This Beautiful And Eco-Friendly Countertop Option Is A Showstopper In Modern Kitchens

If you're looking for a countertop option that is both beautiful and sustainable, you may be surprised to learn about one that comes straight from the volcanic ranges of France and Italy: lava stone. Volcanic rock, though perhaps an unlikely material for modern kitchens, is rising in popularity due to its unique beauty with all its natural imperfections, including natural cracks and striations. But it's also extremely customizable to glaze and fit a range of everyday kitchens, especially those with modern, sleek accents.

A completely natural, recyclable, and renewable material, lava stone is known for its sustainability, unique look, and durability. Lava stone, as you may expect, can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, which renders it unlikely to break, warp, or scratch in your kitchen. This also contributes to sustainability, since you probably won't have to replace it over the countertop's lifetime.

Like other similar stone countertop options (such as the ultra-durable sintered stone), lava stone is quite customizable. Though it comes in a variety of natural finishes, this countertop is offered in a variety of unique colors, from teal to eggplant purple. This is done by applying an enamel glaze that gives it a unique and beautiful exterior, from shiny to matte.

While lava stone is a sustainable countertop option made from a natural, renewable process that involves volcanic molten lava, it is still quite a niche material. In terms of harvesting, it's often specifically mined from Auvergne, France, and the Etna volcanic range in Sicily. This limited availability — not to mention shipping and importation — is a key contributing factor in giving lava stone its hefty price tag, which can come in around $300, more or less, per square foot of material.

So, if you have a large counter space or your goal is to save money on countertops, you might want to think twice about lava stone and instead opt for a more affordable natural stone option like quartz or granite. However, it also helps weigh the costs and benefits of installing other counter materials, like concrete, which requires high maintenance and sealing. By contrast, lava stone is known for its low maintenance and extreme durability.

When it comes to picking the perfect countertop for your kitchen, it helps to consider budget, but that's not the only thing. You must also consider the goals for your space, including aesthetic and design, counter durability and heat resistance, and, of course, sustainability. When you do, you may end up choosing lava stone as your preferred countertop material.