Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is made naturally by the accumulation of calcium carbonates (CaCO3). Limestone countertops are being more and more trusted to be used in kitchen and bathroom countertops, due to their beautiful colors and texture, besides their durability and price.
In this article, we’ll walk you through different aspects of limestone countertops, as well as we’ll answer bunch of questions that might come to your head if you’re using or considering to use limestone countertops in your kitchen or bathroom.
What Is Limestone Countertop?
Limestone countertops are countertops made of a natural stone called limestone. Limestone is a naturally constructed stone made of carbonates of calcium (CaCO3). This natural stone is characterized by it’s high durability, and beautiful colors and textures.
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock made by chemical deposition of calcium in marine and lacustrine environments. Limestone countertops are known for their beauty and fair price considering the functionality and the natural beauty that they offer.
Homeowners that use limestone into a kitchen countertop layout do so for the sheer beauty of it.
While limestone has all of the features of other stone countertops, it has a distinct color quality that creates a dramatic contrast between the general hue and the veins of an alternate color.
While there is no denying the charming nature of limestone countertops, it is one of the stones that require extensive care and the application of sealant. If limestone is not properly maintained, it can get stained permanently.
Beside the beautiful natural colors, limestone countertops with fossils became very trendy as these counter fossilizes old specimens that lived millions of years ago, which make every limestone countertop unique and add a great value to your kitchen or bathroom counter.
Limestone Countertops Colors
Limestone countertops are mainly white because of the calcium content. Limestone comes in neutral colors which can help in making your kitchen look more natural and open. The available colors are: white, grey, black, brown and yellow.
Besides the different overall colors, limestone countertops can be patterned by veins of different colors in addition to fossilizations of old specimens which will add a unique and magical touch to your countertop.
The fossilizations in your limestone countertop can be of old specimens that lived in marine environments in million years ago, so it’s something that is an added value and great to have in your kitchen or countertop as a decoration.
Pros of Limestone Countertops
Limestone countertops can provide many advantages including:
- Limestone is regarded as a very sophisticated building material, and its opulent look makes it a popular choice for house installation.
- Limestone countertops price is not exaggerated, comparing it to some quartzite and marble countertops.
- Limestone countertops can fit perfectly to any type of fixtures (stainless steel, aluminum..).
- Limestone countertops are very unique: limestone is formed throughout time from aquatic shells and fossils, and it is further molded by sand and living aquatic organisms.
- Limestone countertops are very durable if used the correct way.
- They are easy to clean and maintain.
Cons of Limestone Countertops
Of course there are some disadvantages is limestone countertops that you need to keep in mind:
- Limestone is highly reactive to acids, so it’s forbidden to use acidic solutions such as vinegar and acid-based cleaners on limestone counters.
- Limestone is very porous comparing it to other stones, so it’s more likely to get stained.
- The high porosity and the mineralogical nature of limestone make it not hard enough, so it can get scratched easier than other stones.
- Limestone countertops colors are mainly neutral colors, so it might not suit your home style sometimes.
Do Limestone Countertops Stain?
Limestone countertops can get stained easily due to the nature of this natural stone. Limestone is very porous comparing it to other stone such as quartzite, so it’s easy for liquids to penetrate inside your countertop causing permanent discoloration.
On the other hand, you can avoid limestone discoloration by knowing the right ways to maintain and care your limestone countertop, and the step one is clean any spills right away especially wine and coffee spills.
Choosing the right type of sealing and changing it regularly is a major step for maintaining the quality of your limestone countertop. Resealing of limestone countertop should be once every 6 months, which will protect your countertop for long period.
Do You Need to Seal Limestone Countertops?
Limestone countertops sealing is crucial in order to maintain it’s condition. The very porous nature of limestone countertops requires to seal and reseal it regularly depending on the condition of your sealing.
You will need to test the status of your limestone sealing every 3 to 6 months to make sure that the sealing is functional, so you protect your limestone counter from discolorations and stains.
How to Clean Limestone Countertops?
To clean your limestone countertop properly without damaging you can follow the steps bellow:
- Prepare Your Limestone Countertop
Start the cleaning procedure by vacuuming all trash and debris from the counter. Use a crevice tool to reach any particles in your counter’s tight joints. If you leave debris on the counter, the small particles will mark the limestone surface as you scrub it with a cloth.
- Use Water and Soap Solution
Use a light soap (you can use dish washing soap) and warm water to clean the limestone. It is better to choose a soap that is specifically intended for limestone materials to reduce excessive wear and strain.
Use a wet microfiber cloth to rinse the limestone countertop and remove any soap residue, as an alternative you can use newspaper to rinse your counter.
How to Remove Stains from Limestone Countertop?
To remove stains from limestone countertops without damaging their finish, you will be required to use hydrogen peroxide and flour mixture.
To prepare this limestone poultice, mix together three quarters cup flour and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to dry. The solution will usually solidify in one or two days. Remove the paste with a rubber scrapper after it has dried.
On the other hand, avoid using any acidic solutions or cleaners as limestone is highly sensitive to acidic solutions. Vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda are also forbidden to use on limestone countertops as they can cause serious permanent damages to your limestone counter.
