Here’s the dolomite countertops pros and cons including what it is, advantages & disadvantages, cost, care tips, and differences from other kitchen countertop materials.
With gray and white countertops becoming trendy, there has never been a better time to explore dolomite countertops. This lesser-known stone is quickly gaining popularity as a beautiful alternative to marble for those seeking a more durable and affordable solution.
Natural stone worktops are growing more popular due to trends and new aesthetic concepts, with marble and granite being among the most popular choices.
However, they may be costly or difficult to maintain, and dolomite provides a comparable aesthetic with some extra lifespan advantages. Is it, nevertheless, a decent option for countertops?
While many people pick dolomite for their countertops, there are a few things to consider. This article will provide you with all the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
What Is Dolomite Stone?
Dolomite, commonly known as dolostone or dolomite rock, is a mineral sedimentary rock that you can find in basins all over the globe.
It arises when magnesium-rich groundwater alters lime mud and limestone after depositing. The material is defined as having a similar appearance to marble but with better physical properties.
The distinctions between dolomite and granite, which forms in magma chambers under the earth’s surface, are noteworthy. Dolomite is a common stone that may be found all over the globe, with the most well-known being the dolomite alps in Italy.
Dolomite stone is comparable to limestone in composition, and the two forms of rock have similar coloration, ranging from white to gray.
Their prominence in the building business is another commonality between the two. Dolomite is neither as complex nor as delicate as quartzite or marble.
Let’s look at the features of this material so you can weigh the dolomite countertops pros and cons and determine if they work to your needs.
Dolomite Quartz Countertop
Dolomite quartz countertops are more often available in gray and white, and they frequently have streaks that make them seem more like marble than quartzite, which is why they are so trendy right now.
Despite their rarity, you can find them in various colors, including brown, pink, black, and green. It is a beautiful alternative for countertops and is considered by many in the countertop business to be more durable than marble.
Dolomite quartz is somewhat more rigid than marble but considerably softer than granite, making them susceptible to scratching. Also, dolomites are more resistant to acids and etching than marble or calcite.
Dolomite quartz creates a beautiful countertop that you may use in the kitchen, baths, and other areas, but don’t expect them to function as well as granite or quartzite.
Dolomite should be thought of as a stricter type of marble in terms of performance. Like most natural stones, it is absorbent and needs sealing to avoid discoloration.
Although it outperforms actual marble in terms of performance, it may scratch and etch, so keep that in mind when installing in a kitchen.
Dolomite Countertop Pros
Scratch Resistance: Dolomite is sometimes between marble and granite in terms of hardness. It is a fantastic alternative to marble, and it is much more scratch-resistant.
However, do not expect it to be as scratch-resistant as granite or quartzite. Glass and metal can harm dolomite worktops; therefore, you should always use cutting boards and handle silverware with care.
Longevity: A dolomite countertop surpasses marble and endures even longer. Consider that we are talking about stones that, with proper care, may live for decades. The stone is very durable and unlikely to crack or chip.
Stain Resistance: Dolomite has a lower liquid absorption rate and is less acid-sensitive than marble. Nonetheless, it needs sealing regularly (most likely annually). Acids are also a no-no; they will etch if exposed to acid.
Heat Resistance: Heat resistance is perhaps the dolomite’s most significant advantage over quartz countertops. Dolomite can store a lot of heat.
It retains heat better than many other materials, making it ideal for counters that support hot things, such as those used in the kitchen.
Of course, putting hot pots and pans directly on any countertop, regardless of the material, is never a good idea.
Pressure Resistance: While owners must always be cautious, the chances of dolomite countertops splitting due to pressure are far lower than many other materials.
Dolomite is a pressure-resistant material, which is essential for counters that will withstand a variety of weights. It has a Mohs hardness grade of 3.5–4, higher than marble.
A more excellent hardness grade makes it a long-lasting and sturdy countertop that withstands wear and tear.
Variety of Styles: One of the most appealing properties of dolomite is that it resembles marble in appearance since dolomite often has streaks of varied colors and tints.
The aesthetic attractiveness and several other advantageous physical characteristics make it an excellent countertop option.
Most dolomite varieties come in gray and white tones. Super White dolomite, Avalanche, Donatello, and Milano Venato Dolomite are the popular monotone variations.
This stone has a sleek, smooth, and shiny appearance when treated. The fossilized mineral patterns on each stone slab are distinct, yet all dolomite varieties have a clear to translucent, pearly shine.
Dolomite Countertop Cons
Although dolomite looks ideal for countertops, there are a few drawbacks to consider before purchasing this material. However, you may mitigate many of these disadvantages with careful maintenance and care over time.
