Tips to Choose the Best Natural Stone Benchtops for You
When planning a new kitchen design, a stone kitchen benchtop is one of the most important features. While choosing your perfect natural stone material, the two main considerations should be aesthetics and performance.
For centuries, natural stone has been a top choice in kitchen design. Not only are there many beautiful options, but they are also durable, long-lasting, and never lose their style.
At Deluxe Stone, we have had the pleasure of enhancing hundreds of kitchen spaces with stunning stone islands, stone sinks, splashbacks, and natural stone benchtops for maximum functionality.
Here is our best advice for anyone deciding which natural stone to choose.
Top 3 Tips To Choose The Best Natural Stone Benchtops:
Design your kitchen template around your stone choice
If you are planning to build a brand-new kitchen, selecting your natural stone is an important starting point. Some stone types are heavier than others (especially if you stray from the standard 30mm thickness), and your cabinetry and supporting joinery will need to allow for this. Other materials, appliances and fixtures can be designed around the statement benchtops.
Do it once and do it right
The main benefit of choosing natural stone for your kitchen stone benchtops, sink or splashback is longevity. As such, your decision will become part of your life for many years. Think of natural stone features as an investment, and if possible, don’t settle for something you don’t feel connected to.
Find a kitchen stone specialist you can trust
As with any aspect of your home upgrade or new build, finding a marble stone supplier and installer you can rely on is imperative. To ensure your timeline runs seamlessly, a knowledgeable company will drive the project from start to finish with expertise to avoid any stress. Always ask for transparent communication and updates along the way.
Know Your Natural Stone Types:
Granite
If you have been exploring your options for a natural stone benchtop, you may have heard about the timeless grandeur of granite stone. Granite is an optimal choice for kitchens as it is the toughest type of stone and is the most porous, stain-resistant, heat resistant, and least likely to crack or chip. You’ll find granite for benchtops in various pink, sand, white and grey tones and various subtle marbling and linear patterns.
Most loved for: Hardwearing stone qualities
Note: At the top end of the pricing scale
Marble
Marble stone is often the most sought-after natural stone for kitchen stone benchtops. Marble has an iconic, luxurious appeal, and each installation has a unique veined pattern that is sure to make a statement. Carrara and Calacatta Marble are the most popular choices. Whilst it is a very durable material with longevity and timeless elegance on its side, marble requires more maintenance than granite. Fabricators will seal marble kitchen benchtops prior to installation to avoid staining and damage. It is recommended to clean cooking spills immediately and seal every few years to keep the marble stone looking and performing at its best.
Most loved for: Timeless, visual beauty
Note: Immediate attention to spills and damage required
Quartzite
A very favourable choice for kitchen designers, the dazzling natural stone quartzite has visual characteristics of marble combined with the hardiness of granite. Excellent for kitchen benchtops, splashbacks and stone sinks, quartzite is generally cheaper than marble and granite and offers the same natural stone benefits. It is available in a variety of earthy colours, most often dark grey, light grey and sand tones featuring unique patterns and a subtle sparkling effect from its quartz crystal composition when illuminated.
Most loved for: Designer style and price.
Note: Requires regular cleaning and occasional resealing.
Limestone and Sandstone
These softer natural stone slabs are not recommended for use as kitchen benchtops. Although they offer alluring designer appeal, they tend to be porous and will absorb kitchen spills, damage from heat and markings easily. Consider a feature wall or flooring in wet areas if you are keen to include these sedimentary stones in your interior design.
Most loved for: Natural beauty
Note: Not as durable as other stone countertops for kitchens
Travertine
Like limestone and sandstone, travertine is a softer material that is not the best choice for a kitchen benchtop. However, if you have your heart set on installing stunning travertine natural stone for your kitchen surfaces, there are some maintenance tips that will ensure you get long-term, practical use out of it such as regular re-sealing and cleaning.
Most loved for: Rustic, welcoming appearance
Note: Inherent cracks and crevices in the stone will require filling and adequate sealing
Onyx
Onyx natural stone is celebrated for its captivating colour options, with various swirls, specks and veins. From beige and cream tones to orange, red, yellow, green and brown, an onyx natural stone countertop in your kitchen is sure to be a standout feature. The fact that onyx is lightweight gives more flexibility with cabinetry and installation. When choosing onyx for kitchen benchtops, be prepared to care for the countertop with regular sealing and effective spot cleaning.
Most loved for: Vibrant colours and timeless appeal
Note: Consider the colour with complementary materials to ensure balance
Feel free to contact Deluxe Stone’s natural stone suppliers Melbourne to discuss your project.
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