granite kitchen countertops

What Stone is the Best Choice for Me?

AUTHORS Sharon Inetas | Sky Marble and Granite, Inc
A common question that arises, as homeowners go through the process of finish choices, is what stone is the best choice for me? As in most finish selections there are so many selections from which to choose. How do you narrow down the playing field?

granite kitchen countertops

Photo Credit | Real Stone and Granite Corporation

Step one, selecting what category of material.

Make a laundry list of priorities you would like your countertop to have similar to qualities you cannot do without in selecting a home. Are you going to stay awake at night worrying about the possibilities of red wine stains the morning after entertaining? If so, you are going to lean toward a stone with less porosity? Will seeing every speck of dust or drop of water play havoc with the definition of clean? Then Absolute Black polished would not be your first choice due to its highly reflective properties.

Photo Credit | Colonial Marble and Granite

Step two, color.

Have you determined a color palette for the space the stone is intended? Is the stone going to determine the surrounding colors and textures or are you applying stone to an existing color scheme? Color selection can affect the type of stone selection as well. Engineered (man-made) stone, such as quartz products, were produced to bring colors into countertops that were either non-existent in natural stone or not as common and therefore were quite expensive.

Photo Credit | John Bynum Custom Homes, Inc.

Step three, pattern and texture.

When clients walk among the slabs, they determine quickly whether they are a spot person, a speckle person, a movement person (stones that create a wave), a wow factor person, or a minimalist. Your eye and emotional response determine these selections. You will find that your selections will be similar in pattern but could vary a bit in color. In this case a review of your goals, cabinets, flooring, and walls will finalize the color.

Currently, texture is playing a bigger role in the selection process. Due to more sophisticated stone processing techniques, there are more available choices in an array of slab selections. Leathered finishes are becoming more popular. Like a honed stone, the finish has little or no shine. Unlike honed, which has a smooth surface, leathered is textured with a slight bumpy surface when you run your hand across it. The effect is warm and inviting. Another plus is that the texture tends to seal the pores of the stone, which is not the case of a honed surface.

Photo Credit | Cincinnati

Step four, budget.

Most often there needs to be a balance of wants and desires and budget. In the case of stone, usually one of your finalists will be either in your budget or near it. If you have that number in mind, it is good to tell your stone designer so that selections you choose from are in that range.

 

 

Last words

Keep these steps in mind when you take the walk among the slabs. You will find that it will be an exhilarating process. The end result will be owning your own customized piece of nature that will create the look and feel you want in the heart of your home.

REQUEST A FREE IN_HOME ESTIMATE
CALL US AT 571-926-8085

What they're saying

Beautiful showroom, excellent customer service and install. I loved working with them. They knew just the right stone for my kitchen, and even though I looked and looked everywhere to make sure, I came back to her choice. I would highly recommend Sky Marble.

The staff here are so knowledgable and the service and workmanship is top notch!! Outstanding!

Super pleased! They were able to get us a quote and complete the work very quickly. It looks great and their install team was fantastic. Highly recommend.

Absolutely love the finished product of my countertops! I live in a condo and wanted to update the countertops in the kitchen to have a more efficient space. Dawn explained all the options and helped through the entire process. Each staff member I came in contact with was exceptional! I absolutely love my kitchen and I receive compliments all the time. Highly recommend Sky Marble and Granite.

How to Measure for Granite Countertops

One of the most used and perhaps the most time-consuming areas of the house is [...]

How to Change Kitchen Countertops

Using a new countertop can significantly increase the look and elegance of your kitchen without [...]

55+ Elegance Remodeling Kitchen Ideas in 2021

White Granite Countertops with Different Type of Kitchen Style

24 Top White Granite Countertops in 2021

White Granite Countertops with Different Type of Kitchen Style 

10 Creative Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for VA

Thinking about remodeling or building a new kitchen? If so, these ideas will come in [...]

20 Best Small Bathroom Vanity Ideas in VA

There are numerous materials used for small bathroom vanity ideas and understanding which ones best [...]

Quartz vs. Granite: Pros and Cons

Choosing your countertop is arguably one of the most important decisions you’ll make in renovating [...]

Quartz Countertops in Reston

Look at the popular quartz countertops.