Stone Countertops
Using stone is the most popular option for countertops in residential spaces. Out of the Woods offers stone countertops to be customized by our team and installed with professional quality. We believe in quality installation and transparent pricing. You will know that you are getting the very best when working with OOTW.
Countertops have a substantial impact on the atmosphere of a room. When you choose the right countertop color and design for your home, you achieve a higher quality appeal and higher value home. Our experts can help you choose the best stone option for the following spaces in your home.
Rooms That Benefit From Stone Countertops
Kitchens
The countertops in your kitchen are some of the most used in a home. Cooking, baking, hosting, and cleaning all utilize your kitchen countertops. The right stone countertops will elevate the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. Custom options from OOTW will make your kitchen a more enjoyable place to be.
Bathrooms
Keeping your countertops durable in a bathroom can be difficult. Utilizing stone will ensure that they resist moisture damage, are easy to clean, and hold all of your items safely. Having enough countertop space is crucial for a functional bathroom, which is only possible with custom countertops that fit perfectly in your space. Even the smallest bathrooms can accommodate stone countertops.
Offices
Functional office spaces are enhanced by quality desk space. Stone can also be used to create a durable desk and enhance the appeal of a home office. Granite, marble, or quartzite are available for office counters and desktops.
Commercial
In addition to our work in residential spaces, commercial spaces can benefit from stone countertops. Office buildings, restaurants, bars, hotels, dental or doctor offices can install stone countertops to enhance their business. Not only will a stone be functional, but it make your space feel more professional.
Custom Countertop Options
Here are the stone options we most frequently offer hear at OOTW. These are the most durable and affordable options for homeowners wanting the look of natural stone.
Granite
Granite is a beautiful material for countertops in any space. The material is extremely durable and hard, which provides resistance to stains and other damage. Granite is a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial settings.
Quartz
This is a man-made material, but still provides homeowners with many benefits. It is visually appealing and provides a sleek look for bathrooms, offices, or home bars. Quartz adds elegance and will drastically increase the value of a home.
Marble
Marble is unique and can be molded to have different corners than other stone countertops. This natural stone has a unique look every time. No marble slab is the same, which means that your custom countertops are even more unique than someone else who has marble in their home.
Quartzite
If you are wanting a similar look to marble, quartzite can be another great option for stone countertops. It comes in a variety of colors and is typically more affordable than marble slabs.
Hardness
Mohs scale of mineral hardness helps define the strength of minerals and natural stone, and is often referenced in countertop design and manufacturing.
The scale is based on one stone or mineral’s ability to scratch another mineral. A very simple test, a rating is determined by taking one material and scraping it on another. If the material is able to produce a visible scratch on the other, it is considered harder. The scale was created by mineralogist, Friedrich Mohs in 1812.
Numbers are assigned to minerals based on their hardness. The higher the number, the harder the mineral is. While harder elements have since been discovered, Mohs original scale is still used as a guideline.
Mohs scale:
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- Talc – 1
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- Gypsum – 2
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- Calcite – 3
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- Fluorite – 4
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- Apatite – 5
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- Feldspar – 6
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- Quartz – 7
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- Topaz – 8
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- Sapphire – 9
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- Diamond – 10
Hardness Of Common Stones
Using a very simple comparison of materials, the results have proven to be reliable, and the test is easy to conduct in the field. Mohs scale also includes items such as a fingernail, which has a hardness of 2.5; a copper penny (3.5) and a window’s glass (6.5).
Which the scale doesn’t directly relate to countertops, it is often a consideration for homeowners and designers who are concerned with countertop strength and scratch resistance. According to Mohs scale, popular countertop materials would be rated and ranked in this order:
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- Soapstone – 1
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- Marble – 3-5
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- Limestone – 3-5
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- Sandstone – 6-7
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- Granite – 6-8
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- Quartz – 7-8
Of course, keep in mind there are varying degrees of hardness and quality within each stone type. For example, one slab of granite could be rated a 6 on the Mohs scale, while another slab could be an 8. Also, there are many manufacturing methods and other factors involved in countertop production that determine the true hardness. Generally, Mohs scale is a good guide, however.
Choosing The Right Stone Countertop
Working with our experts at Out of the Woods will give you professional insight into stone types, corner designs, and pricing. All stone countertops can serve your home, but choosing the right stone and size can help save you money. When it comes to countertops, you will want to choose an option that can keep up with you in every stage of life. Granite and quartz are the most durable options for homes with kids, those who cook often, and counters that will need to be cleaned frequently.
Considering your budget is important when designing custom countertops. Prices can vary from stone to stone and change depending on how large the counter will be. Staying on a budget will help you complete other projects in your home and have the highest ROI possible. Choosing a cheaper stone option will save you money upfront, but they may become damaged quickly or have a shorter lifespan.
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Cleaning And Maintenance For Natural Stone
After installing a stone countertop, cleaning and maintenance will be important for protecting the stone. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your countertops and keep them looking brand new. Certain stones can benefit from a sealer that protects the countertops from stains and spills. Most countertops can last with frequent cleaning and dusting.
Avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges will also prevent micro scratches in the stone. These small scratches could collect bacteria and lead to unsanitary prep space or discoloration. Consider applying a sealer to protect the stone or keep up with regular cleaning. Wipe up spills immediately, especially if they are acidic.
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