slate kitchen countertops, you’ll need to know a few things. Here are some of the slate countertops pros and cons.
Many varieties of slate do not require any sealing to prevent staining. High quality slate is nonporous and therefore stain resistant. Even those varieties which need to be sealed need not be resealed with the same frequency as other natural stone surfaces. In fact, once they are properly sealed, they don’t require any additional maintenance for the life of the countertop.
Slate countertops are scratch resistant. Slight scrapes and scratches can be removed with a damp cloth, while deeper scratches can be sanded away using steel wool. No damage is done to slate by the presence of acidic substances, another reason they are stain resistant.
Slate countertops are available in a variety of shades of green, gray, purple and black. These shades include unique variations, with each stone being a creation in and of itself, and no other kitchen countertop will ever look exactly like it.
An additional sealer or color enhancer can be used with slate to enhance or bring out deeper tones and shades within the color of the stone. These topcoat sealers come in low sheen, high glass, and matt finishes. Those homeowners who wish to maintain the most natural appearance possible of their natural slate countertop should employ the use of matt fishing for slate.
The cut of the stone and the rounding of the edges can add variety to the appearance of slate, creating a unique feel for each kitchen in which it is utilize. Slate stone is available in different types and shapes, with formats including standard square tiles, guillotine cut, random flagging, mosaic, and tumbled.
Slate tile countertops can range from tiny mosaics to two square foot tiles, leaving homeowners with numerous design options from which to choose. The introduction of slate tiles to a kitchen décor can add an elegant simplicity that does not detract from other design elements, and often compliments most design schemes quite well.
Slate countertops fall in the median range for natural stone countertop materials, making them an affordable option for most homeowners. That being said, one of the cons is that for some homeowners, getting a slate kitchen countertop can be expensive. However, the durability of slate far exceeds the initial cost, as the expense of the countertop can be a once in a lifetime venture. Slate countertops look wonderful in any home, and can offer homeowners the benefits of lifelong durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and affordable cost.