If you are looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable material for your countertops, look no further than natural stone.
Being naturally occurring, it does not need to be bonded together with petroleum-based products, and the durability of natural stone ensures that it will last for many years. Its versatility and beauty has also made it a much sought after material in home decor and construction.
Natural stone countertops are elegant, timeless, and bring a sense of sophistication and luxury to, for example, your kitchen or bathroom.
Here, we explore the numerous benefits of incorporating natural stone countertops into your home, from their functional advantages to their aesthetic appeal.
Take a look at the top reasons why you should choose natural stone countertops for your kitchen.
They Are Made Without Synthetic Materials:
Natural stone is a product of the earth, and no other resource is required to make it. So, there is a good supply of natural stone in different colours, veining and graining patterns, forms, and textures. This makes it a versatile material that can be used in numerous applications. Moreover, the look of natural stone varies based on changes in mineral composition.
Being a naturally occurring material, natural stone does not contain toxic chemicals, making it a safe option to have in your home. Plus, you can choose varieties that are regionally sourced, which will lower their environmental impact. This is because regionally -harvested materials result in the emission of fewer greenhouse gases during their transportation.
They Can Be Recycled:
Natural stone can be recycled and repurposed, which can greatly extend its lifespan. Over time, this can go a long way towards preserving water, energy, and other important resources that may be used to produce new stone for countertops.
This means that if you intend to replace an old granite countertop with marble, the granite can be repurposed, for instance, as shelving or a bathroom vanity. It can be further recycled into other products at recycling plants. An added benefit of this is that it reduces the waste that ends up in landfills.
They Are Extremely Durable:
Natural stone can stand the test of time, meaning you won’t have to replace it anytime soon. Natural stones such as granite, marble, and onyx tend to age beautifully and provide years of use.
The best thing about natural stone is that it can stand up to high traffic in high-use kitchens and bathrooms. Indeed, it can last for as long as 50 years when cared for properly. This also means that resources aren’t used as often to create new materials, making them a more sustainable option.
In terms of the lifecycle cost perspective, even though some natural stone varieties are expensive, they will greatly reduce your future costs. For instance, they are durable, so you won’t have to worry about repairing or replacing them anytime soon.
They Offer Design Flexibility:
Many individuals relate natural stone to old architecture, but its versatility allows it to meet the design needs of modern aesthetics and architecture as well.
Indeed, architects and interior designers around the world are using different types of natural stone in various applications. Natural stones are available in a wide range of formats, sizes, and styles that other products cannot imitate.
And most engineered materials do not last as long as their natural counterparts. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about damage with use, as the material will not change colour and will look exactly the same even after years of use.
They Are Easy to Care For:
This can be a great decisive point to help you determine whether natural stone countertops are the right choice for your home. Stones can last many years when looked after properly and remain beautiful. Moreover, natural stone can have myriad fabrication options and finishes added to it. These can improve their performance, help the material resist wear and tear, and extend its life.
Furthermore, all you need to clean natural stone countertops is water and a bit of mild dish soap or detergent. Alternatively, you can use cleaners specifically created for use on natural stone, which are easy to use and inexpensive. Many of these cleaners can fulfill sustainability requirements. This is a good indicator that they do not contain harmful chemicals and won’t damage the environment.
Many homeowners are looking to incorporate eco-friendly designs and elements into their homes, and natural stone is a great addition. While your choice of material is up to you, the sustainability aspect should aid in making a decision. You can consult with an experienced natural stone countertop provider about your project goals and unique requirements. They can help you make the right decision, one you will be able to enjoy for a long time. Take the reasons we have provided into consideration to choose the best possible option.