There is an on-going debate regarding the use of slate as countertops. Some business people and fabricators do not approve slate countertops because they are too porous, scratches and stains easily and very prone to self-splitting.
Countertops are among the expensive parts to be put in the kitchen. It is also permanent therefore the choice for its materials should be taken seriously. Slate actually works as a kitchen countertop better than other common materials. In order to shed some light on the issue regarding slate’s abilities, let us look at some of its properties and the misconceptions that most people have about slate kitchen countertops.
Slate’s flagship property is its low absorption capacity and can be considered as stain-free, especially the green or turquoise colors. The gray/black slates may need a sealer yet they too have significantly low absorptive property. You can perform a stain test on the material to this see for yourself. Because of this property, slates are regarded as anti-bacterial since it would not harbour microorganisms as long as you wipe it clean every after use.
Now here is another fact you ought to know about the material called “slates”. Partially metamorphosed mudstones are incorrectly called slated by some people. These are weaker materials which makes them prone to splitting, chipping or de-lamination. These materials are also very porous with higher absorptive property thus they are not stain-free and generally not good for use as countertops.
There are also slates (those coming from low quality sources) which exhibit these unwanted properties. But the point here is that you should know which slates are the “real thing” so you will not miss out the opportunity if having a great countertop in the kitchen or wet bar.
As soon as you learn and distinguish the slates best for countertops, you can enjoy its aesthetic properties as well. Slates come in different varieties so you can choose slates in varying patterns and grain size from a more natural, undefiled look to a more stylish and textual appearance, whichever will suit your kitchen or bar design.
Now that you know the side of slate countertops, think about it. Don’t miss the opportunity of having a great counter!