Louisiana homeowners love the beauty and durability of natural stone slab countertops. These countertops are both practical and a key element of design for your kitchen. They’re also safe for your family, easy to care for and, because they will last a lifetime, they are better for the environment than many other choices. And, of course, each natural stone slab is a unique work of art designed by Mother Nature! Here are a few of the many types of stone slab choices available to Louisiana customers:
- Granite. The number one natural stone slab choice for Louisiana homeowners is granite. Quarried in virtually every country in the world, granite is available in thousands of different colors and with a variety of patterning. Granite is very hard, as well as heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant.
- Marble. For the ultimate in elegance, homeowners choose marble. Through the ages, this stone has been associated with fine art and architecture, but due to technological advances in the way that the stone is extracted and processed, it’s now more affordable than ever before in history. Marble is unparalleled in its beauty and has a depth and luminous quality. It’s also available in a huge variety of colors, with subtle veining or bold patterns.
- Onyx. If you want a stone slab countertop that’s out of the ordinary, onyx is for you. This gorgeous stone is somewhat translucent, which allows it to be backlit, creating a dramatic effect. It’s most often found in cream, gold, red and green tones that resemble gemstones. This is best applied to islands, walls, and vanities as it is more prone to scratches than other stones.
- Travertine. Travertine is lighter than most other stone slabs and is found mainly in neutral colors ranging mostly in tans and browns, with some golds, reds and grays. Formed in hot springs, travertine usually features small holes that are filled during processing and that give the stone a distinctive look. These are best used on vanities and fireplaces.
- Soapstone. In the US, soapstone has been used as a surface for decades, and some countertops from the 1800s are still in use. Dense and non-porous, heat- and stain-resistant, soapstone is a perfect countertop choice.
- Quartzite. Quartzite is one of the hardest substances on Earth, with a Mohs scale rating of 8. Usually found in neutral tones, quartzite is also available in yellow, orange, blue, green and in pink and red hues.
- Natural quartz. Although many are familiar with engineered quartz, natural quartz is 100% natural stone, and has a rare beauty. It’s available in many different colours.
- Exotic material. For homeowners who are looking for a striking conversation piece countertop, there are other options, including rare and unusually colored granite or marble, or even stone slabs that feature embedded fossils.
Shopping for Stone Slab
In Louisiana, many stone suppliers display their products in an outdoor yard. These surroundings make it difficult for customers to see the stone properly and also make shopping exhausting and unpleasant. Look for a company such as Omni Surfaces in Lafayette that offers a spacious 15,000 square-foot showroom with full air-conditioning and great lighting.
Visit a showroom today and explore the beauty of natural stone!