There are multiple natural stones out there. Most of them are made in the ground and they are mined, while others are ejected out of the ground, and then you have to figure out what to do with them. Well, lava stone is pretty much in the latter category that is a huge contrast with granite countertops that are mined and then cut into slabs. So, here is everything you need to know about it.

Lava Stone Countertops

Lava stone countertops are exactly what they sound like. This stone is hardened lava. Where there are volcanos, there will be eruptions, and the deadly and molten thing that comes out of the volcano is lava. Well, this lava, when it’s not red hot, hardens into a stone and hence it is named lava stone.

Lava stone has been used in a lot of things, but nowadays, it is stepping its foot into the vast world of countertops and it is very famous.

Since volcanoes are mostly in places like Europe and the Northern ends of the Earth, this stone is shipped to other countries after being manufactured into slabs for countertops.

Like other natural stones, no two slabs of lava stone countertops are alike. This is the beauty of nature and it’s something that man-made countertop materials can’t beat. So, you will find a wide variety of lava stone countertop colors and patterns.

Lava stone countertops have been a great addition to the list of countertop materials because they’re new, they’re different, and they’re great when it comes to quality. The only reason why they’re not spreading across the world is because of the availability and shipping to other countries, which is a bummer for people.

Key Features Of Lava Stone Countertops

Now that you know how lava stone countertops are made, which is pretty self-explanatory, here are some of the key features and characteristics of said countertops. They are quite up there in quality when it comes to other natural stones and some of them might even impress you more because they surpass natural stones and all of the problems that come with them.

They Are Heat Proof

Lava stone countertops are not just heat resistant. They’re essentially heat-proof. You can put the hottest pots, pans, and foods on top of these babies and they will not get blistered. A lot of natural stone countertops have amazing heat resistance because they’re made under high temperatures and pressures, but with lava stone countertops, things are taken to another level.

They are molten hot when they spurt out of the volcanos, so you can bet that these stones are highly resistant to heat, so much so that they can endure up to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, that’s telling something.

The Colors Are Endless

One of the major qualities of lava stone countertops is the fact that it has endless variety when it comes to colors. Even though the countertop itself is quite plain and simple, and there is little to no design on it, the colors are what get people.

There are lots of colors to choose from. Naturally, lava stone is not of any particular shade. It is dyed when it is sent for countertop manufacturing and that’s how you can get a variety of colors. No matter what shade you want, there is something in lava stone countertops that will steal your heart. However, if you like natural colors of stones, then buy granite or marble countertops Raleigh NC.

They Are Shiny

Another thing about lava stone countertops is that they are very shiny. They are not matte and flat. They are quite lustrous and give the countertops an amazing sheen and bright look. Now, when lava is solidified, it is not shiny at all.

The magic happens when it is sent for manufacturing. That’s when a layer of lacquer is applied on the slab and then it is heat treated to seal the lacquer in. This is what gives the countertops that sheen and it also makes it waterproof and resistant to stains which is amazing.

Maintenance Makes Them Last Longer

This is the case with every single countertop material, but more so with lava stone countertops. If you maintain the stone then it’ll last longer. You don’t need to do a lot with it. There is minimal work that goes into maintaining the stone. You don’t need to polish or wax it from time to time.

Regular cleaning will be more than enough for lava stone countertops to remain in pristine condition. Maintenance is something that a lot of people can be scared of, but lava stone countertops are the definition of low maintenance, so that’s awesome.

They Are Water Resistant

This quality might be something that will knock all of the other natural stones off the pedestal. A lot of the time, natural stones are amazing and all that, but the Achilles heel is the porosity of the material.

They are like rock-hard sponges that can suck water into themselves like there’s no tomorrow. But, lava stone, even though it is a natural stone, is innately water resistant. You don’t need to seal it, which is amazing. This is one less thing that you need to worry about when it comes to maintaining lava stone countertops and it gives this stone major points.

They Are Sustainable

A lot of natural stones are sustainable, but lava stone takes the cake here yet again. That is because the rock comes out naturally from volcanoes. Granted, it is in a molten and liquid state and it is nowhere near a rock as of then. But a bit of change in temperature and cooling will do the trick.

Since there is no damage to the environment in this case, lava stone becomes one of the most sustainable natural stones on Earth. So, you can feel good about it being in your kitchen.

They Are Expensive

This is a characteristic that is the main reason why these countertops aren’t as famous as granite or marble. If a material has such amazing qualities, then why isn’t every other countertop lava stone?

Well, that is because of the price of the countertops. It is expensive and not just by a couple of dollars. It is almost double, if not triple the price of granite and marble. It is just simply out of reach for people and this is why they can’t afford it, no matter how amazing of a material it is. If you need cheap countertops, you can use laminate countertops. You can even paint laminate countertops to look like natural stones.

Sharp Things Are No Big Deal

A lot of the time, even if a stone has the strength of a rock, it can fall victim to scratches. Well, this is also where lava stone will impress you with nothing but qualities. If you’re someone who uses knives directly on the countertops, then stains will closely follow suit. But, not with lava stone. It is going to resist scratches.

Yes, it’s not as hard as diamond, but it is pretty much scratch-resistant, so that is just as amazing. So, even if you don’t have a cutting board, lava stone countertops won’t shy away from sharp knives and pointy things.

Conclusion

Lava stone countertops might sound unusual, but they’re an amazing addition to the kitchen with their interesting looks, amazing textures, and magnificent qualities. Contact granite countertop installers Durham NC for lava stone or any natural or engineered stone countertop installation.