Stone Countertops: Expert Tips and Tricks

If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, it is likely that you have been astonished by the variety of countertop options. It is no wonder why stone countertops are an ever-popular choice. Their durability, natural beauty, and versatility make them both timeless and on-trend.

If you have decided to go for stone countertops, properly caring for them is an essential aspect of maintaining their beauty and integrity. Before you make a choice, it’s wise to know what is involved in caring for each surface. Your selection should fit seamlessly with the rest of your design aesthetic. It must also make sense for your lifestyle and use of the space. Here, we’ll outline some basic tips for caring for your stone countertops to keep them beautiful and functional for the years to come.

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular types of stone countertops due to its durability and natural beauty. It is a hard, dense stone that is resistant to scratches and heat, and lends a classic beauty to any space. However, granite is porous and can be susceptible to staining if it is not properly sealed. To care for granite countertops, it is important to clean them regularly with a mild detergent and warm water. Then dry the stone with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface of the stone. Additionally, it is important to seal granite countertops regularly to protect them from stains.

Limestone

Limestone is another popular type of stone countertop that offers a sophisticated, luxurious look. It does however, require a soft touch. Limestone is a porous stone that is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or stained – more so than other stone options. To care for limestone countertops, it is important to clean them regularly with a mild detergent and warm water, and then dry them with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface of the stone. Additionally, it is important to seal limestone countertops regularly to protect them from stains. Limestone is also sensitive to acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar or wine, so it is important to clean up spills of these substances immediately.

Marble

Hello, old-world elegance. Marble is a beautiful and chic stone that is often used in high-end kitchens and bathrooms. However, marble is a relatively soft stone that is easily scratched and stained. To care for marble countertops, it is important to clean them regularly with mild detergent and warm water, and then dry them with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface of the stone. Additionally, it is important to seal marble countertops regularly to protect them from stains. It is also important to avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on marble countertops, as heat can damage the surface of the stone.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a unique type of stone that is beautiful, durable, and low maintenance – thus often used in kitchens and bathrooms. It is a dense and non-porous stone that is resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. To care for soapstone countertops, it is important to clean them regularly with a mild detergent and warm water, and then dry them with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can damage the surface of the stone. Unlike granite, limestone, and marble, Soapstone doesn’t need to be sealed as it is naturally resistant to stains.

Quartz

Quartz is a classically attractive, engineered stone that is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens and bathrooms. It is a hard and non-porous stone that is resistant to scratches, some mild heat, and stains. To care for quartz countertops, it is important to clean them regularly with a mild detergent and warm water, and then dry them with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these can damage the surface of the stone. Quartz countertops do not need to be sealed as they are non-porous.

General Tips and Tricks

In addition to the specific care and maintenance requirements for each type of stone countertop, there are a few general tips that apply to all types of stone. For example, it is important to use cutting boards to protect the surface of your stone countertops when preparing food. Knives and other sharp utensils can scratch the surface of the stone, so it is best to use cutting boards to protect the stone.

Another important aspect to consider when caring for stone countertops is the use of harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage the surface of the stone, so it is best to avoid using them. If you need to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to use one that is safe for use on stone surfaces. Additionally, it’s important to be cautious with acidic substances. Acidic substances that may damage your counter would be lemon juice, vinegar, or wine, as they can etch or damage some types of stone surfaces like marble.

It’s also important to be mindful of the amount of sunlight your countertops are exposed to. Sunlight can cause fading or discoloration of some types of stone, so it’s best to avoid placing countertops near windows that receive direct sunlight.

Lastly, it is important to be aware of the weight and size of items that you place on your stone countertops. Heavy items can crack or damage the surface of the stone, so try to avoid placing them on the stone.

To summarize: treat your stone countertops well, and they’ll treat you well in return for years to come. With proper care and maintenance, your stone countertops will last for many years. While providing you with a beautiful, inspiring, and functional space.