Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? Doing research on countertop materials? If so, then our Countertop Spotlight series will help you. Today we look at lava stone countertops:
Material: Lava Stone
Origin: A new type of countertop material, volcanic lava stone is extracted by hand from open-air quarries (usually in Auvergne, France), then cut into slabs, glazed with enamel, and fired in a kiln at 1300 degrees. During cooling a smooth crackled finish develops, which is the signature look of lava stone countertops.
Finish types: Shiny or matte ultra smooth crackled finish.
Pros: Non-porous; highly resistant to stains, scratches, shock, and temperature changes; low maintenance; durable; each slab is completely unique; available in a wide variety of colors; can be made seamless.
Cons: Very expensive; currently only produced in France (Pyrolave is the primary manufacturer); since it's a newer product its longevity hasn't been tested;
Installation: Professional installation highly recommended. Available prefabricated or custom. 6-7 week lead time for orders.
Price range: $260+ per square foot, most of which is due to the high cost of shipping.
Kitchn Reader Reviews:
The colors of lavastone (French Pyrolave) can't be beat, but as it turns out, lavastone is one of the few materials *more* expensive than quartz! - shawnamuffin
I think the cost is something in the order of over $300/sf. That took it off my list right away! However, a French house in the U.K. magazine Homes & Gardens (Sept. edition) had many, many feet of it, making me wonder if it is significantly cheaper in France. They used it as a bath surround as well as bathroom counter. It's a nice way to add colour. - MonikaOn
Lava is beautiful...goes by the name Pyrolave. I just installed one in a custom color a couple of weeks ago and have sold quite a few over the years. They are imported from France and are a bloody fortune, but they have a very beautiful crackled texture and come in any color, including neutrals. It wears like iron, no issues at all with staining or scratching. - SusiqOn
Other 'Countertop Spotlight' Posts
• All About: Stainless Steel Countertops
• All About: Butcher Block Countertops
• All About: Quartz Countertops
• All About: Granite Countertops
• All About: Synthetic Solid Surface Countertops
(Images: 1. Couleur Lave via Kitchen Installation; 2. For Residential Pros; 3. Home Portfolio; 4-5. Pyrolave)
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Kinda retro! Me gusta.
That is gorgeous - I guess that's one time you thank your lucky stars that you have a tiny kitchen?
These are gorgeous. Would be so difficult to pick a color, but wouldn't they make for beautiful food photography for blogging? What color would you choose?
Amazing, gorgeous and bold. I don't know if I could justify the money on it, but I'd love to have it. I would what it would do to resale value? I can imagine it isn't everyone's cup of tea.
As beautiful as they are, I think I prefer a more neutral color on my kitchen counters so that the colors of the food I'm cooking take centerstage. I would love the seafoam green in my bathroom, though. So gorgeous!
Seriously beautiful countertops! The expense is quite high but the unique color is really great.