Remodeling? Want something that will really make visitors’ eyes pop when they see your home? Always on the lookout for exotic, unusual home decor? Then you may want to consider lava stone countertops.
Yes, that’s right – countertops made from volcanic lava stone. Really! That’s what makes it so unique, so durable, and also, unfortunately, expensive (though prices may be coming down).
Lava stone is unusual in that it’s a natural stone but is available in a huge range of colors and features a smooth, hard, crackled (the effect is known as “crazing”) finish. The virtually indestructible stone is quarried, cut, and finished primarily in France by manufacturer Pyrolave; in recent years the market has expanded to include the Danish company Made a Mano and American LavArte, so prices are slowly lowering (the expense is largely due to import costs). Lava stone can also be used on backsplashes, table tops, and tiles (wall and floor).
- Durable – it resists chipping, cracking, acid, heat (obviously – it’s volcanic!) staining, and water damage. It’s non-porous and non-fading.
- Green – lava stone mining is eco-friendly and sustainable, especially when compared to granite and marble quarrying.
- Colorful – it’s the only natural stone with virtually unlimited color choices.
- Customizable – choose from a glossy or matte finish.
- Versatile – even your sinks can be made of lava stone to match those lava stone countertops!
- Unique – every slab is different due to natural makeup and production. Plus, we can bet that you’d be the only one in the neighborhood who has it.
There are downsides, of course, but not many. The most significant con of lava stone is its prohibitive price due to global unavailability and the need for importing; it’s comparable to high-end marble and can even surpass that mark. When you opt for lava stone, it’s a lifelong commitment, which brings us to the other downside: you must choose your color wisely, as you’ll be living with it for a looooong time. So maybe consider if you really want bright orchid in your kitchen forever.
What do you think of lava stone? Love it or leave it? (Assume an unlimited budget – hey, you can dream!)
I’d love for all my kitchen counters to be lava, but I’m waiting for the cost to come down a bit. (I have been waiting since I first learned about it four years ago.). In the meantime, I’d like to resurface my island with lava stone, even though it will cost around $8,000. That’s dreaming big for me!