When choosing to remodel or build out a kitchen or bathroom, natural stone is a fantastic choice for both its beauty and its durability. Natural stone is easy to maintain, clean, and looks great with any style of decor. Not all stones are the same; however, granite, soapstone, and marble have individual qualities. With the many different colors and options within each stone type, having access to a showroom staffed with knowledgeable staff can ease the mind of a potentially weary consumer.

Limestone makes a beautiful accent stone, but it would not be suitable for a countertop. Quartz is a strong, chip-resistant stone, but it would be damaged by ultraviolet light and therefore should not be used outdoors. Marble has many levels of hardness, and different levels are better suited to different areas of the home. With so many different qualities for each specific type of stone, speaking with a showroom consultant will help you make the right decision for each individual project. Discussing the project with qualified personnel will result in a lifetime of natural stone enjoyment.

Along with the type of stone, there are many more decisions to make when building or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. Each type of stone has different finishes, veins, and colors that must be taken into account. Granite can only have a polished, leathered, honed, brushed, aged, or flamed finish. Marble and quartz can be honed or polished and soapstone has a typical old world style. Natural stones like granite can have almost unlimited color options, while marble is typically seen only with variations of white, pink, or black. The veining of granite and marble varies greatly since they are natural stones. Quartz is available in many colors; even those that are not found in nature, and have consistent patterns. Simply reading about natural stone options will not help the consumer choose the right type for the job. One should visualize the color and grain patterns in a situation similar to the project they are trying to complete. A showroom with a wide variety of exhibits will demonstrate the beauty and benefits of each option.

In addition to the choice of color and pattern, the design of the countertops should also be considered. There are endless edge options for countertops, and having access to a showroom to view them will help you choose the right style for each project. A beveled edge may look great on a stone fireplace, but it may not match the decorating style of a modern kitchen. Perhaps a full bull nose trim is right for the bathroom, but it might not look good on a natural stone bar top. Seeing the options firsthand in a showroom will give the consumer peace of mind.

Natural stone is a welcome addition to any home’s kitchen, bathroom, or fireplace. Having all the options to see and to be able to speak with qualified and informed personnel will allow the consumer to make the best choice in design, color and type for lasting enjoyment.