Limestone or marble as a countertop
Countertops made of limestone or marble are becoming increasingly common in Swedish kitchens. In its natural color range, it fits naturally in your home. The fact that the countertop also offers historically appreciated durability only makes it an even more valued part of the kitchen.
With us, you can choose between Kolmården Marble and Borghamn limestone — two options that add an extra touch of elegance to your kitchen. Both limestone and marble develop a beautiful patina over time, becoming even more attractive as they age. Our stone types are also highly durable, ensuring a countertop from us will provide a work surface you will enjoy for many years to come.
Kolmården Marble as a countertop
Kolmården Marble offers a durable worktop with distinctive green veining, making it an exceptional choice for any kitchen. This sturdy material is ideal for use in even the busiest kitchens.
It’s a common belief that marble stains easily, and this is partially true. Marble is a natural stone with a softer composition and is prone to cracking. As a result, acidic liquids such as wine and fruit juice can penetrate the stone more readily. However, by promptly wiping away spills and treating any mishaps, you can minimize the risk of permanent stains. Opting for a finely polished surface treatment for your Kolmården Marble can further reduce the appearance of stains.
In addition to its practicality, the finely polished surface provides a beautiful shine, enhancing the overall look of your kitchen. This type of treatment also ensures that the worktop is durable, improves hygiene, and makes cleaning easier. This easy maintenance makes Kolmården Marble a versatile option suitable for countertops in all kinds of kitchens.
Borghamn limestone as a countertop
Kitchen details made of limestone have become increasingly popular in Swedish homes in recent years. When it comes to material choice, a countertop made from Borghamn limestone is an excellent option due to its exceptional durability, as proven in various applications, including schools and military facilities. This durability has also been a key consideration historically, as Borghamn limestone is often found in many of the country’s historic buildings.
We offer Borghamn limestone in two color options: light gray and gray-brown, and we can provide a finish to suit your specific needs. What sets Borghamn limestone apart is its unique refinement, developed over 485 million years in nature. This long geological history makes it denser and more durable than limestones and marbles from other regions. If you are seeking high wear resistance and resilience, or prefer a more understated, beautiful appearance compared to Kolmården Marble, Borghamn limestone is an excellent choice.
Surface treatment for countertops
When considering the surface treatment for your limestone or marble countertop, it’s essential to ask: What is the countertop’s intended use? If it will be used in the kitchen, a finely polished surface is preferable, as it is smooth and durable. On the other hand, if the countertop is meant to enhance a fine piece of furniture, a brushed surface might be a suitable alternative. The brushed finish creates a subtle appearance, allowing the stone’s patina to shine elegantly.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, let us help you select the appropriate surface treatment.
Edge processing for countertops
The edge of a limestone or marble countertop greatly influences its overall style and aesthetic. We provide a variety of edge profiles, including the classic straight edge and the rustic hand-hewn edge, expertly crafted by our skilled stonemasons. If you have a unique vision for your edge design, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can create a solution that aligns with your preferences.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, please let us help you select the right edge processing.
Countertop formats
At Borghamns Stenförädling, we exclusively work with primary stone that has not been reinforced. This approach allows us to adapt to the natural cracks in our bedrock. By utilizing these natural features, along with our quarrying method, we can obtain large blocks that maximize the dimensions permitted by the bedrock. Consequently, the size of the blocks dictates the maximum length and width available.
If your project requires larger slabs, we are more than happy to provide cutting suggestions.
Care instructions for countertops
Taking care of your limestone or marble countertop is essential to its longevity and to maintaining its elegant patina. To keep your countertop in top condition, follow these tips:
Use a cutting board: Avoid cutting directly on the stone.
Protect from heat: Never place hot utensils directly on the surface.
Wipe clean immediately: Spills of wine, juice, or salt can cause stains.
Choose the right cleaner: Use products for limestone or marble, and for daily cleaning, water and a small amount of natural soap are enough.
If you’d like to learn more about caring for your natural stone or treating a stain, see the Care instructions page.
Tips & Tricks
A countertop made of limestone or Kolmården Marble is an excellent choice. Please don’t be too worried about potential stains; simply use it and enjoy! For daily maintenance, wipe the countertop with a damp cloth to remove any food residue or excess water. If you spill acidic substances, such as lemon juice or wine, it’s best to clean them up immediately. Additionally, we recommend treating your countertop with natural soap regularly. This treatment not only enhances the stone’s resistance but also helps preserve its surface.
It’s important to know that while the stain may be unsightly, it does not impact the stone’s durability; it’s simply a cosmetic issue. For guidance on how to address various types of stains on natural stone, you can refer to the stone manual available at sten.se. This manual has been compiled by the Swedish Stone Industry Federation and provides detailed instructions for treating various stains effectively. You can find the link under the ‘Documents’ tab. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to help!
For kitchen countertops, we recommend a fine honed surface finish. If you plan to use the countertop as a sideboard or as a top for a piece of furniture, a brushed or planed (ploughed) surface may also be suitable. You can view examples of these finishes further down the page. If you’d like to see them in person, please visit our office, or request hand samples to be sent to your mailbox. If you’re unsure about your choice, please feel free to contact us for assistance.
We offer a variety of edge profiles, including straight visible edge, half-round edge, full-round edge, bush-hammered edge, rock-pitched edge, and classic profile. If you have a unique idea for your edge design, please get in touch with us to discuss a custom solution. Everything we produce is made to order, and our machinery allows for flexible options to meet your needs.
At Borghamns Stenförädling, we work exclusively with primary stone that has no reinforcement. This means we adapt to the natural fractures present in our bedrock. These natural fractures, along with our quarrying method, enable us to extract blocks as large as the bedrock allows. Consequently, the size of the blocks dictates the maximum length and width.
For reference, the maximum lengths for our stone types are approximately 1400-1500 mm for Kolmården marble and around 1800 mm for Borghamn limestone. If you require longer slabs, we are happy to provide suggestions for jointing. We always strive to make the slabs fit together as seamlessly as possible.