With homeowners looking for summer remodeling projects, adding a new natural marble countertop or a granite counter to your kitchen can be an attractive way to update your kitchen or bathroom.

Advantages of Natural Stone

Natural stone is a beautiful addition to any bathroom or kitchen and can make even an older kitchen look updated and elegant. One of the highlights of many contemporary kitchen designs includes either granite or marble countertops, even with the most classic of kitchen designs.

Marble and granite countertops are easy to take care of and once sealed, are resistant to heat and stains. It is recommended that you not only seal your natural stone countertop when it is installed, but also very six months to a year to prevent damage that might be caused by potential staining.

Granite and marble countertop maintenance is also very easy. Simply use a warm wet sponge and a gentle cleaner to wipe down your counters.

Granite and marble is also great for the avid baker or cook. You can roll out pastry dough on it, kneed dough and even place hot baking dishes, cookware and serving dishes directly on your countertop.

Disadvantages of Natural Stone

There are one primary disadvantages to having natural stone countertops: they are a porous surface and prone to stains if not sealed. This means that spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible and not left to remain and become absorbed into the stone. However, regular sealing of your granite or marble counter can minimize the tendency to stain to a relatively small concern.

Natural Stone Countertop Installation

When you purchase your granite or marble countertops, ask the sales person if they have installers and contractors that they work with regularly. In many cases, natural stone showrooms have contractors that they usually send referral work to and are happy to offer you the names of several contractors for which they have good experiences and feedback.

When you talk to a potential installer, ask them about their experience and knowledge with natural stone and installing a slab for a countertop application. Ask them about potential problems and how they have resolved those problems in the past. Also ask them about specialized knowledge, like sealing seams between slab sections so that they are undetectable.

Also, ask for an estimate that includes both labor and materials. While you are probably purchasing your granite or marble slab from the manufacturer, there will still likely be materials that will be needed for the installation project. If you have not yet purchased your slab, ask about purchasing materials directly, since this will be a way to save money and avoid any markups the contractor might make on those items.

After you have several estimates, contact your local Better Business Bureau and state contractors licensing board to make sure that the contractor you are considering does not have any complaints and is legally licensed to perform your installation project.

With a contractor you feel comfortable with and a beautiful marble or granite slab for your counter, you kitchen or bathroom project is well on its way to becoming part of your new home décor.

Interested in natural stone countertops for your home? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for countertop price quotes.