Tag: countertop replacement

The Differences Between Limestone And Marble Countertops

There are many countertop materials to choose from. From natural stones to man-made stones, the options are pretty much endless. If you’re looking for new countertops in your kitchen, then here is a guide on limestone and marble countertops.

Limestone And Marble Countertops Compared

Composition

The composition of a rock is really important to consider. Because of the composition, qualities like scratch and stain resistance, durability, and maintenance can be determined, so it’s crucial to have it down when you’re looking for the perfect material for your kitchen countertops.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is a sedimentary rock. It is made out of calcium carbonate mostly. Sedimentary rocks are rocks that are made after millions of years and there is a lot of fossil fuel present in these rocks.

Large animals and plants decompose as they die and the bones and skeletons turn into calcium carbonate, along with other composites. It is abundantly found in Italy, Spain, and many US states.

Marble Countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock. Under high temperatures and pressure, the rock crystallizes into marble, with an interlocking crystal structure. Marble is made up of a mixture of clay, sand, and other impurities and there is also mica, which gives rise to the veining on this beautiful stone. It is usually available in lighter colors and the most premium quality marble is available in Italy.

It is used in architecture and sculpture making, however now it is being used as countertops, which is amazing because you can bring the beauty of this natural stone into kitchens too.

Durability

Durability is a very crucial factor because it determines the strength and longevity of the material. You want to get a stone that is durable and doesn’t chip and crack under the slightest of forces.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is a soft material. Since it is usually made out of calcium carbonate, there isn’t a lot of strength in this material, however, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t last long.

It can last a reasonable amount of time and it’s an amazing stone to go for if you want something that will last you a bit. Its hardness ranks at 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness and it’s an amazing material to go for since it doesn’t chip and the edges are quite sturdy too.

Marble Countertops

Marble is also quite a soft stone, however, its ranking is sometimes variable on the Mohs scale of hardness. It can be either 3 or 4, which is average, and it’s also fairly durable just like limestone.

In comparison, both stones are equal in their durability properties and there’s not a lot of difference between the two. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful stone that will make people fall in love with your kitchen, but also be durable at the same time, then marble is the way to go. However, if you need something more durable than limestone and marble, then choose granite kitchen countertops Raleigh NC.

Heat Resistance

Since you’ll be working in the kitchen, you’ll need to go through this factor as well. Heat resistance is one of the key things to go through when you’re selecting a stone because it determines whether the material will be damaged by heat or not.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is resistant to heat, but it can be blistered if you make it a habit to put hot pots and pans on the surface of the countertops a lot. This is unpleasant to look at because the stone is already light and will make the hideous black spots more prominent and you don’t want that. Hence, you must use trivets and cutting boards to keep a barrier between the hot food and your countertops.

Marble Countertops

This material is made under high temperatures and pressure, so it can resist heat like a pro. However, if you want to test its limits, then now is not a good time to start.

Even though marble can resist heat and it doesn’t get blistered as easily, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t get damaged at all. There is a huge possibility that it will get heat stains after several months of putting hot foods and utensils on the surface.

Scratch Resistance

Next up is scratch resistance. This is also really important to consider because you don’t want the material to be a display of chips and scratches. It just doesn’t look appealing at all.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is a soft material, so it can get scratched. That doesn’t mean that you can’t ever consider this material. It works well if you use a knife on it once or twice, but you definitely shouldn’t make it a habit to use sharp and pointy things directly on the surface of limestone countertops, otherwise, it will get scratched.

Marble Countertops

Marble, since it is typically the same in hardness as limestone, will scratch as well. With marble, the scratches are more obvious and since it is an expensive stone, then a scratched-up countertop will break your heart.

This is why it’s recommended that you use cutting boards when using knives on the surface of the countertops and you’ll save your countertops from getting scratched and looking hideous. This is probably a very major downside of this beautiful material.

Maintenance

The next order of importance is maintenance. You need to be able to maintain your countertops, but you also don’t want to spend every waking minute tending to your countertops, because that’s just exhausting.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is a good material when it comes to maintenance, however, because it’s a natural stone, you will need to seal the stone. Since there are a lot of pores on the surface of limestone, they can allow penetration of water into the material and that can ruin the countertops.

Also, since the material is mostly composed of calcium carbonate, you want to be careful when you’re using cleaners because any cleaners with acid in them can cause the stone to get damaged and essentially disintegrate.

Marble Countertops

You will also need to seal marble countertops, because again, it is a natural stone and you want to be able to protect your countertops from unnecessary water damage. This is important. Another thing that you will need to do with marble is that you will need to get it polished now and then, especially if you get a polished finish. It is going to ensure that the stone remains shiny and looks beautiful for years to come.

Price

You want to go over the price of the countertops.

Limestone Countertops

Limestone is a bit more on the cheap side, as compared to marble. It is one of the most affordable natural stones. It can cost you anywhere between $45 to $90 for a 1×1 foot slab.

Marble Countertops

Marble is more on the expensive side of things. A 1×1 foot slab of marble can cost you anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the type of marble you get. It is more expensive and it does require a bit more maintenance.

Conclusion

Limestone and marble are two popular natural stones and both have certain qualities to them. With this guide, you’ll be able to make your decision of choosing a good material for countertop replacement Durham NC.

