Your countertops are essential to your kitchen décor and represent an important element of your kitchen remodeling. There are many different countertop materials on the market and one of my favorites is limestone. You should take some time to consider whether a limestone countertop is right for your kitchen?
Limestone is sedentary rock which is mostly made up of organic material like shells, marine creatures, skeletons, and sediment. It is made from material that settles at the bottom of the water body and over millions of years is turns to rock. Over long periods of time limestone manages to make its way to the surface of the earth. It’s pretty amazing if you think about it. In fact Mount Everest’s summit is limestone that once lived at the bottom of the ocean.
Limestone countertops look great in a kitchen! It is subject to damage from acidic products like citrus juice or vinegar and it is a surface that will change over time. If it is unsealed it can be more prone to stains. Limestone that has been polished will show marks more readily. Etches are much less noticeable on a honed surface.
There’s an old myth out there that limestone is chalky and soft. This simply isn’t true. Beauharnais limestone is very hard and extremely dense. In fact it’s almost as hard as granite and it is non porous. That said limestone is calcium based and it is subject to damage from acids.
Limestone countertops or tiles will add an element of elegance to any room. Limestone is a popular choice for floors, walls, and counters. Pale colors are typical including shades of white, cream, golden beige, brown, or pink. They may be solid colored or mottled and are almost always a matte finish giving it a natural down to earth appearance.
Limestone is one of the most versatile stones there is and there are many variations of it. The softer stone includes chalk in it while the harder form includes marl which is a type of fertilizer.
Travertine is another type of limestone that is very similar to marble. It characteristically has tiny fissures and irregular surface holes that regular limestone dos not have.
Limestone can be polished to a high gloss but it is much more susceptible to damage and showing markings if it is. The natural matte finish is far more versatile and durable and it look great!
Limestone comes in different thicknesses ranging from ˝ inch to 3/8 inch and it ranges in price from $5 to $10 per square foot. That’s quite a bargain compared to other stone on the market.
Caring for limestone is easy. Just use warm soapy water and wipe regularly. There are types of sealer on the market if you want to seal the stone. As your local limestone dealer.
If your home décor is as important to you as your personal appearance and you take remodeling your kitchen very serious then it’s definitely time to experience the durability and beauty of a limestone countertop!