Floors and countertops are perfect picks for ways to enhance the appearance of a home inside and outside, using a variety of beautiful stones and other materials to create something special that will not only provide functionality but also durability and a boost to a home’s overall value.
Whatever the project requires, there’s a material to satisfy the demand. For example, some homes might want a truly elegant kitchen outfitted with sumptuous marble countertops. These can project an image of class, although the cost and upkeep involved might not be ideal for all homes. That’s why cheaper alternatives like lower-maintenance quartz can work just as well.
Homeowners need to decide the scope of their countertops or flooring project and their available budget before picking styles, and here’s a handful of examples of some of the available options.
Marble has been popular for centuries as a way to give buildings an unbeatable air of sophistication, and marble flooring can be a fantastic alternative to hardwood flooring or carpeting in the bedroom. For this kind of project, consider using marble in shades and flecks of gold and white, which will create an inviting space that welcomes in light from outside for a vibrant room. A key consideration with marble is the high cost of installing the material as well as the potentially higher upkeep requirements than other stone – but it these minor concerns, it’s a great choice.
Alternatively, porcelain tile is available at much lower cost and it is also an incredibly durable material that can withstand a lot of foot traffic without any major wear or tear. This makes it a great choice for flooring in busy rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere. For example, porcelain tile can be factory produced to resemble the brown shades and grains of hardwood flooring but at significantly lower price than actual wood and with much easier maintenance requirements.
Quartz is a similarly sturdy substance that can be a wonderful choice for countertops, as it’s very resilient to scratching and staining. That’s why quartz proves so popular for use in kitchens where they see a lot of use but are easy to clean up with some soap and water. In addition to the functional benefits, quartz in solid colors can also be a great eye-catching feature in a kitchen – using a single shade of quartz, such as a neutral light brown, can look fantastic for the countertops of an island in the kitchen, with a waterfall design that continues the appearance of the top of the counter down the sides of the island, all the way to the floor.
For other homeowners, there’s no alternative to granite; with its unique blends of gray, brown, red and other colors and the natural specks and flecks that make each slab unique. Great countertops can be made from using granite to pair with a kitchen that features wooden units like cabinets because the darker colors of the stone will complement the dark shades of the wood.
Lighter shades of granite in gold and white can also be used for countertops for outside features like dining tables, making this stone a popular choice inside and outside the house.
Design options aren’t limited to the above examples, and there are more ways to make countertops appear unique. So regardless of the material used – be it granite, marble, quartz, or porcelain – a home is bound to benefit for purpose-built countertops.
