Natural stones are amazing countertop materials for a variety of reasons. They’re durable, they are strong and they’re beautiful. This is why marble and granite countertops are popular. Well, if you’re looking for a unique natural stone to add to your kitchen, then consider bluestone countertops.

What Are Bluestone Countertops?

Bluestone is a natural material that is quarried from the grounds of Belgium. It is also known as Belgian bluestone and it is such a unique and beautiful natural stone.
It is made out of rocks, minerals, pulverized stones, and mica, giving the stone a beautiful and lustrous look that is not something you see every day.

Bluestone, because it is a natural stone, is highly porous, but since it is made inside the Earth, the heat resistance is amazing. It doesn’t budge under harsh conditions and it is also an amazing option for outdoor kitchens.

If you want, you can even get a more grayish variety in bluestone, which makes this stone all the more popular and in demand. This stone is slowly taking over the world of countertops and it is considered to be a great alternative to marble and granite, which are well-loved names in the world of kitchen countertop materials. Well, it’s high time for a change.

Pros And Cons Of Bluestone Countertops

Here are some of the things you need to know about bluestone before investing in it.

Bluestone Countertops Are Durable

Bluestone, just like any other natural stone, is extremely durable. It doesn’t chip or crack under the slightest pressure and it is an amazing choice to go for if you want something that will last you for a long time.

Materials like marble and quartz are also durable, but there comes a time when you have to handle them with kid’s gloves and that is not the way to go about a kitchen countertop material. So, bluestone ticks a lot of boxes in this regard.

Need To Be Sealed

This is a major disadvantage of all natural countertops and it is the fact that they need to be sealed and bluestone is not an exception either. Bluestone is a highly porous material. Think of it as a rock-hard sponge that will suck all of the liquid on the surface.

So, you want to seal the pores of this material properly if you don’t want things like water or harsh chemicals to ruin the perfectly good material. It can be a bit of work, but it will ensure that the material will last a lot longer and it won’t look stained either.

They Won’t Discolor

A lot of kitchen countertop materials tend to discolor or turn a hideous yellow color over time. This is the case with many light and neutral-colored materials like marble and even quartz, especially when they’re exposed to sunlight.

Well, bluestone is a natural material that will not have that problem. If you think that the striking bluish-gray color is temporary then you’re wrong. It is going to stay that way for as long as you have it and the color won’t falter or fade away, which is an amazing quality of this material. However, if your countertop is faded and you don’t want to replace it, you can cover the countertop.

Can Be Expensive Than Concrete

As amazing bluestone is, it can run a little expensive as compared to some materials like concrete, laminate, and tiles. First of all, bluestone is a material that isn’t available as easily and readily as some others so you need to keep this detail in mind.

Since it is such a unique and rare material, it is hard to get your hands on it and if you do, then it is going to be expensive. Still, it’s slightly cheaper than granite.

Heat Resistance Is Stellar

Natural stones have amazing heat resistance. They’re baked underneath the Earth and they’re exposed to ridiculously high temperatures and pressures, so they don’t mind the temperature of a sizzling hot steak or boiling water. That’s child’s play for them.

So, if you want to get a material that will endure heat like a champ, then bluestone is it for you. You won’t need trivets or cutting boards to help create a barrier between the hot food and the countertops, because bluestone will manage everything just fine. So, what are you waiting for? This material is a grab.

Bluestone Slabs Are Heavy

Bluestone is a very heavy material. It should be a good thing, right? Well, it is, but not when it comes to handling and installation. Heavier doesn’t always mean better, and you know what they say: the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Well, installing a heavy material like bluestone is not less than a mean feat because it is so hard to handle. It is always at the risk of falling down and if it does, then it will crack. So, it needs to be handled with care and it is something you need to keep in mind.

The Look Is Unique

The color of bluestone and the overall look is just so unique. It is something so different that you just can’t help but fall in love with the material. It is a material that will stand out with its color and beauty and like granite, it is so different as compared to the plain and boring neutral materials with little to no drama on the surface at all.

Bluestone will put all other countertops to shame and it is mainly the reason why it is gaining so much popularity at the moment. So, it’s worth a try. You can consult granite contractors Rockville for taking a look at various bluestone samples.

How To Take Care Of Bluestone Countertops?

Now that you know the ins and outs of bluestone, here is everything you need to know about maintaining and taking care of this bluish-gray material.

Regular Cleaning

With any natural stone or even man-made countertop, cleaning it regularly is important. Bluestone is not a tedious material when it comes to cleaning. All you have to do is take a wet washcloth and clean the surfaces daily. This will ensure that the countertops remain in pristine condition and they look brand new for longer.

Polish The Countertops

If you want to maintain a natural stone countertop, polishing is also something you can consider in the long run. It gives the stone a very lustrous and beautiful look and if you love the look of glossy countertops, then you’ll want to consider this tip. If you can, try to get your hands on a professional to do this because the results will speak for themselves.

Stain Removal

If you don’t want your bluestone countertops to be covered in splotches and stains, then you need to act quickly whenever you see a stain. Clean it up right away and wipe the area with a clean washcloth. If you let the stain sit, then it will be a nightmare.

Conclusion

Bluestone is seriously an amazing natural stone countertop option to consider and now you know all of the good and not-so-good things about it. Contact a granite installer Potomac to know about different natural stone materials so you can choose the right one for you.