29 March, 2010- Know the many reasons for which slate
kitchen countertops are preferred for classy kitchen designs by many!
Slate has been a preferred choice for flooring and roofing since ages. Till
date, slate has not lost its place of honor when it comes to kitchen
designs.
Slate countertops give a classy texture to the kitchen
design- whether it is a modern or a rustic kitchen. Slate counters are
popular for their softer, matte looks. They offer less shiny appearance than
granite but they can be honed to give a more shiny appearance too. Slate
countertops are best for natural kitchen designs. Why? Here are some
advantages of a
slate countertop that makes them the preferred choice of home
decorators.
Slate Countertops are Strong and Durable-
In spite of its soft
looks, a
slate countertop can be as much strong and durabile as a granite or
marble countertop is. However, it needs less maintenance as compared to the
other two.
Slate Countertops are Stain Resistant-
slate has a very low
absorption rate and thus the slate kitchen countertops are more stain
resistant. This also means that these countertops are less likely to be a
breeding ground for bacteria and other such risky things. What's more useful
is the fact that the stain resistant nature of slate countertops exclude the
need for complicated, synthetic sealers.
Slate Countertops have Easy Maintenance-
A slate kitchen countertop
can be easily cleaned and thus requires a very low maintenance. Wiping off
the countertop with a damp cloth is all one requires to clean the slate
counter. Oiling and sealing is only required when the slate countertops have
to be made shiny. Scratches on the surface of
slate countertops can be
easily removed with a buffing process.
Slate Countertops are Available in a Wide Variety-
Slate is
generally available in earthy tones like greys, reds, and greens but other
shades like red, green, blue, and purple are not very uncommon. The types of
slate used for kitchen countertops vary from green slate and Brazilian slate
to black slate. However, black slate having little to no color variation in
its surface is the rarest kind and can therefore be the most expensive
slate.
No doubt, slate kitchen countertops are beautiful and have so many
advantages but due to its soft, clefted nature, slate should be given eased
out rounded edge and radius corners. Harder corners or more decorative edges
can lead to breaking and chipping of the slate. Also, to prevent scratches,
a cutting board should always be used on a slate kitchen countertop.
Dragging of objects should be avoided to keep the slate kitchen countertops
as beautiful as they are when installed.
