There are so many countertop materials to choose from such as quartz, marble, limestone, and granite countertops, but if you’re looking for a material that is unique, then bluestone is the way to go. Here is everything you need to know about this material.
What Are Bluestone Countertops?
Bluestone is basically made out of dolerite, salt basalt, and sandstone. It has different names in different countries, based on its major composition. It is a highly strong, but extremely porous material, which has a beautiful grayish-blue hue to it. It makes it very unique and perfect for the kitchen and even the outdoors if you want something which will stand out.
It is not a commonly used material, so bluestone will look extremely good wherever you install it. It can also be used in bathrooms and other countertops, besides the kitchen.
Important Things To Know About Bluestone Countertops
Now that you know what bluestone countertops are, here are some important things to know about this material before you commit to buying it.
Sealing Is Necessary
As mentioned previously, bluestone is a highly porous material, mainly because of the presence of sandstone in it. This is why it is necessary to seal it. If you don’t seal the countertop, especially if you’re using it in the kitchen, then it is highly susceptible to water damage and the countertop can be ruined in no time at all.
Also, sealing needs to be done periodically, so that the surface of the countertop doesn’t get exposed to moisture. This will also prevent stains from getting permanent. So, if you’re considering getting bluestone countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, then be prepared for its heavy maintenance.
It Looks Beautiful
The color of bluestone is what makes it so unique and distinct. It is available in a wide variety of blue hues, some are darker than others, but the baseline is that the color of this countertop is extremely beautiful and unlike any other color of countertop you have seen before. The color will look amazing with all types of kitchen styles and it looks perfect in both small and big kitchens.
It Is Expensive
One of the biggest disadvantages of bluestone countertops and why they aren’t popular among people is the price of the material. It is an extremely expensive material, almost the same as granite. Even though granite is much more popular and sustainable, bluestone is still quite expensive and it comes with a lot of maintenance costs too.
The price range lies between $60 to $180 for a 1×1 ft. of material and this ridiculously high price cannot be justified by most people. They prefer to get something that won’t be too heavy on the maintenance side and will be more durable and resistant to damage in the kitchen.
Stain-Resistant
Bluestone is highly stain-resistant and this has nothing to do with sealing it. It is naturally quite dense on the surface, so it doesn’t allow the stain to penetrate deeper into the material. The dense surface of bluestone allows the water or moisture to bead up on the surface and you can just wipe it away with a wet washcloth.
If you do end up sealing these countertops, it’s even better because the sealant will prevent the stain from leaving any permanent marks on the surface.
Bluestone Countertops Are Hard To Install
Bluestone is a very heavy material. This might be a good thing or a bad one, depending on what the situation is. It is a good thing because it means that the material is genuine and it doesn’t have any impurities in it, but the bad thing is that it can be very hard to install. There is a lot more chance of the slabs getting damaged during installation just because it’s too heavy and hard to handle.
No Wear And Tear
Bluestone’s dense nature and composition make it a perfect selection for indoors and outdoors, where weather damage is not an issue for this material.
Conclusion
There you have it! Bluestone or dolerite countertops are great and durable as a countertop replacement Durham NC because of their robust composition and strength. So, what are you waiting for? Get yours now from a stone countertops installer.
