ANNUAL HOMES & DESIGN ISSUE
Whether selecting kitchen countertops or installing a new bathroom floor, it’s important to select materials that can withstand the test of time. Here, local experts share why stone and tile are up to the task, along with selections that deliver on both durability and design.
Jessica Hurst“When shopping for countertop material, durability is important to homeowners. Quartz is what most lean to for the least maintenance. Man-made quartz does not require sealing and is very resistant to staining; however, it is not as heat resistant as natural stone. Although natural stone slabs require occasional sealing, every slab is unique. To me, the most luxurious material is quartzite, which is formed when sandstone is subjected to intense heat and pressure within the earth. Quartzite is not as busy as a granite, looks like a marble but is extremely dense (even harder than most granites), resists scratching well, and handles hot pots and pans better than engineered quartz. Quartzite features unique veining and movement that cannot be perfectly replicated. Some are true works of art, making a bold statement, while others are more soft and subtle. When going for beauty and durability, this is your stone!”
Patrick Wells“When it comes to backyard spaces, I always encourage homeowners to choose natural stone products that look great on day one and still look great years down the road. Bluestone is a favorite for patios and walkways because it has a clean, timeless look and holds up extremely well to weather and foot traffic. Tennessee Crab Orchard stone is another excellent option, especially for homeowners who want a more natural, rustic feel that blends into the landscape. For retaining walls, fire pits, and outdoor living areas, fieldstone and limestone add character, texture, and long-lasting durability. Granite is also a strong choice in high-traffic areas because it’s incredibly tough and requires very little maintenance. Natural stone brings a level of authenticity and permanence to outdoor spaces that homeowners appreciate, making it a smart investment for both beauty and performance.”
Anna Baker“The stone countertop fabrication industry has seen a huge shift toward man-made materials in recent years. The design trend for white marble kitchen countertops has driven a lot of that shift. White marble is a soft and chemically reactive stone that can have maintenance issues in a kitchen. Man-made engineered stone can be made to look like marble and solve those maintenance issues. Many of the engineered stones are chemically resistant and scratch and stain resistant. If you look at the color offerings for many of the top manufacturers, they are largely white marble looks. Another design trend that offers a more durable finish is to install the same slab material on the backsplash. The solid surface is super easy to clean with no grout lines to contend with.”
Bethe Motlow“If your design dreams begin with durability – tile is the ideal choice. Crafted from raw earth, tile is sustainably beautiful and authentically resilient. For decorative wall applications, ceramic tile offers smaller sizing and impeccably decorative faces. For large format capabilities, strength, and low moisture absorption, porcelain tile is the superb flooring choice. Tile is the truest form of design commitment – often outlasting fashion, long before showing signs of age. For timeless options, consider porcelain floors that evoke nature. Mythic stone like Taj Mahal builds grandeur as a blank canvas, allowing other design elements to shine. Wood-look plank tiles convey levity, lengthening the view of any crafted space. The trending ‘Star and Cross’ pattern mimics an encaustic look without the multi-color obligation. From choice to commitment – how will your ‘tile story’ read? Tile is as timeless as the story it builds … let’s build yours together!”
