When considering to remodel your kitchen or install a new one, benchtops form an important decision. The type of color to be used, the durability of the material, the overall look, the uniformity and the trend in the market are some of the important factors a consumer goes through before making a decision. He needs to finalise all these minor issues and only then make a decision regarding it.
While discussing benchtops, there are two distinct categories of materials available; engineered and natural. Granite and marble are some examples of natural stones whereas quartz and ground stones are examples of man-made stones. They are glossier in appearance and stylish but the natural ones sport a traditional look while being much more durable. Given below are some of the most popular stone benchtops available in the market:
Types of Stone Benchtops
#1. Granite – one of the most strongest material available in the market today is granite slabs. They come in small and large sizes which can easily be customised according to the needs of the individual. It has a tough appearance and appears quite natural. It does not require special care and maintenance, but if properly maintained, they look new and thus saves your budget from going haywire. These stones are highly resistant to heat and that is the most feasible option for kitchen benchtops. The biggest disadvantage of this granite stone benchtop is that they require extra sealing to prevent any kind of seepage since the material is quite porous.
#2. Marble – one of the most classy and sophisticated look a stone benchtop can sport is that of a marble benchtop. It comes in different colours and looks exceptionally well. They have a soft look and lasts for a long time. They are prone to scratching and etching and thus becomes a worry to the individual. It is so versatile that it can easily fit into any interior design. The colours are also offered in a wide variety and give a wide choice to the consumers. The only disadvantage it has is that it is quite costly compared to the other stone benchtop materials but in turn, they save a lot of money as they can last for a lifetime.
#3. Engineered Stones – These stones are man-made. They are made up of quartz and resins. They are said to be much more durable compared to other materials. Since some percentage of the engineered stones are made from bonding agents, they become quite strong and durable. They are harder than natural stones and colour resistant. They come in various patterns and styles and thus can fit into the already existing designs of the individual’s kitchen. They are non-porous unlike granite and marble and thus do not require external sealing. They have low resistance to heat and are not very popular in this regard. Other than that, they are scratch resistant and also stain resistant. But they need to be taken care of or else, the stains may appear to become more visible after a certain point in time.
Some of The Tips to Maintain Stone Benchtops Are:
The benchtops need to be sealed regularly to prevent any sort of seepage. The natural stones are not seepage free and hence become a nuisance unless sealed.
Different stones need different maintenance procedures. One should be aware of it before buying a particular stone benchtop and regretting about it later.
Polishing, sanding and wiping the benchtops on a regular basis helps to keep the benchtop new and saves a lot of future expenses.
This article aims to help you in deciding the best from the different types of stone benchtops available in the market and also gives you insight on their proper maintenance.
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