Stone surfaces come in various colors, sizes, finishes, durability, and quality. The following stone types have their own unique characteristics that can best fit a homeowner’s lifestyle and taste. There are a few things to consider when selecting your stone. Do you need a stone that is heat-resistant, non-porous, or not prone to scratches? What is the location for the stone, what type works best for your lifestyle, and how can it be used? Let’s take a step into why these types of stone set the standards as today’s top favorites for owners and designers.
Quartz
High-performance, low maintenance, and upscale aesthetics. What more could you ask for? Quartz slabs are not like other stones, they are a man-made engineered stone that is heated and pressurized. This stone has resin binders and pigments that provide deep tints and the starkest whites. This non-porous stone is often seen in eye-catching designs due to its striking veining and contrasting colors. It is best found in high-traffic areas that do not require much attention or care.
Granite
This stone is the most often used due to its high durability and budget-friendly pricing. Being a natural stone, granite provides a heat-resistant and non-porous surface, making it a great option for high-traffic areas. Kitchens are a great place to utilize granite due to the regularly used cooking and prepping surfaces. No worrying about a hot pot burn or a red wine spill!
Marble
Marble is a beautiful and desirable stone. Unlike granite or quartz, marble is a versatile stone; it is available in multiple sizes from slabs to mosaic tiles. However, it is brittle, porous, and easily scratched. Utilizing your marble within a bathroom allows for an elegant and soft look. It can be installed on horizontal surfaces like floors or vertical surfaces like shower walls. Regardless, you will not have to worry too much about scratching, staining, or cracking if you install it in a low-traffic area.
Low-Maintenance, High-Drama
Throw away the mindset that stone is limited to only countertops. Any of these types can be used on vertical or horizontal planes. Traditionally, a stone can be found stopping at the edge of cabinetry, but stone is being used beyond counterworking surfaces these days. Many unique techniques can be used to create a design experience that is cutting-edge and unlike the rest. Wrapping an entire kitchen island creates a striking centerpiece in any kitchen. Choosing a beautiful stone for your shower walls instead of tile makes an ordinary bathroom feel like a spa and turns every shower into a luxury experience. Stone surfaces come in a dizzying array of colors and patterns and can be as bold or elegant as you like to suit your decor.
Designer Tip
Use the commonly viewed countertop horizontal application and push for more. Imagine your surface installed on a horizontal or vertical plane. Allow your surface to be a backsplash, waterfall island, integrated sink, or even an island knee wall.
The intended function of your selection is a great starting point when deciding which type to use and how to use it. When utilizing a design team, your interior designer can provide insight into which stone is the best selection for the application. The designer has a network of stone companies providing many different choices sure to fit your style and function. Contact DMG Design+Build to learn more about our design-build services and how we can make your dream home a reality.