When it comes to choosing a countertop material, there are two major players: polymer composites and natural stone. As a spinoff from Space Age technology, composite countertops (solid surfacing and engineered stone) hold their own in the market due to their indestructible characteristics. Natural stone, in contrast, has been around as long as the Stone Age. Its pure, unrefined charm and wide range of textures, shapes and colors will never lose their appeal.

For kitchen and bath countertops, many designers recommend mixing and matching Space Age and Stone Age to create a well balanced, functional and aesthetically beautiful kitchen. Utilizing a variety of countertops defines work areas, breaks up horizontal lines, alleviates repetitive patterns and adds new colors and textures. For more advice, we turned to the experts to guide us “through the ages.”

Nick Nye, of Custom Marble Design, created a distinct kitchen with three stone elements. Labreda gold granite countertops from Marmol HI Natural Stones Ltd. are accented by Byzantine gold travertine and a handmade, basket-weave pattern cut from 18-by-18-inch tiles, both from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center. Handmade travertine pencils, available exclusively from Custom Marble Design, create a border finish on all exposed edges. Photo by Tomas Del Amo

THE BEST OF EVERYTHING

Julie Wason, of Stoneworld, specializes in both natural stones (granite, marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, slate) and engineered-stone composites (such as Silestone and Zodiaq—comprising 93 percent quartz, with a synthetic bonding agent).

“If homeowners want a material with a consistent pattern and color that does not need to be sealed periodically, then engineered stone is the best choice. If they want a surface that has character and will withstand heat from pots and pans and is difficult to scratch or stain, then I would recommend granite,” Wason says.

Originality is key to the homeowner’s choice of material. People don’t want their kitchens to look like their neighbors’ kitchens, but to reflect their own style, taste and individuality. In this regard, natural stone has the edge. There are instances, however, when all of one material can be too much of a good thing and a bit overpowering. From a design point of view, Wason recommends mixing the more consistent look of engineered stone with natural stone.

Mosaic tile, in Roku Green Tea, accents the Verde Fire granite, both from Walker-Zanger. This kitchen, designed by The Cutting Edge Studio, is on display at Sub-Zero/Wolf’s showroom on Piikoi St. Photo by Tomas Del Amo

To add further depth and visual interest to projects, Mike Ferguson, of Tile Mart, suggests adding glass and metal tiles to backsplashes and countertops (see photo below). Tile Mart, a ceramic tile distributor, specializes in a wide range of fired clay tiles, quarry tiles, porcelain, glass and metal. While certain tiles, such as porcelain, are delicate and recommended for walls, others are tough enough to drive trucks on. In fact, Tile Mart supplies tile for quite a few of the luxury car showrooms in Hawaii.

“We also have porcelain tile that is a dead ringer for natural marble, yet is actually much stronger, costs a fraction of the price and requires less maintenance,” Ferguson says.

STONE AGE PREP AREAS

We humans have an atavistic relationship with natural materials. Thus, homeowners have an instinctive fondness for what comes naturally, choosing the beauty of quarried stone for kitchens, bathrooms, countertops, walls and floors.

Cheryl Orallo, of Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center, says that natural stone evokes an overwhelming emotional response among homeowners because of its ageless beauty, versatility and durability.

To complete a kitchen remodel, the homeowners chose natural stone countertops from Marmol HI, Natural Stones Ltd. Photo by Tomas Del Amo

Since 2001, Bella Pietra has specialized in importing natural stone and related products from all over the world. “There are many types of natural stone that one can apply in practically all areas of the home—both inside and outside,” Orallo says. “For example, granite, marble, limestone, travertine and basalt are available in different sizes and finishes and can be used for countertops, flooring and wall applications.

Although many types of stone can be used for countertops, granite is one of the most common, because of its durability and variety of color.

While requiring some maintenance over time, such as occasional sealing, “the real thing” holds up to a lot of punishment and imparts a natural quality and integrity to the intrinsic milieu of the home.

It is certainly resistant to scratches and chips. Its smooth, compact surface is perfect for cutting vegetables and rolling out dough, and you can (cautiously) place hot pots right on it. Like all natural stone, it is porous and therefore needs periodic waterproofing.

Nick Nye, owner of Custom Marble Design, specializes in the installation of natural stone countertops, bathrooms, kitchens and floors. What does he advise?

photo courtesy of Selective Stone

“We recommend natural stone—mostly travertine and granite,” he says. “With countertops, natural stone is unlikely to burn or scratch like some composite materials. Stone is easy to clean, lasts longer than composites and has a higher resale value.”

If you’re looking for easy-to-install countertops, Selective Stone LLC recently introduced new prefabricated stone—considered to be in the exotics category—in a choice of more than 70 colors. Initially marketed in large slabs and available only for custom fabrication, Selective Stone has taken its business one step farther by pre-fabricating the bullnose edge detail for the homeowner at a huge cost savings.

