Choosing The Right Stone For Your Kitchen Worktop
Stone countertops make beautiful, durable and very practical features in any kitchen. But stone is just a term for several varieties of surfaces, and once you start looking for the perfect worktop for your kitchen, it can be tricky to decide if marble, granite, quartz or engineered stone is the right material for you. To help you out, here are some of the characteristics, and pros and cons of different stone countertops.
Marble
Most people will agree that marble worktops look incredibly elegant, beautiful and glamorous. This stone is a popular choice in many traditional kitchens, as people love it for its shine, and characteristic veins. Unfortunately, marble is also a relatively soft and porous material, and can stain and mark very easily. Extreme heat can also damage a marble worktop and hot pots and pans should never rest on a marble benchtop. Even when marble is sealed to avoid stains, and maintained carefully, it is not an ideal material for a kitchen surface, where damage is usually inevitable. This stone is much better suited for aesthetic applications, such as a feature wall, vanities, and staircases. A marble reception desk in a hotel or business can make an extremely stylish impression.
Granite
Every cut of granite is unique, beautiful and strong – it is no wonder that this is one of the most popular materials for kitchen worktops. Granite is a completely natural, igneous rock, which was formed by hot volcanic action and then slowly cooled over time. This stone, which is known for its ‘salt and pepper’ appearance, is very hard wearing and can tolerate extreme temperatures well. Granite doesn’t have many disadvantages, but it can stain, and requires a professional sealant and some maintenance to keep it looking as good as new. Granite is available in a variety of colours, of which white granite and black granite benchtops are the most popular.
Quartz
Quartz kitchen worktops are becoming increasingly more popular in modern kitchens. Not only is quartz incredibly beautiful, it is also one of the hardest minerals found in nature. Quartz countertops are manufactured from a combination of crushed, natural quartz and small amounts of pigment and resin. This blend results in a slab that is stylish and uncommonly strong. Quartz is available in many colours, is scratch resistant, non-porous and stain-resistant -sd making it a popular, maintenance free kitchen slab that remain beautiful for many years.
Engineered stone
Engineered stone is a combination of crushed stone, blended and bound together by a strong adhesive to create a stone slab. This delivers a stone that is incredibly strong and beautiful, and requires almost no maintenance when compared to natural stone. Engineered stone is completely sealed which makes it is non-porous, easy to clean and extremely hygienic. These are some of the most important characteristics of a great kitchen worktop. Because of its strength, engineered stone is a good alternative to natural stone kitchen bench tops. This product is available in a variety of colours and styles, making it easy to choose a style that will enhance the look of any kitchen. Popular types of engineered stone include Caesarstone, Silestone and Essastone.
Granite World are premium suppliers of a variety of quality stone benchtops in Perth. They source, cut and install stone that fit their customers’ requirements and kitchen designs perfectly. Their team is committed to providing excellent customer service and helping you choose the best stone for the job. All of their stone products are durable, long lasting and customised to fit your individual need precisely. To find out more visit www.graniteworld.com.au or call them on 08 9249 3009 today.
