When you’re building a custom home or upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, your countertop choice makes a major difference in the feel and personality of your space.
For some homeowners, a standout countertop is more than just another kitchen surface; it’s the focal point of their entire design. In these cases, a simple slab just won’t do. If you want a truly unique kitchen countertop, your best choice might be an exotic countertop.
What Are Exotic Countertops?
“Exotic” countertops are either highly unusual patterns of conventional stone or unconventional countertop stones. The term is a catch-all for unique slabs, many of which are truly one of a kind.
Not every stone is suitable for countertop use. Exotic options include choices like onyx, travertine, and even petrified wood. Gemstones (usually semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, amethyst, and agate) and geodes can be used, although the fabrication process for these is a little different than other exotics; while stones like onyx can be cut like traditional countertops, geodes and gemstones are stabilized with the same kind of ultra-durable, crystal-clear resin that is used in quartz countertops. This makes them stable, long-lasting surfaces that resist damage.
There are also exotic options for more traditional stones. Exotic slabs often come from Brazil, Madagascar, India, and quarries in geologically distinct areas, but the origin isn’t what makes them exotic; it’s how the stones look. Conventional stone slabs are deemed exotic if they have unusual mineral formations as inclusions or come in rare colors. So while granite is widely used, blue and green granite are considered exotic granite because the color is so unusual.
Intense veining can also push a stone into the exotic category. One of our favorite exotic granites is Matrix, a gray stone that doesn’t look anything like the typical granites used in countertop fabrication. Matrix’s veins are a heavy, interwoven web of striations that give the stone’s surface three-dimensional depth. Because it’s so different from any other granite, it gets classed as an exotic countertop– even though it’s the same granite you know and love.
Exotic Countertop Care
Your exotic countertop’s care will vary based on the type of stone you chose. Some exotic countertops, like rare marble slabs, are vulnerable to scratches and etching; others, like geode countertops, may require you to be careful with cleaning materials due to the composition.
Like all stone countertops, exotic countertops are generally low maintenance; you’ll just need to pay attention to specific details to get the best results. Your fabricator will be able to tell you everything you need to know about how to care for your exotic countertops, and will even have product suggestions.
Also, just like other countertop options, exotic countertops often require sealing. If you’re using a natural stone, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll need to seal, since natural stones are almost all porous. Your countertop slab will be sealed as it’s manufactured, and with time and use, you will need to re-seal.
Every countertop is different, and your fabricator can help you determine the sealing schedule that will keep your exotic countertop looking great. But an easy way to tell if you need to re-seal is the water test. Just place a few drops of water on the countertop’s surface. If they soak into the surface instead of beading up, it’s time to call your fabricator about re-sealing.
Finding Exotic Countertops Near Me
Exotic countertops can be challenging to find, and many fabricators have a limited stock of these unusual slabs. That’s why if you want a gorgeous exotic countertop, you might have to do a little more legwork to find a fabricator who carries what you need. When you work with us at True Blue Surfaces, you can rest assured that our design team is here to help you design the room of your dreams. We know how to design around exotic surfaces to highlight every gorgeous detail of your new countertop.
Every exotic countertop installation needs to start with a showroom visit. The best exotic countertops shine when you take the time to really get to know the stone and how it looks in different lighting conditions. If you want to bring an exotic countertop home, reach out to us at True Blue Surfaces today to get started. Our painless process includes the design expertise you need to get the most out of your exotic countertops. Contact us today for a free quote!