Kitchen countertop materials are available in a lot of variety. Although marble, quartz, and granite countertops are the most popular countertop slabs, there are some lesser-known options as well. One of them are onyx countertops. Below are the pros and cons of onyx countertops.
What Is Onyx?
Onyx is a semi-precious material. It is a beautiful and attractive material that can steal hearts and make people turn for another peek. Similar to marble and available in a lot of dark colors, onyx is a wonderful stone that not only makes the entire space look mesmerizing but also adds warmth to the space and it is just out of this world.
If you love dark and abstract countertop designs, then you will love onyx and its appeal. It is one of the most sought-after materials, however it also comes with its own set of drawbacks. There are a lot of people who love onyx but don’t like certain qualities about it. This is why, even though onyx is an amazing material, people don’t go for it, because more options are available at a similar and lesser price point.
Pros Of Onyx Countertops
Now that you know what onyx is, here is everything you need to know about it, from the good to the bad, to the downright unacceptable things about this translucent and precious stone.
It’s Lightweight
One of the most remarkable qualities of onyx is the fact that it is very lightweight. Being lightweight can have its disadvantages, but the main perk of a lightweight material is the ease of handling.
Installing onyx countertops is so easy that you’ll be done in no time and there is no way that anything will be damaged because it is handled so easily, thanks to it weighing almost nothing. So, being lightweight is not always a bad thing. It can reduce installation costs and other things in between.
An Amazing Look
This fact is without any doubt. Onyx is a beautiful material that will take your breath away. The swirls of designs, the lustrous finish, and the addition of dark and light contrasts is just out of this world and it’s one of the few materials that even leave granite behind with its amazing and mesmerizing looks.
If you’re someone who loves luxury kitchens and countertops, then onyx will be up your alley and you will love the way it perfectly fits into the kitchen and goes with the rest of the décor.
It’s Translucent
One of the most popular things about onyx is the fact that it is translucent. It is one of the things that makes onyx so desirable. It is a material from which light can partially escape and that gives a beautiful effect to the whole stone.
This makes it iridescent and so beautiful that you just can’t do anything but get lost in its beauty. Onyx is one of the most beautiful stones out there and this property is the main reason why it is so sought-after in the first place.
It’s Durable
Even though onyx is not the strongest of materials out there, that doesn’t mean it’s as fragile as a feather. It is just quite reasonable when it comes to strength and longevity, and if you take good care of it, then onyx will last you a very long time. Yes, it’s not the greatest with forces and impact, but it is reasonable as long as you know how to look after it.
Onyx is more durable than marble and other fragile stones, so it’s a better option than other materials out there in the market.
It’s Exotic
Onyx is a rare material. It is a semi-precious stone and this can be both a good and bad thing. It is good in a way that it is very rare and not everyone will get to see such a beautiful stone. The drawback to onyx being exotic is the fact that it is not available everywhere, which is also why it’s going to be expensive.
So, if you’re someone who has a relaxed budget and the price isn’t an issue, then you can go for it, otherwise, there are more options available that will be better. For instance, quartz kitchen countertops Rockville are way better in terms of strength and durability and they also cost less than onyx.
Cons Of Onyx Countertops
It’s Expensive
This is one of the main reasons why people are wary of onyx. It is a highly expensive material. Sometimes, it can even surpass the price point of granite. Since it is a semi-precious stone, onyx does tend to lean over on the more expensive side of things but that’s not all. The quality of the material doesn’t always justify the price point and since this is a rare material, finding it can be an uphill task.
And when you do find it, it will be very expensive and you will have to bite your tongue and get it because you seldom have options to compare prices.
It’s Fragile
Fragile and countertops are two words that don’t go together at all. This is very unfortunate that a beautiful material like onyx lacks a lot in the strength department. It is a material that tends to chip and crack very easily and it can also get damaged under the slightest force or pressure. It is a very bad thing, considering its price and the way it is hyped.
Onyx, if it can’t sustain heat and other agents in the kitchen, then it is not worth the splurge. So, you need to keep this in mind if you’re going for onyx.
It’s Not Resistant
Another thing that can make onyx lose some points is the fact that it is not resistant to scratches and abrasion. You’re in the kitchen and you’re using all of the sharp tools and things on the surface of countertops. This is why you need durable countertops that won’t get damaged under the slightest contact with sharp knives and pointy things.
Well, onyx will disappoint you in this regard, because it’s very soft and it doesn’t resist scratches well to scratches. When the surface is scratched, then stains will follow shortly after too. This is why you need to understand the fact that not all beautiful materials will tick all of the boxes for you.
It Needs Maintenance
Onyx, as beautiful as it is, also needs to be maintained a lot. It needs to be cleaned and looked after a lot, even more than other stones because that is just the way these countertops can last in the kitchen. Onyx is a porous stone and it can absorb liquid on its surface like no other material. So, you must seal it in the first place.
Without sealing the stone, you will be left with an unpleasant decoration of stains and splotches all over the countertops. It doesn’t look good at all and the stains are also a nightmare to remove.
Conclusion
Onyx is a wonderful option for people who love darker-colored countertops. These babies will knock the ball out of the park. If you want to spend a good chunk of money on rare countertop slabs, then onyx is for you, otherwise, there are many cost-effective yet more durable options like granite and quartz. Contact a granite contractor Potomac to take a look at granite and quartz variety.