Kitchen Benchtop Stones Overview of the Types and Features
Kitchen renovations are incomplete without a perfectly matched benchtop. Today, it is one of the most expensive kitchen fitting areas where renovators are willing to spend. There are a variety of options in the market, hence making the right choice often confusing. While many home owners prefer natural stone varieties, like granite and marble, these are beyond doubt the most expensive kitchen benchtop stone options. A more versatile option is the engineered stone because they can be easily customized according to exact shape, size, profile and color. Another advantage is that any number of replicas can be obtained. The strength of the benchtop stone required should mainly be based on the lifestyle of the household the stone is being used. Ideally, a kitchen top should be durable and stain resistant to last for long years.
Engineered Stone
Also known as the Caesar stone or quartz stone, is a composite man-made material. Engineered kitchen benchtop stone is made out of crushed quartz that is bonded together with a polymer resin adhesive. They have been in the market since the last two decades and a lot of technological developments have brought about natural stone like features and a variety of artistic innovations.
Advantages
Very durable compared to natural stones. Designed to last for long years.
Available in wide variety of colors that do not fade away.
Non porous in nature, resistant to stains and scratches.
Replicas of natural stone slabs can be produced.
Regular maintenance and sealing not required.
Chipping can be easily repaired.
Detailed profiling can be applied to the edges.
Disadvantages
Layer of lead is present between cabinet and kitchen benchtop stone installation which makes it less heat resistant compared to steel tops.
Pieces have visible joints.
Chipping possible on edges with extensive use.
Non glossy surfaces harder to maintain.
Granite Benchtop
Granite is a natural coarse igneous stone composed of quartz, feldspar, mica etc., and has large grains. Many varieties of granite kitchen benchtop stone are found based on grain pattern and color.
Advantages
High resistance to heat compared to other stones.
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Appearance of the slabs is quite unique due to the natural grain.
Edges can be customized for a waterfall effect.
Stone can be made resistant to stains, scratches, heat and abrasions if sealing is done properly.
Maintenance and cleaning are easy.
Disadvantages
Highly porous, hence require periodic resealing.
Non sealed granite kitchen benchtop stone is likely to get stained.
Grains of slabs are unique, hence difficult to get multiple similar slabs.
Marble Benchtop
Marble is another natural stone known for beauty, elegance and luxury. Essentially a metamorphic rock, marble stone slabs feature unique grey veins, hence no two slabs are found to be exactly same.
Advantages
Available in a variety of color and vein patterns.
Best choice as a luxury kitchen fitting.
Edges can be customized to give a waterfall effect.
Mostly neutral toned stone.
Translucent in nature.
Disadvantages
Marble kitchen benchtop stone is a relatively much more expensive option as compared to other benchtops.
Very porous in nature, hence periodic resealing is required to ensure durability.
Brittle and soft natured stone, hence susceptible to cracking and chipping easily.
Porous nature also makes it susceptible to stains. Acidic substances, even citrus fruit spills must be cleaned immediately.
Each slab is unique due to the veins, hence very difficult to find a similar piece. You need to understand that you can also add some luxury to your kitchen by installing some stylish stone kitchen benchtop. It is durable so it will last for years and it is best suitable to prepare the meals and it is also very easy to clean and maintain. It will give an aesthetic look to your kitchen. It is expensive but you should consider this as a long lasting investment.
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