Susceptible to Etchings: While they are more rigid than marble or calcites, they are still softer than granite and are susceptible to scratches and etchings.
Granite has a more excellent hardness value on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than dolomite.
Handling utensils, plates, cutlery, and other accessories with care is vital. Scratch tests are usually performed on sealed dolomite samples to determine their sensitivity to scratches, etchings, and fractures.
Susceptible to Stains: Even though dolomite countertops are very durable, they may discolor with time.
No matter how solid, natural stone is porous to variable degrees and absorbs minute amounts of debris, moisture, and grease. These stains may be tricky when choosing lighter dolomite varieties.
Therefore, those choosing light hues of dolomite should be cautious. Acids such as lemon juice, for example, may etch or discolor the polish of a marble countertop in minutes.
On the other hand, dolomite would still injure, but it would take longer before damage would occur.
Cost Of Dolomite Countertop
The dolomites are less expensive than marble, quartz, and even granite. You should always acquire a price from a local source, to be sure.
One of the best reasons to choose dolomite countertops is the reduced cost. Dolomite prices vary depending on the stone source, but they are typically in the same ballpark as quartzite and marble.
Some marble and dolomite types of kitchen countertops were in the same price range as “entry-level” granite.
Care Of Dolomite Countertops
Dolomite countertops are unquestionably more straightforward to maintain than marble worktops. You will need to incorporate sealing into long-term maintenance expenditures.
We recommend cleaning your dolomite countertops once a day. Avoid acidic cleansers like lemon juice or vinegar, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals.
If food or liquid spills on your countertop, wipe it up with a soft dishcloth right away. Oil, wine, fruit juices, and other substances may discolor unsealed dolomite.
Varying chunks of dolomite, on the other hand, have different porosities. Some countertop regions may need more frequent sealing than others. Dribble hot water onto a countertop to test. If the water soaks into the dolomite, it is time to reseal it.
Get a decent-grade dolomite countertop sealer to seal your counter surface. Sealing takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs $30 to $50, depending on the size.
Follow the cleaner’s instructions, ensuring the dolomite is completely dry before beginning the sealing process. Work in tiny sections while sealing, allowing the sealer to soak for the specified period before proceeding to the next step.
Before utilizing the countertops, let the sealer cure for the required period (typically several hours or overnight).
Is Dolomite Good For Kitchen Counters?
Yes, dolomite countertops are pretty adaptable and work well as a countertop. Dolomite is simple to get and relatively inexpensive to upkeep.
All it comes down to is a matter of personal taste. Any stone counter has advantages and disadvantages. Some stones need more care than others.
Because dolomite is more rigid than marble but softer than granite, it might scrape if you are not cautious. Dolomite is a fantastic option for kitchen counters if you can administer specific sealing and maintenance.
Dolomite countertops generally outlive marble kitchen countertops, lasting years or decades if properly maintained. Dolomite is resistant to regular wear and tear, although it is not impervious.
Difference Between Dolomite And Quartzite
It is amusing to compare two rocks since they are not the same. Dolomite is a sedimentary rock that contains more than 50% dolomite as a mineral by weight. Quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that occurs when pure quartz sandstone metamorphoses—these rocks from various minerals.
It is worth noting that the durability of a dolomite countertop is somewhat lower than that of a quartzite countertop.
The dolomites create a beautiful fixture that one may use in the kitchen, baths, and other areas, but don’t expect them to function as well as quartzite or granite countertops.
Quartzite is more rigid and less scratch-resistant than dolomite. However, both are very porous, with quartzite being somewhat more porous than dolomite.
Dolomite Vs Granite
When it comes to durability, granite is unquestionably the best option. Granite is more permeable and more formidable than dolomite. These two stones are opposites in terms of appearance.
Dolomite is your choice if you want a white stone with minimal mobility. Granite has a different physical look than marble and comes in a range of mottled hues. The color variance is due to melted stone inside the granite.
Granite countertops are the more lasting alternative because of its resistance to cracks and chipping. The cost is highly dependent on the artwork in question.
However, since it is a more uncomplicated stone to deal with, you will save money on fabrication.
Marble will give you an appearance out of this world, but it is also the most delicate option. Quartz has a lot of alternatives, is durable, and requires little care, but it can’t withstand a lot of heat or sunshine.
Dolomite gives a fantastic appearance at a lower cost, but even if it’s simpler to maintain than marble, it still requires a lot of maintenance. Regardless of the intended function, dolomite is becoming more desirable for countertops.
Dolomite countertops are a fantastic option since they provide various advantages in terms of utility and durability and a strikingly distinctive and shiny aesthetic appeal at a lesser cost.
See more related content in our article about solid surface countertops on this page.