All About Tile Countertops You Need To Know

Countertop materials are pretty much endless in variety. One of these materials is tile. Tile countertops seem to be making a comeback and if you want to opt for this material in your kitchen for countertop replacement, then here is everything you need to know about it.

What Are The Types Of Tile Countertops Available?

Tiles have come a long way and today, there is a plethora of variety available. You can get tiles made out of porcelain or ceramic, which are the most common kinds of tiles. But there are also tiles available made out of natural stones. Natural stones are mined in the form of big slabs, and a lot of manufacturers can make tiles of these slabs as well.

So, you can get the look and feel of a natural stone, but in tile form, which is amazing. Tiles can be made out of natural stones, like granite, travertine, and even quartz. They will add a nice element to your kitchen and your countertops will look unique and very beautiful.

Tiles Are Heat-Resistant

One of the biggest advantages of tiles is that they are extremely resistant to heat. Their heat resistance is up there with granite and other natural stones. One of the biggest selling points and common features of natural stones is that they are resistant to heat, but this quality is not just limited to natural stones anymore.

Tiles are quite insulating and they don’t get damaged, even if you deal with pots, pans, and hot foods directly on their surface. Most man-made materials lack this property, but tile is one of the few materials which can give you protection from heat and it won’t lead to the formation of those ugly stains on the surface of the countertop.

However, if you still want to play it safe and be sanitary, then you can use trivets and wooden cutting boards to cut hot meats, foods, and vegetables.

Tiles Are A Puzzle Of Designs And Patterns

The appearance of tiles is kind of like a beautiful puzzle with intricate and abstract tile designs. Tiles are arranged and installed in a way, which makes the whole countertop surface look like a work of art. There is a huge variety of designs and patterns available in tile and you can get them in just about any color as well. You can go for vibrant colors with interesting patterns and that’s going to make your countertops stand out in the kitchen.

You can also go for basic-colored tiles, which are available in solid hues with minimal patterns. This design aesthetic is perfect for someone who wants a muted kitchen with minimal accents. There is so much variety in tile countertops that you will want every single design.

Tiles Are Not As Durable

Tiles are marginally strong, but they are not something that can’t ever break. This is one of the few major drawbacks of tiles and that’s the fact that they are bound to break and chip under the impact of forces.

They can easily chip from the sides and crack too, because they are thin and they can’t endure a lot of force. They can last for a fairly long time if you take care of them properly, but their longevity is no way near other natural stones and thick slabs like granite, quartz, and limestone.

In comparison, however, it is much stronger and more durable than marble, which is the most fragile material in countertops. So, if you’re confused between choosing tile or marble countertops NC, then you already know that tile is going to be a better option.

Tiles Are Not Stain Resistant

Tiles, like most natural stones, are porous. A porous material basically implies that there are a lot of small holes or pores present all over the surface of the material. These pores are responsible for sucking in all kinds of liquids present on the surface of the material.

This can lead to damage from the inside as well as stains which can be a pain in the neck to remove. Sounds pretty serious, right? This is why the best way to get rid of stains and make the whole countertop waterproof is to seal the surface.

Tiles also need to be sealed, so that they can last longer and look clean in appearance. No one wants to look at stained countertops.

Tile Counters Are Easy To Install

One of the best things about tiles is that they are very easy to install in the kitchen, to the point where you can even do it by yourself if you have the time. Of course, the results are going to look very different if you compare your work with that of a professional. But if you’re in a pinch and want to change a tile or two to replace the cracked and broken ones, then you can most certainly do it by yourself and it won’t take a lot of time either. All you need is some strong adhesive and a couple of tiles and you are good to go.

They Are Reasonable In Price

Tiles are reasonable in price. The price may vary from one retailer to the other, but if you have good bargaining skills, then you can get a good deal on tiles, which is anywhere from $2 to $3 for ceramic tile.

Natural stone tiles can be a bit on the expensive side, but they are generally available for $4 to $6 per tile, and if you can stretch it, you can also include installation at this price point. It is an inexpensive alternative to getting natural stone countertops installed in your kitchen.

Piece Of Cake To Replace

Tiles are easy to replace. Yes, they can chip and break easily, but it’s not the end of the world. You can easily replace the old or broken tile with a new one, in no time at all and with a couple of supplies. All you need for this is a tile-removing tool, which is a long and thin scraper.

You will remove the tile from the countertop and then apply adhesive all over the cavity. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes and then you can put the new tile on it and press on it to adhere it in place. You can scrape off the excess glue, from the sides, with a small sharp tool.

They Look Great In The Kitchen

Tiles have a very modern and chic appearance to them. They don’t look as chunky as normal slabs of countertops do. It is a very beautiful layout and all credit goes to the fact that tiles are thin and they can impart appeal and style to your kitchen.

Darker tiles will look much better against a contrasting white or light-colored kitchen, without looking too harsh. So, you can play around with different color schemes until you’re happy.

Conclusion

There you have it! Tile countertops look extremely elegant and minimalistic and they add a modern appeal to your entire kitchen. So, if you’re looking to capture this very essence, then tile countertops are perfect for you. Hire granite countertop installers Durham NC for the installation of tiles or any countertop material.