When choosing a countertop for your kitchen, you need to know the differences between the materials available on the market. Two of the most used products are natural stone and porcelain. But do you know how a natural stone countertop differs from a porcelain one? Take a look at this little guide with 5 keys that will help you choose the most suitable material for your kitchen project!

Natural stone countertops

What is a natural stone countertop?

A natural stone countertop is made with a material whose origin is 100% natural, such as granite, quartzite, marble, slate or travertine. Natural stone is extracted directly from quarries and does not require any transformation process or use any chemical product during its production. Therefore, it is a sustainable and ecological product that can be recycled and used for other projects.

What natural stone is the most used?
The most used natural stone in kitchen countertops is granite. It is a very strong and durable material. This material is first cut and then polished, which gives a shine that makes the countertop stand out. Each granite slab is unique because its texture, being natural, is different. Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, it is highly resistant to heat and stains.

What are the advantages of a natural stone countertop?

A natural stone countertop offers the best features: it is hard, resistant, durable and requires little maintenance. Easy to clean, it brings an air of elegance and originality to the kitchen, as it is a highly aesthetic product. In addition, it is an economical material if we take into account the quality/price ratio.

What finishes, textures and colors are available?

The most used finish for kitchen countertops is polished, with its characteristic shine. In addition, a honed, flamed, silk or aged finish can also be obtained, which provide other types of different textures with a more matte effect.

In terms of colours, natural stone offers a wide repertoire of tones, from black to white through grey, blue, green, red, cream or yellow with all kinds of veining.

What maintenance does a natural stone countertop need?

Cleaning and maintaining a natural stone countertop is very simple. The best product to clean the stone is water accompanied by soap with a neutral PH. Aggressive or acidic chemical products are not recommended to avoid damaging the surface of the natural stone.