If you are working on a kitchen remodeling project and are looking at different types of kitchen countertops, one of the options is to use a natural stone like granite, marble or slate. Slate countertops offer exotic and beautiful colors and a strong countertop material that is wonderful for kitchen applications.

Benefits

Slate countertops are not only beautiful, but they are also strong. The stone can come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from warm hues of green, ocher and plum to exotic colors like peacock blue, deep copper red and even pink tones. And you may even find interesting fossils embedded in the stone from time to time.

The strength of natural stone slate countertops is also wonderful for the kitchen. You can place hot cookware and serving dishes on it. And once sealed, it is almost impervious to water, stains or other potential damage that might be of concern with other types of countertop materials.

Textures

Slate countertops can be installed with the natural stone surface, or they can be polished to a fine smooth finish. While the natural surface is beautiful and interesting, in kitchen applications it may be a disadvantage, since it is uneven and may leave glassware at risk of falling over and breaking.

This natural stone can be installed as a slab, in standard square tiles, in a mosaic pattern or even in a random flagging style.

Choosing an Installer

If you have a friend or know someone who has a slate countertop already installed, talk to them about their contractor and what problems they may have encountered during the installation process. If you can get a recommendation from someone you trust, this is a valuable asset.

It is always a good idea to talk to at least three contractors before any remodeling project. Ask them about their experience installing slate countertops and how they have resolved any problems encountered during the installation process. Also ask about estimated time for installation and costs, including both materials and labor. Find out if they have any objections to you purchasing the materials directly, since this may be an avenue for you to save some money (most contractors add a small profit cost to materials purchased on projects).

Also ask about insurance in case there is any sort of accident on your project and at your home. Finally, it is always a good idea to contact your state contractors board and Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints against your potential contractor and that they are licensed to do the work.

Once you have three estimates, then select the contractor you feel most comfortable with for the remodeling job.

Summary

Slate countertops are a beautiful and versatile addition to any kitchen remodeling project. Not only are they a warm and inviting design element, but they are also wonderful in the kitchen because slate is a hardy stone that resists heat and other damage that is a concern with other countertop materials. Slate comes in a wide variety of colors and can be installed in any number of design styles.

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