Bench top material selection will have an enormous effect on the look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen space. There is an almost limitless array of choices for bench top materials in Australia; each material offering its own advantages and disadvantages.
Engineered stone surfaces such as Smart stone offer the beauty and hard-wearing durability of natural rock in an engineered surface worktop that does not need regular resealing. These products are extremely resistant to chips, scratches, stains, and heat while remaining chip resistant over time.
Choosing Between Natural & Stone Kitchen Benchtops
Homeowners looking for an added touch of luxury and class often opt for natural stone bench tops in their kitchens as an elegant way to add luxury and class. There is an assortment of different natural rocks available, each one offering different colours and markings; among the most commonly seen benchtop options include granite, marble and quartzite.
Granite offers superior heat resistance as it resists scratching while being easy to maintain; just wipe down regularly! Marble boasts classic timeless beauty which requires less upkeep but offers heat, stain, scratch and stain resistance with additional sealant protection against everyday wear-and-tear.
Quartzite is an abundant natural rock created through volcanic activity. This strong material comes with exquisite hues that enhance any design aesthetic, plus no porosity so there won’t be any retention of stains or water/oil absorption issues. Quartzite offers multiple advantages as a material used in interior design – including being easily maintained and having no porosity which means no stain retention and absorption issues!
Travertine is another highly coveted natural rock material. A limestone material with striking veining in various hues of red and brown, it requires annual sealing to prevent staining from spills or spills. Highly durable and stain-proof, travertine remains highly functional but requires sealing every six months to remain seal-resistant.
Reconstituted rock (https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CPCCST3020A) offers another choice for kitchen benchtops. Made from crushed rock and binding agent, Reconstituted or Engineered Stone is generally more cost effective than natural slab and comes in various styles and colours that mimic various natural slabs or marbles.
Creators of these materials are currently championing new technologies for bench tops and cladding material that comes in large sheets but slimline, stain resistant composite products with near zero porosity that replicates popular natural slabs while being mouldable around sinks or basins to give seamless designs.
No matter the style or theme of your kitchen, there’s sure to be a slab benchtop suitable to your tastes and requirements. Just be sure to do some research first and speak to an expert to ensure that you make an informed decision!
Natural slab benchtops can add beauty and value to any kitchen, yet there are certain things you should keep in mind before making your selection.
There are various kinds of rock to select from, each offering its own set of benefits. Marble is a timeless classic with multiple colours and finishes available; durable yet easily maintained – something marble has in spades!
Travertine is another highly desirable material with a distinctive appearance, offering many colours and tones. Though soft in nature, travertine scratches easily, so regular resealing should be performed to maintain its appearance and avoid further scratches.
Reconstituted stone (also referred to as engineered stone) is another popular option for kitchen benchtops. Composed from several resins and pigments mixed together, its colours remain very consistent across slabs while it remains nonporous so staining with water-based liquids does not stain it permanently. Reconstituted slab should not be installed near areas of high heat because its resin coating could crack under intense temperatures causing chipped or cracked surfaces.
Quartzite and onyx are two other great stones to consider for kitchen bench tops, both being calcareous slabs that provide an array of vibrant colours and patterns. Quartzite stands up well to heat while onyx boasts translucent qualities which allow it to be backlit.
No matter the slab you select for your benchtops, it’s essential that you find a supplier who offers both quality and service. It’s important to find someone who has the same style in mind as you, as this is something you’ll have to live with for a while.
What is Engineered Stone?
If you love the look of natural stone but cannot afford its premium price tag, engineered stone might be just what you need. Produced in factories using ground stone aggregates mixed with resin and pigments, engineered stones provide an affordable alternative while remaining stain-resistant and acid-resistant – not to mention less maintenance needs than their natural counterparts as it doesn’t need to be sealed regularly!
When selecting the ideal benchtop surface, many factors must be taken into account. From aesthetics to durability, you need a material that suits both your lifestyle and is an enduring feature in your home. Engineered stone bench tops is an excellent solution, particularly for busy modern homes where food preparation takes place. Tested by the CSIRO for resistance against chipping, scratching, heat, chemicals mould and staining it has proven its resilience against all these challenges and is a great choice when looking at durability as well as affordability.
Natural stone is an age-old substance that has been quarried from various locations over thousands of years, yielding stunning colours and varieties with no two slabs being alike. Due to its unique properties, it makes an eye-catching centrepiece in any kitchen, but its acidic nature poses risks that make it less desirable as kitchen benchtop material.
Engineered stone has been scientifically developed to replicate the look and strength of natural stone while offering greater strength and durability. Engineered stone consists of 93% natural-forming quartz compressed with an industrial resin or adhesive to form a solid surface that resists stains, scratches, chips and cracking.
Raw concrete, Calcutta marble, Statuaries and onyx all emulate the look of natural stone; among our most popular styles is Mariana which replicates its striking white-in-black markings of Nero Mariana (another natural stone unsuitable for kitchen benchtops due to etching) while price should not be the determining factor when selecting surfaces – the more costly an item may be, the softer and more likely it is to damage.