Whether you’re looking to renovate your existing kitchen or are building a new home with your dream kitchen, incorporating stone into your design can make all the difference.
Not only is stone a naturally durable material, but it comes in a wide range of types to suit your specific design and lifestyle needs.
From granite and marble to man-made stones like engineered quartz, there is no shortage of options for you to choose from.
So, how do you choose stone(s) that will really make your new kitchen design pop?
There are a few popular stone types to explore and some other factors to consider as you design your dream kitchen.
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Stones to Consider for Your Kitchen
Take one visit to a local stone yard, and you may quickly feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options that are available to you.
By having a better idea of the specific type of stone you may want to use before you even visit a stone yard, you can narrow things down and make your final decision a bit easier.
Natural Quartzite
If you’re looking for a natural stone that has a similar look and feel to marble but contains the qualities of granite, then quartzite can be an excellent choice.
This particular stone is naturally occurring and comes in a wide range of colors and styles with unique veining throughout.
For this reason, it is often chosen as a more durable alternative to marble for use in kitchen countertops.
Even though quartzite is strong and stain resistant, it does require an impregnating sealer upon installation.
For example, Stonetech Bulletproof is a great option.
Marble
If you don’t mind the extra maintenance and care required, you may want to explore natural marble as an eye-catching kitchen material.
This beautiful stone option can really create a focal point when used in kitchen countertops.
However, it’s important to keep up with maintenance to ensure they’re looking their best.
Marble tiles and mosaics can also be used for kitchen flooring or even as a backsplash. The possibilities are truly endless.
When it comes to caring for marble, it’s important to realize that it can etch from acidic products like lemon juice, vinegar, and wine.
We recommend sealing them annually and if etch marks occur, consult a stone restoration specialist who can help professionally remove the spots.
With this in mind, we always recommend sealing marble post-installation.
Engineered Quartz
If you want a stone for your kitchen that is durable, heat- and stain-resistant, and has a similar look to marble, engineered quartz may be your best option.
Because engineered quartz is made out of crushed pieces of natural quartz mixed with pigment and resin, it is available in a variety of colors and styles.
There are engineered quartz options that replicate marble, cement, limestone, granite, and more.
Most polished engineered quartz doesn’t need to be sealed.
However, we find that Stonetech Quartz & Porcelain Sealer can be useful on honed or concrete finish engineered options.
This helps the countertop clean up easily.
It’s also important to note that you should check with your stone representative to see if the brand of engineered stone you purchase allows for the use of a sealer.
For some, this could void the manufacturer’s warranty on the product.
Granite
When it comes to natural stones, granite is another great option for kitchen designs today.
Most often used in countertops, granite offers unique beauty with each slab and is durable enough to be heat-resistant and scratch-resistant.
And with regular sealing, granite requires very little maintenance and will not stain easily.
To really make your kitchen design pop, consider mixing and matching granite with engineered quartz.
For example, you might consider choosing a different granite slab for use on your kitchen island to make it stand out.
Choosing the Right Stone for Your Kitchen
These are just a few ideas to consider when it comes to choosing a stone for your kitchen.
As you explore your options, here are a few other factors to take into consideration as well.
Durability and Maintenance
Make sure you understand the specific maintenance requirements of any given stone before you make a decision.
Some stones require more care and maintenance than others.
For example, marble is very prone to etching, whereas engineered quartz is very stain-resistant.
Many stones will also require that you apply a protective seal coat every so often.
Choose a stone that you will be comfortable maintaining and one that fits your lifestyle so you can keep your kitchen looking its best for years to come.
Project Type
Where you’re looking to add stone to your kitchen design matters, too.
Most often, stone is installed as countertop material due to its durability and beauty.
However, it is also common to be incorporated as part of your kitchen backsplash or even your kitchen flooring to make a bold statement.
There are many styles, patterns, and colors available, giving many natural variations for flooring or backsplashes.
The Bottom Line on Using Stone in a Kitchen Space
Using the right stone in your new kitchen can really make your design stand out, and there are some excellent ideas here to get you started such as epoxy resin racks and pegboard that add a modern accent to your kitchen.
Whether you end up with something traditional (like granite or marble) or something a little more unique (like engineered quartz), these tips will help you achieve your dream kitchen design!
