Countertop materials are available in many varieties. You have natural stones, man-made materials, and even recyclable materials. There are popular materials like quartz, granite, and marble countertops and then there are also lesser-known materials like basalt countertops. Here is a guide to basalt countertops.
What Are Basalt Countertops?
Basalt is an igneous rock that is formed when lava cools down and is solidified by the introduction of air. The result is a light or dark-colored stone with no such distinct pattern, but a splotching of very light and muted designs, similar to stamping, on the surface.
Basalt is a very common rock used in building roads and other industrial buildings. However, it is slowly making its way into the kitchen and it is used in making kitchen countertops too. The look of basalt is very muted and minimal so it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t like the loud and dark granite, the overly expensive marble or quartz, and want to go for something understated and natural.
Basalt countertops are made out of slabs that are quarried from the grounds or basalt reserves and then they are fabricated into different designs, shapes, and sizes, according to what the customer needs.
Basalt is an interesting option to go for, and if you want to experiment with new materials, then basalt might be right up your alley.
Key Characteristics Of Basalt Countertops
Here are some of the very important things you need to know about basalt. This will ensure whether it’s even worth buying or not.
It Is Durable
Basalt is a Latin word that translates to “a very hard stone”. So, if a material’s name is branding its durability, then you know that it’s going to be astronomical in strength.
It is very dense and is made by pressurizing the lava into solidification, so it is a highly strong material, which will last for a long time. It is just as strong as granite, if not stronger, which is amazing.
Basalt Is Recyclable
Natural stones and recycling are two things that seemingly don’t go together. However, basalt is here to prove you wrong. Even if basalt breaks, it can be recycled. Usually, pulverized basalt is used in making roads and buildings, so you’re not wasting any rock if you decide to swap basalt countertops out for new ones.
Sometimes, smaller pieces of basalt can be used to make different décor pieces and it’s really good to know that countertop materials can be recycled again and again and basalt is proving to be a great material in this regard.
It Can Chip Or Crack
Even though basalt can be very hard and durable, that doesn’t mean that it is indestructible. Basalt can tend to chip or crack if you put heavy objects or weight on it. Basalt is strong, but you don’t want to test its limits now. It can chip and crack easily and then you can end up ruining the look of these countertops.
So, try not to put your body weight on basalt countertops or smash things with a lot of force on them, because you’ll end up ruining the countertops and that’s not what you want.
It Is Available In Lots Of Colors
Basalt will sate your inner creative person because it is available in a lot of colors. Whether it be light, muted, and natural colors that don’t look harsh in the kitchen, or dark colors that make the kitchen look chic, modern, and mysterious, basalt has you covered. You can choose from an array of colors, designs, and patterns and it will look stunning in your kitchen.
Basalt can also be used in the bathroom as countertops and you will love the soft and warm look of it. Basalt is very versatile and with that many color options, you’ll surely find something that you love.
Basalt Is Hard To Fabricate
Basalt may be a hard rock, but the hardness of the material can have some demerits too. One of them is the difficulty in fabricating basalt into slabs and different designs. Usually, the designs and cuts of basalt are pretty simple and standard, and the reason behind this is the fact that it is really hard to cut.
So, fabricators tend to go for very simple designs. It’s not impossible to fabricate basalt into any design and shape under the sun, however, it will take a lot of time and it will cost you a lot too, so it’s something that you need to keep in mind. If you need better designs, you should install granite kitchen countertops Raleigh NC.
It Is Resistant To Heat
Basalt, since it is a volcanic rock, is also resistant to heat. Since it is made out of one of the hottest things on or inside the Earth, it’s only natural for basalt to have tendencies to resist the effects of heat and make the countertops look amazing for years to come.
Heat stains can ruin the look of countertops and they’re hard to remove, so it is good to know that basalt won’t get easily stained and will prevent stains from forming on the surface. It is a winner in a lot of people’s books.
It Is Expensive
Speaking of expensive, basalt is a really expensive material. It is up there with luxurious granite and marble and sometimes, depending on what you’re fabricating the slab into, it will cost you a lot more.
The main reason why basalt is so expensive is the fact that it is a hard stone and it needs to be handled with a lot of care if you want things to be perfect, otherwise basalt might turn into a crumbly mess of rock grains and you don’t want that at all.
Oils Can Stain The Countertops
One of the very unusual things about basalt countertops is the fact that they can be heavily stained by oils and other emollient substances. This might not be something you hear about every day, but it is true. Basalt can get damaged to a greater extent by oils and since you’re in the kitchen whipping up some delicious food, oil splatters are common.
This is why it’s recommended that you clean the countertop surface in case of oil spills as soon as you can, because this will prevent stains from becoming permanent and it will also keep the countertops looking pristine and spotless for a long time.
It Needs Sealing
Basalt is a natural stone, so it is naturally porous. This means that there are a lot of pores or spaces on the surface of the stone that will absorb liquid and moisture, hence leading to stains. So, if you want to ensure that your countertops are safe from stains while adding a shiny coat on the surface, then sealing is a must.
It will make the water bead up on the surface and it will also prevent oil stains in the future. It’s a bit of work, but it’ll save your countertops.
Conclusion
Basalt countertops are slowly making their mark in the world of countertops, because of their looks and decent durability. It’s worth a shot if you want to choose something other than the classics for your countertop replacement Durham NC.