Many homeowners across Australia dream of having beautiful natural stone benchtops for their kitchens and bathrooms. However, materials such as marble and granite can be costly. You will be happy to know that Stone Interiors can provide you with cost-effective alternatives that still offer the same impressive results as natural stone kitchen benchtops, our engineered stone benchtops.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the reasons to choose vanity tops for your stone kitchen benchtops. If you are not yet convinced to use them for your countertops, hopefully this article will change your mind.
Let us first get a clear understanding of what an engineered benchtop is.
Engineered stone is produced by the combination of quartz or granite aggregates and resins and pigments. This man-made product is not only non-porous but also robust. However, quartz can still be resistant to cracks, dents, and abrasion, even as an engineered stone. Still, it may be acid-resistant even though you do not seal it regularly.
As quartz is naturally abundant, the environmental impact of engineered stone benchtop production is minimal. It is also available in a variety of colours, designs, prices, and sizes, making it a common option among expert contractors and home renovators. Some of the most common engineered stone products include:
Now, let us learn the advantages of choosing engineered stone benchtops.
At this point, you might be asking, “Why should one choose an engineered stone?” Well, if you select this material for your kitchen and bathroom benchtops, you will reap the following benefits:
1) They increase the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Quartz aggregates will have the same colour and texture as natural slate and granite when they are compressed into slabs. You will notice that colour uniformity is the only difference, as natural stone appears to vary in hues. Of course, this is ideal for those who want a bit of character and uniqueness on their countertops, but they will usually not be able to differentiate it from real stone when an untrained eye looks at engineered stone benchtops.
The best thing about engineered stone countertops is that you can get them in a wide variety of colours: rose hues, earth tones, and greys, among others. They are usually available in different natural quartz hues, but some manufacturers may also apply dyes to the mixture to achieve a more vivid colour.
Needless to say, with so many choices available, you will surely find a benchtop that is tailored to your home and preferences. You will be able to improve the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen or bathroom with engineered stone benchtops.
2) They last a lifetime.
What makes an engineered stone a great alternative to natural granite stone is its durability. You can compare this quality to the hardness of natural granite, and it will not break as easily as slate. Engineered stone is also resistant to heat. This means that even if you mistakenly put a hot pot on the floor, it would not scorch.
Moreover, this material is resistant to scratches and wounds, so it can continue to look brand new for a long time. With that said, we also advise you to stop cutting vegetables on the surface.
3) They are easy to clean.
Natural stone can be powerful and amazing, but it is also very porous, allowing bacteria to make their way into the fissures and pores that can be hard to clean.
Engineered stone worktops, on the other hand, are non-porous, do not absorb liquids, and can be washed quickly and effectively without hassle. If you have to deal with raw meat, fish, or vegetables in your kitchen, know that engineered stone can be useful in ensuring the protection of food.
4) They are resistant to stains.
Cleaning natural stone benchtops is a tedious task. Since they are prone to staining, it is necessary to seal their surface regularly, otherwise, you would have to go to great lengths just to remove stains caused by oil, wine, juice and other substances.
With engineered stone, on the other hand, the surface will not be prone to staining even when the sealant wears off. This material can retain its exquisite look longer than it can with granite, marble or sandstone.
5) They come in a variety of colours and styles.
As previously mentioned, engineered stone is available in a wide selection of colours and designs. You have more style choices in engineered stone than in natural stone. Some of the leading brands of engineered stone include, among others, Caesarstone, Essastone, Stellastone, Silestone, and Smartstone.
6) They are ideal for various applications.
Because of its non-porous and robust properties, engineered stone makes an ideal material for kitchen and bathroom benchtops. You may also use them in many other applications, such as:
Flooring
The great thing about engineered stone is the fact that it can be cut into tiles, making it easier to lay in your home as flooring. It gives that sophisticated finish to your indoor room. Besides, it needs less maintenance and is long-lasting, so engineered stone is the perfect flooring material, even in commercial establishments where there is increased foot traffic.
Backsplashes
For your kitchen backsplash, you can also use engineered stone, which will help keep your walls free from stains and splashes. Aside from the functional benefits of engineered stone, it will also allow you to make a statement in your kitchen.
Walls
Engineered stone materials for indoor walls are also fine. They can also be resistant to mildew and mould because they are non-porous, so they are ideal for wet rooms in residential and commercial buildings.
Fireplaces
Engineered stone also has a modern and elegant finish, enabling you to build a luxurious fireplace that will compliment your home or business establishment’s particular architectural style.
Since it is durable and comes in several designs, it comes as no surprise that engineered stone is a common option for a variety of applications today.
Turn to Stone Interiors for Engineered Stone Benchtops
After learning the reasons why engineered stone benchtops are a cost-effective alternative to natural stone, we are sure that you are considering to buy one. If you do, turn to the experts at Stone Interiors. You can trust that we will provide you with beautiful results at affordable prices. Contact us today for a quote!