Are you planning to build a kitchen for your home or establishment? One of the things that need to be done is kitchen benchtop installation. In the process, you will come across natural and engineered stones, and if you are not yet aware of these, it’s basically your choice of materials installed on your kitchen benchtops.
Keep reading on as this blog will delve into what natural and engineered stones are, such as their types, advantages, and disadvantages. And hopefully, from there, you can decide for yourself which is the best material for your kitchen benchtop.
Defining Natural Stones
The Earth is an abundant source of natural stones. These stones come in different types, have unique patterns and appearances, unique structures, composition, and performance attributed to the many years of geological processes they went through.
Types of Natural Stones
There are various types of natural stone, and each comes with a unique set of properties.
Advantages of Using Natural Stone
Here are some of the remarkable advantages you can get if you opt for natural stones as your choice of material for your kitchen benchtops:
Natural stones are hard.
Various activities in the kitchen will bring the need to have benchtops that are long-lasting and resistant to damaging factors, like scratches, heat, and stains from liquid spills. If you are looking for such quality in a benchtop material, then this feature of natural stones makes them the best choice for your needs.
Natural stones possess a unique appearance.
Since natural stones come from the Earth itself, it is impossible to control the way geological processes produce the patterns, veins, shades, tones, and overall appearance. That is why, if you want to achieve a kitchen aesthetic wherein your main highlight is your benchtop, then natural stones will undoubtedly make a great statement and add more value to your home.
Natural stones’ usage is limitless.
Many homeowners are now choosing natural stone materials for their homes as they are versatile. They can be used for exterior surfaces, such as landscapes and walkaways. Natural stones can also be used for interior surfaces, like bathroom floorings, living room fireplaces, and of course, kitchen benchtops.
Disadvantages of Natural Stone
Below are some of the cons that you may want to consider before choosing natural stones as your kitchen benchtop material.
Natural stones can incur damages.
As mentioned, natural stones are resistant to factors such as scratches. However, this does not mean that they are scratch-proof; hence, you need to seal the natural stone benchtops to protect them. Other than sealing, they also need regular cleaning and the right reinforcement to support their structure.
Natural stones are generally expensive.
Since natural stone is considered valuable, especially with its irregular patterns and overall characteristics, it puts the value of natural stones in a higher range. However, it is essential to note that the quality of a natural stone is not relative to its price.
Defining Engineered Stone
You can say that engineered stones are manufactured or man-made from the term itself. Around 90% of their composition is made of quartz or granite aggregates, while the rest is made of polymer resin, which serves as the binder of its other component, the fillers, such as glass and metal.
Types of Engineered Stones
There is a vast range of engineered stones available. Some of these types of stones include:
- Caesarstone
- Essastone
- Lithostone
- Quantum Quartz
- RHF Stone
- Silestone
- Smartstone
- Stone Italiana
- YDL Stone
Advantages of Engineered Stone
If you opt for engineered stones as a benchtop material, below are some benefits or advantages you can get:
Engineered stones can be easily maintained.
Compared to natural stones, engineered stones are easier to clean since they are not absorbent. And this only means that maintaining and keeping a benchtop made out of this material will not be as challenging as natural stone benchtops. Because of the ease of maintaining a benchtop that uses engineered stone, it will also be easier for you to ensure food safety.
Engineered stones are more resistant to staining.
Since engineered stones are easy to maintain, it also means that it is more resistant to factors such as stains caused by substances commonly found in the kitchen, such as liquid condiments, oil, beverages, and other liquids. All surfaces with engineered stone material have sealants. And even if it already wears off, it will remain resistant to stains.
Engineered stones offer vast options for you.
Engineered stones come in various styles, patterns, and colours. This means that you have tons of designs to choose from. So, if you have a particular aesthetic that you want to achieve, say no more because engineered stones have many options to offer you.
Disadvantages of Engineered Stone
Below are some of the downsides to engineered stones that you should think about before opting for this material:
Engineered stones can swell or contract.
The polymer resin component of an engineered stone can swell or contract, especially if it gets exposed to external factors, such as temperature. Even though it is a known fact that engineered stones are resistant to heat, you can never know when a disaster happens. So, make sure you seal your engineered stone benchtops and use cloth or any protective material to place cookware that is fresh from a stove.
Engineered stones are not for you if you prefer authenticity.
This disadvantage is dependent on preference. If you prefer an authentic look on your benchtop, then engineered stones may not be the best one for you, and you might find the inconsistent appearance of natural stones more suitable to your taste. Sure, there are engineered stones, such as engineered quartz surfaces, that can replicate marble. However, if you strongly want the authentic look of natural stone, then engineered stones may not be the best material for you.
To Get Quality Stone Benchtops in Melbourne, Turn to Stone Interiors!
Regardless of whether you have chosen natural stones or engineered stones for your stone benchtops in Melbourne, you can never go wrong if you entrust Stone Interiors for the job.
To know the possible stone benchtop costs for your upcoming domestic or commercial project, make sure you contact us at Stone Interiors on 0422 448 494 today and ask for a quote from us.