Kitchen Materials: Stone
Stone has been used in kitchens since the beginning of time, appearing on floors, work surfaces and as a material for sinks and wood or coal stoves. It is durable and has a timeless, natural look that will hold up virtually forever. Popular types of stone used in kitchens include marble for floors and counters, particularly in baking areas where it offers a cool surface for dough handling, granite work surfaces and soapstone sinks and counters. Stone flooring also may be made of slate or quarried regional stone pavers.
Stone is an expensive material usually only found in higher priced kitchens. Its use requires special construction because of its weight and the material’s tendency to crack when exposed to horizontal loads. Fabricating stone counters and sinks is a specialized skill requiring stone cutting and polishing tools. Handling stone means maneuvering very heavy objects into place and making sure that all measurements are very accurate as cutting and trimming on site may not be possible.
Like all natural materials stone varies widely in color, texture, grain and hardness. Granite makes an excellent counter material because it is not porous, takes a high polish and comes in many colors and textures. On the other hand, softer stone like slate and soapstone can stain or crack and may require some kind of protective finish.
Choosing stone materials means seriously considering the long term consequences of their use. Although expensive they will remain functional for many lifetimes, even acquiring an attractive patina with time that cannot be duplicated. They are heavy and although stone may appear very sturdy, improper installation can result in breakage. Porous stone like marble stains easily and it may be impossible to remove some stains.
If you’re on a limited budget but want the look or function of stone consider using a section of granite or marble in one work area, preferably a baking area. It’s cool, hard surface and unmatched appearance can give even a basic kitchen a professional look.
