A stone countertop and an apron are the main attributes of a kitchen and a bathroom interior. Natural stone is a living matter created by the nature itself that’s why each countertop of stone is a unique product with its own texture and natural pattern having a dazzling beauty and a varied colors palette. Stone countertops and kitchen aprons as rule are made from granite, marble, onyx and semiprecious stones.
Pros of stone countertops:
• Exclusivity. Each countertop of natural stone is the only existing creation having an aesthetic and elegant appearance not losing the brightness of the color and expression of its pattern over time;
• Ecological compatibility. Representing a natural material stone doesn’t emit toxic fumes ensuring safety of inhabitants of the room and doesn’t have an unpleasant smell;
• Durability. Unlike agglomerate/plastic or wood, natural stone is not subject to heat and fire actions;
• Longevity. With proper care countertops of stone will serve for years;
• Monolithic character. Stone slabs provide a smooth surface without seams;
• Ease of maintenance. Wipe up spills as they occur;
• Maintainability. The stone is easily restored getting its original appearance;
• Water resistance. Natural stone doesn’t absorb water.
Cons of stone countertops:
• High price. Natural stone is one of the most expensive materials for manufacturing countertops;
• Installation complexity. Stone has a considerable weight so the countertop requires professional installation;
• Susceptibility to stains. Natural stone is a porous material so a countertop requires a periodic care;
• Vulnerability to acids. Citrus, vinegar and cleaners with a whitening effect or ammonia can spoil natural stone and it will have to be restored.
Countertops and aprons of natural stone for kitchen
Every housewife is dreaming of both functional and beautiful kitchen. A countertop and an apron of natural stone, that is the most important attribute of the kitchen interior, will help it. One of the main advantages of stone countertops and aprons for kitchen is their classy appearance creating a unique atmosphere of luxury and wealth in every kitchen. Considering that a countertop is constantly in operation meeting with loads and exposure to different liquids natural stone is an optimal solution for the kitchen because it is not only beautiful but is also surprisingly longevous.
Countertops of natural stone for bathroom
Creating a design of bathroom many people choose countertops of natural stone. The stone has a number of positive qualities that’s why it’s so popular among customers today. High resistance to damages, water resistance and fire safety make stone countertops demanded for bathroom interiors. After all a well polished stone countertop for bathroom is not scratched and any dirty places can be removed from its surface with a damp cloth.
Marble countertops for kitchen and bathroom
Marble is a natural stone, a rock formed in the earth cover as a result of metamorphism and consisting only of calcite. The material has a rich palette of colors and structures. As a result of metamorphism marble is permeated with striped, moiré, spotted and venous patterns on a gray, pink, yellow, bluish, green, wax, red and blue-black background. Stone is easy to process due to its plasticity therefore it is used for producing many different products. Countertops of marble have a number of advantages in comparison to countertops made of artificial materials: durability, wear resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance and longevity. Due to marble is a natural and living material a favorable microclimate for human is created in the room. One more key feature of the material is bactericidal action and hypoallergenic potency.
Countertops of marble are suitable not only for furnishing in public and residential premises but also for kitchens and bathrooms. They are not exposed to fat, attrition, high humidity, easily washed creating a unique atmosphere. Aesthetic qualities of countertops of marble are rather high. Manufactured products will not only blend in with almost any interior but also enrich it.
Countertops of granite for bathroom and kitchen
Countertops of granite are indifferent to exposure to atmospheric phenomena and acids. Because granite is a natural material it has an ability to influence psychoemotional state of a person positively. Such qualities as ecological compatibility and ergonomic effectiveness allow creating unique products from natural stone for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom spaces.
Countertops of granite are used not only as constructive parts of built-in furniture but also as the interior elements. Decorative features of stone texture also find their functional application for example by lack of sliding on wet surfaces. Because of high physical and technical qualities granite countertops are used in open air saving its original appearance for decades. Natural stone is perfectly matched with wood, metal and other finishing materials.
Countertops of onyx for kitchen and bathroom
Onyx is a natural stone, a mineral, a dense sedimentary rock which is chalcedony fibrous variety of quartz. Onyx has got a layered structure from carbonates, agate and various admixtures. Physical and chemical properties of onyx are comparable to marble and granite characteristics. The mineral has got high qualities for wear resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance and longevity.
According to the ratio of proportions of the components of natural stone it has plain or multicolored surface, colored layers and inclusions, contrasting combination of shades. Onyx has got a unique for the natural stone light transmittance. In nature there are minerals with fully transparent structure of greenish shade and stones of black color deprived of this ability. Onyx has got a rich color palette of white, beige, pink, blue and even yellow shades.
Low coefficient of absorbing moisture allows using onyx for making countertops in bathrooms and kitchens. A countertop of onyx will give a feeling of luxury to any room. Countertops of onyx are longevous and durable and also match with any finishing materials, create an atmosphere of comfort and well-being. The unique ability of onyx to transmit light allows installing artificial lighting into the countertop that will create a feeling of weightlessness and legerity in the interior.
