It’s hard not to love a stone kitchen. Stone kitchens are both classy and classical in a way that can add so much to the look of your home. That being said, stone kitchens are also more expensive than the alternatives and if you’re worried about making that kind of investment then it’s worth looking into the potential downsides.
In this piece, we’ll be taking a closer look at stone kitchens, why so many people choose them, and whether or not they’re really worth the money.
Why People Love Stone Kitchens
Aside from just the look, there’s a lot to recommend stone kitchens. One major benefit is that stone floors tend to be far easier to clean. Stone floors are flat and smooth, and while some types of stone are porous leading to an increased risk of stains, stone kitchens are far easier to wipe down than other common materials.
As well as cleaning, stone kitchens also have a number of aesthetic qualities to recommend them. It’s a timeless look that will be just as appealing decades from now as it is today. If you’re going to invest in a kitchen, then it’s best to invest in one that will last for many years to come. Furthermore, a timeless look is far less likely to look dated and will therefore continue to have a positive effect on the market value of your house.
Is Stone Flooring As Durable As Some People Say?
Short answer: yes. Long answer… Well, it’s complicated.
Stone flooring will certainly stand up to quite a beating, you can be sure of that, and when push comes to shove, damaged tiles are far easier to replace than, say, vinyl flooring. On the other hand, as we’ve already mentioned, some types of natural stone are porous which can be problematic in a kitchen, where occasional spills are only to be expected.
That’s not to say you can’t get a durable stone kitchen, but rather that there’s a lot of variety between different types of stone and it’s important to do your research upfront.
Living With Real Stone Flooring
The one big downside people often cite with stone kitchens is that the floor is cold to the touch. This is true, but not as much of a problem as some people think – at least not if you’re willing to invest upfront.
Now, we may be biassed, but we believe that there are few things better in life than a stone kitchen with underfloor heating. Although the cost of underfloor heating will significantly add to the cost of your kitchen, it will significantly improve the experience whilst also, potentially, saving you money in the long run. After all, heat travels upwards so any heat produced will be used throughout the rest of the house. Therefore, in a well-insulated house, underfloor heating can be a real boon to everyone.
