Heat Resistance & Natural Stones: Which Stone is Best?

While buying natural stones we consider many factors. While colour, style and finish are some of them, it is crucial to be mindful of the heat resistance offered by the chosen marble or granite. Most natural stones offer decent heat resistance but the value of thermal conductivity can differ from stone to stone. 

Amongst all natural stones, granite offers the best heat resistance. If maintained properly, granite countertops can last a lifetime. They are the best option when it comes to kitchen counters. It can withstand a hot dish taken directly off the flame, but it’s important to avoid repeated exposure to high temperatures to prevent marks on the surface. Granite is also available in multiple colours which allows you to experiment and match your interiors.

After granite comes marble which also offers a good heat resistance. More and more people want to experiment with styles and hence marble steals the show because of its versatility. The veined patterns of marble make it one of the most elegant of all types of natural stones. If the kitchen is not going to be put to intensive use, marble can be a good choice. As it is a porous stone, the stone must be carefully sealed if one wants to use it for kitchen countertops. Nevertheless, marble is heat resistant and one can seal it in order to contain stains and scratches. 

Quartz countertops are also gaining popularity because they are very stain resistant, attractive, and durable. Its beauty, hardness and easy maintenance are perfect qualities for any worktop surface. Quartz is an engineered stone that is made by combining about 90 percent ground natural quartz with roughly 10 percent polyresin. If exposed to intense heat from a hot pan, it can undergo some staining or wear & tear. Make sure you use trivets beneath hot items to avoid discoloring your quartz surface.

No matter what type of natural stone countertops you choose, it’s a good idea to take precautions to prevent heat damage. Appreciate and trust the durability of your stone, but don’t feel tempted to test it or take advantage of it. Always use hot pads to prevent color change, burns, or even cracks from extreme heat. The occasional hot pot may be fine with granite, but remember the undersides of your cookware may have food residue or burn marks that could scratch the finish of the countertop when combined with high heat.

Neglecting proper care can also damage your stone surfaces over time. One of the key steps in caring for granite and other types of natural stone like marble, travertine, and slate is cleaning. Effective cleaning after intense use, may be once a week can help increase the longevity of the stone. If you would like to know more about what stone to choose for your countertops or how to maintain it well, get in touch with us. We are also offering free marble consultation; avail the service before the offer runs out.