A natural sedimentary stone used in architecture and home interiors for centuries, limestone is both mesmerising and versatile. Its application is multifaceted, which ranges from elegant flooring and accent walls to ornate fireplace surrounds and bathroom vanities to pool surrounds and efficient worksurfaces.
Over the decades, limestone worktops have emerged as a top choice for homeowners across the UK for their subtle elegance, durability, heat resistance and cost-effectiveness.
Origin and Composition of the Limestone Worktop
The origin of this sedimentary rock is highly fascinating. Limestone sediments are formed and found at the bottom of the ocean, originating from organic remains of marine organisms like shellfish and coral combined with the mineral salts in marine water. Over millions of years, successive layers pile over, and these get compacted, cemented, and lithified to form a solid rock rich in calcium carbonate. Thereon, raw limestone is quarried, cut to size, and polished to reveal its smooth, natural beauty.
7 Advantages of Installing a Limestone Worktop
Not just in the realm of kitchen worktops in London, limestone is getting rave reviews as stunning bathroom worktops and vanity counters. The benefits of installing a limestone worktop include the following:
- Eye Appeal:The soft luminosity and ethereal look of limestone are a class apart from other worktop materials. While some slabs have fascinating coral-like patterns, others have a mottled appearance and even marble-like veins. Like marble, every slab depicts a unique work of art created by natural forces. Overall, the neutral hues of white, beige, grey, and brown effortlessly blend with all kinds of kitchen aesthetics.
- Heat Resistance:As a marine sedimentary rock, limestone is massively resistant to high temperatures. It is a safe worksurface for hot cookware and for handling ingredients like butter, chocolate, and cheese that require a cool surface.
- Durability: Formed over millions of years via the intense force of nature, the structural durability of limestone is high. When maintained dutifully, a limestone worktop will easily last for decades.
- Eco-Friendly:Unlike engineered kitchen worktops in London that contain synthetic resins and pigments, limestone is a 100% natural stone. The warm colours and flowing patterns reinforce a tranquil, spa-like aura. Limestone can be easily re-purposed or reused when uninstalled in construction/landscaping projects. There is no toxic waste generation or landfilling.
- Budget-Friendly:Compared to marble, granite, and quartzite, a limestone worktop is far more cost-friendly. It is popular for budget-conscious homeowners who don’t want low-tier synthetic worktops.
- Decorative Edges:Since limestone is a soft and pliant stone, chiselling decorative worktop edges is easy and incurs fewer labour expenses. Homeowners can pick from Ogee, Bullnose, Dupont, and Beveled edges without worrying about excessive installation charges.
- Aesthetic Versatility:Like marble, a limestone worktop resonates with timeless beauty that can never go out of style. The neutral colour palette and natural patterns artfully blend with all kinds of kitchens, be it contemporary, old-world, retro, country, industrial, rustic, coastal or farmhouse. Pair with white/light-coloured cabinets for a sophisticated yet minimalistic look. Else, create a visually stunning effect with waterfall edges with a vibrant backsplash. With textured finishes and mixed material options, the aesthetic scope is endless!
4 Limitations of Limestone Worktops
While investing in a limestone worktop has several advantages, homeowners should be aware of the limitations. The right know-how will ensure these surfaces are properly maintained and up kept to gain maximum value from the investment. Below are four limitations of limestone worktops:
- Softness:On the Mohs hardness scale, limestone is rated 3 to 4, almost the same as marble. Homeowners should be careful not to use sharp objects on limestone worktops or subject them to excessive physical pressure.
- Porosity:Limestone has a highly porous surface. A high-quality sealant is a must to prevent the worktop from absorbing spills and odours.
- Acid Sensitivity:Like marble, the acid sensitivity of limestone is high due to the abundance of calcium carbonate in its composition. Be it an acidic cleaner, a mildly acidic juice, or a condiment, all of these should be kept away from limestone surfaces. Also, avoid abrasive sponges and always use a mild cleaning agent with neutral pH.
- Maintenance:Limestone requires regular sealing (once every 6-12 months) based on exposure and rigour. Occasional polishing helps even if you are not fond of the matte, lived-in look that the stone naturally acquires after a few years.
Conclusion
The understated charm and harmonious vibes of limestone worktops can reinvigorate your home interiors. Homeowners who desire marble’s opulence and natural splendour without high cost should go for limestone worktops. Make sure you hire a professional stone fabricator experienced in installing limestone worktops. Follow the simple cleaning instructions and ensure periodic sealing as and when required, to look forward to a durable, stunning, and efficient worktop.
