Are your countertops getting old? Do you need to change them? Then, the first order of importance is to figure out what kind of material you want to go for. There are so many countertop materials to choose from, that you are bound to get confused. Here is everything you need to know about travertine and granite countertops.
Travertine Countertops
Travertine is a material that belongs to the family of limestone and it is mostly found deposited as rock structures in hot springs. The composition of the material is usually calcium carbonate along with other minerals, which give travertine its characteristic look and veining on the surface.
Here are some things you need to know about travertine as a countertop material.
It Is Reasonable In Price
As far as comparison with granite is concerned, travertine is a much more reasonable choice to go for. The price of travertine ranges from $25 to $50, for a 1×1 foot slab or tile. The price can go up if you’re looking for thicker slabs.
Travertine is available in the form of slabs and tiles, and tiles are a much better option, as far as budget is concerned than slabs. If you have a tight budget and want to get a material that won’t break the bank, then travertine countertops is a good choice.
It’s Maintenance Heavy
Travertine is a material that will require a lot of maintenance. It is not a material that you can set and forget about. You need to seal it every couple of months, otherwise, it will get ruined by water and acid. You need to be careful about cleaning these countertops with acidic and harsh cleaners because calcium carbonate has a high tendency to react with acids and fizz up, which can lead to the formation of huge and ugly holes on the surface of the countertop.
Also, maintenance will cost you a lot, if you think about it, so the money you will be saving by purchasing a less expensive material will go into the maintenance.
The Color Selection
Travertine is naturally light in color and the entire color range is neutral too. There are different colors of tan, light brown, beige, white, and gray in this material and there is also veining present on the surface of the countertop.
If you are a lover of neutral colors, then travertine will be a dream material for you, but if you want a bit more choice and variety, then this material isn’t for you, because there aren’t any bold colors to choose from.
Is It Durable?
Travertine is reasonable in durability, but it’s not the strongest material out there. It will definitely not disintegrate in a couple of months, but it does need to be taken care of if you want it to last long.
It doesn’t crack easily, but it can chip on the sides and edges, especially if you’re going for tiles, which are way less resistant to forces and impact than other materials and rocks. The average life of a travertine countertop is anywhere between 3 to 5 years and if you maintain it properly, then it can stretch up to 10 years.
Is It Stain Resistant?
This is probably the biggest drawback of this material and that’s its inability to resist stains from forming on the surface. Travertine is already light and it will get dirty pretty quickly, but what’s even worse is that stains will become permanent if you don’t take care of the spill right away. This is why sealing the countertop is so important.
Travertine is a porous material and it can absorb water and moisture like a sponge and while stains are a huge issue, the water or moisture can ruin and damage the rock from the inside.
Granite Countertops
Granite is an igneous rock, which is found deep in the Earth’s surface. It is made by rocks being melted under high temperatures and pressures and this leads to the formation of a rock that’s very hard in nature. Because of this, granite is considered to be one of the hardest stones in the world. Granite has a beautiful appearance and it’s like a marble of different colors, coupled with very subtle veining, which looks absolutely beautiful.
Granite is also available in the form of slabs and tiles, but slabs are usually more famous for use in kitchens as countertops and available with granite installers Rockville.
Here are some things which are noteworthy about granite countertops.
It Requires Less Maintenance
Granite is an extremely low-maintenance material. Compared to other natural stones, it is the one that needs the lowest maintenance. You only need to seal it once a year and that’s about it. You don’t need to refresh the surfaces, which is a major thing with travertine, because granite already has a natural lustrous look, which doesn’t fade.
You can also get away with using hot pots and pans on the surface of granite countertops because it is resistant to heat and extremely high temperatures. It won’t lead to the formation of those hideous black stains on the surface.
It Lasts Long
Granite is considered to be extremely long-lasting, which is one of the main reasons why it is a popular material, despite its huge price tag. Granite is extremely hard and durable and it can endure a lot of impact and weight, without being damaged or cracked. All you need to take care of is the fact that it doesn’t get stained.
Like all natural stone countertops, granite counters are also porous and can suck in water and moisture, which is why sealing them is a must, otherwise, you’re asking for a disaster to happen.
It Is More Expensive
As compared to travertine and other natural stones, granite has to be the most expensive material. Granite is a strong material and all that, but people can’t seem to justify the price sometimes. A normal 1×1-foot slab of granite will cost you anywhere between $50 to $75, depending on how thick of a slab you get.
Despite its price, a lot of people prefer granite over other materials, because it doesn’t only look good, but it can be used in other places around the house as well, like the bathroom, vanity, kitchen islands, and more. Granite is an extremely versatile material.
Very Popular Countertop Material
Something about the look of a dark granite slab with light veining is just so mesmerizing to a lot of people. Granite is a thing of beauty and it’s really the proof of natural beauty. The appearance of granite isn’t the only thing that makes people gravitate towards it. It is also a good investment for your house if you want to add value to your property.
A lot of buyers will prefer houses that have granite countertops because that’s a luxurious installation in the kitchen and granite is the most popular countertop material. All in all, granite is a good countertop material choice.
Conclusion
There you have it! This comparison between granite and travertine will make it easier for you to gauge which material is best suited for your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get this remodeling started by consulting a granite contractor Potomac.
