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Stone: Pros and Cons to This Countertop Option

Though it has an expensive price tag, stone is becoming increasingly popular in kitchen remodels. Stone is the first choice for professional chefs in their kitchens, so it might just be your dream surface.

When deciding on a new countertop material it's important to understand what your getting with each option. Do you need a fully functional kitchen surface? Or maybe just an attractive material that fulfills basic cooking requirements? Whatever your answer, here is a guide for stone that will help with the decision making process.

Pros

  • Extremely durable with an upscale look.
  • Great for those bakers who need a smooth surface for rolling out dough.
  • When sealed, all stone resists stains. While one of the most popular stone options, granite, won't scorch, scratch or get damaged by water.

Cons

  • The most expensive option.
  • Hard to cut and install.
  • Due to its weight it needs stable support.
  • Needs to be resealed periodically.
  • Comes in very thick slabs since it's brittle and can break easily if thin.
  • Expensive to fix blemishes and other damage.
  • Certain stones, including marble and granite need to be waxed and polished on a regular basis.

Side Notes

Due to its increased popularity in recent years, stone is actually declining in price, but here are some tips to save additional money. Consider using stone tiles with colored grout. According to Better Homes and Garden Magazine (www.bhg.com), stone tiles are a quarter of the cost of a slab. Not only are the tiles cheaper, but they are available in a wider range of patterns and designs, including borders.

Another way to stay on budget is to use stone along with other surface material around the kitchen. For example, use stone on the kitchen island where you plan on baking and use solid-surface, which resembles stone, in other areas of the kitchen. Price for stone varies between $80-$300 per running foot. Price includes the necessary installation fee.

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