Deciding On Slate For Your Kitchen Countertops
Posted on: 29 August 2016
Granite is one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops, though homeowners sometimes branch out into marble or quartz. Slate is a sometimes-overlooked natural stone that's nonetheless ideal for kitchen countertops. A durable material, slate also creates a distinctive profile in your kitchen. Choose slate for your kitchen countertops for décor ranging from modern to rustic.
Composition of Slate
Slate is a metamorphic rock that originated as either shale or mudstone. Through the process of metamorphism (alteration by heat and pressure), slate developed the fine grains and layers characteristic of the rock. Slate is composed of mostly clay mineral or micas. It can also feature quartz, calcite, hematite, pyrite or feldspar, giving it a speckled or veined appearance. The material is highly sought after for roofing and paving, but it's very suitable for countertops as well.
Profile of Slate
Most homeowners think of shades of charcoal gray when they think of slate, and that is the most common hue. However, the natural stone also comes in shades of brown, purple, red, and green. The amount and type of iron, as well as its composite materials, help determine the color and shading. That said, slate is one of the most uniform of the natural stones. Indeed, slabs of slate are typically monochromatic, though they can feature distinct iron or mineral deposits with variegated coloration. Natural slate offers a natural sheen and a cool touch.
Durability of Slate
When it comes to roofing, slate shingles can outlive your house. This durability carries into the kitchen and your countertops. As Popular Mechanics points out, the nonporous nature of slate makes it virtually maintenance-free. Its nonporous nature also gives it a low absorption rate, making the material especially resistant to stains. What's more, it resists bacteria as well. Slate is relatively soft, so it can scratch. However, the scratches are easy to buff out or treat with mineral oil. Countertops should also be sealed around once a year. Cleaning is simple – any gentle cleanser and soft cloth works well.
Utilizing Slate
As stated above, slate is suitable for a variety of décor styles, including ultra-modern to rustic. That's because of slate's unique uniformity. For a contemporary kitchen, matte slate with eased edges creates a chic minimalism. It's even possible to have the material fashioned into a sink. With a country kitchen, you might want one of the more patterned slabs of slate. Likewise, consider an aggregate edge for rustic homeyness. Slate even works in historical or eclectic kitchens. Simply look for slate that offers the color variations that work well with your chosen palette, and choose one of the more ornate edging options.
Slate countertops make a beautiful and valuable addition to your kitchen. For more information, contact a home remodeling company like EcoHomeNY Designs Inc.
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