“Stone is the only way to go,” says owner Jinny Nip. “It’s hard, durable, heat resistant and each example is unique. No two kitchen counters will ever be the same. Stone offers the beauty of Mother Nature at its finest, in a wide array of colors, movements and textures.”

COUNTERPOINTS FOR HOMEOWNERS GET ESTIMATES • Homeowners planning to have stone installed should get at least two estimates and hire only a qualified stonemason with a valid contractor’s license—one who will guarantee the quality of the work in writing. PLAN AHEAD • Since we live on an island and materials need to be shipped in, it’s important to know the lead times of materials in order to plan ahead. If you want stone in your project, it’s best to start looking three to six months before your installation date. Concrete is a beautiful countertop material option. Lokahi Stone customizes each countertop to homeowners’ requests. Here, the countertop features an integrated place to rest bowls. Photo courtesy of Lokahi Stone. GET SOAPY, SOFT SUDS • Many dish soaps are so strong, they can slowly strip away the stone sealer. If your countertops begin to look yellowish or dingy around the sink or stove, your detergent may be the culprit. GOODBYE GERMS • Never use a sponge or cloth used to clean dishes and utensils to wipe down a countertop. This transfers grease and acid from foodstuffs to your countertop.

SPACE AGE SURFACE SPACE

The beauty of solid surfacing is its high-tech polymer base, which gives the material its substance, flexibility and strength. These qualities allow it to be molded into complex shapes and hardened into solid materials that fit into odd-shaped kitchens and baths. Solid surfacing is a practical and affordable option for countertops, vanities, showers, bathtubs—even whirlpools, wall panels and floor tiles.

Solid surfacing is mostly uniform in color and texture, plus does not have a colored surface coating. Instead, the color is integrated into the material—going all the way through it. Dozens of colors are available, including unnatural ones, such as Corian’s hot red, lilac purple and cobalt blue. They are an interior designer’s dream, offering infinite choices that can be mixed and matched with other color elements in the home.

Corian samples show off just a hint of the material’s color options. Photo courtesy of Corian.

Superior Solid Surface specializes in fabricating and installing counters to specification. Glenda Yoza, of Superior Solid Surface, says, “We work with many solid-surfacing brands, such as Corian, Hi-Macs, Gibraltar and Avonite.” Since there is little difference between them, she recommends that homeowners let their color choice dictate the brand. “There are so many colors,” she says.

“I always tell customers to go with their first choice. Your gut instinct is your best bet.”

Staron is another solid-surface alternative made by Samsung. Staron has similar characteristics to other brands, such as their nonporous nature, but it tends to be more affordable. Pacific American Lumber carries Staron in 62 colors, with different patterns and particulate sizes that mimic the aggregates found in natural stone.

Solid-surface joints are unobtrusive, impermeable and hygienic, creating a seamless appearance. Though solid surfacing can briefly stand warm temperatures, it’s better to avoid placing hot pots directly on it by using hot pads or trivets with rubber feet.

Similar to solid surfacing, engineered stone uses advanced polymers to give countertops substance and shape, however, natural stone and quartz crystals are mixed with polymer resin—combining the hardness of natural stone and the nonporous quality of solid surfacing. The natural quartz stone delivers distinctive depth, clarity, glimmering radiance and a cool, solid feel that replicates quarried stone. Engineered-stone countertops can also take a beating, as quartz is one of the hardest minerals found on Earth. The only minerals harder than quartz are diamond, sapphire and topaz. In addition, the strength of engineered stone allows it to be cut into precise shapes and sizes that would cause natural stone to crumble.

While engineered stone is very handsome, it has practical virtues and is reasonably priced (cost ranges from $70 to $120 a square foot with installation), its appearance tends to be more uniform than natural stone, and buyers may prefer the variation that real granite provides.

WHERE TO GET IT

Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center 701 N. Nimitz Hwy. 587-7779 www.bellapietra.com Custom Marble Design Project Design Center 91-329 Kauhi St. Campbell Industrial Park 368-3761 Hawaii Granite (Manoa Trading) 1035 Makepono St. 330-3300 www.hawaiigranite.com Integrity Tile & Stone Inc. 225-6158 Lokahi Stone 518 Kamani St. 596-8833 www.lokahistone.com Marblehaus Hawaii 2933 Koapaka St. 836-3449 www.marblehaus.com

Marmol HI Natural Stones Ltd. 759 Puuloa Road 842-0842 www.marmolhi.com Pacific american lumber 142 Mokauea St. 845-8700 www.pacamlumber.com Selective Stone 2979 Koapaka St. 839-2979 www.selectivestone.net Stoneworld 233-A Sand Island Access Road 832-1515 www.stnwrld.com Superior Solid Surface 1620 Hau St. 842-5556 Tile Mart 855 Ahua St. 839-1952 www.tilemart.com