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Natural stone is one of those rare building materials that has remained popular for millennia. It still blends well with modern structures, leaving a lingering impression of magnificence and auspiciousness. Because of their beauty and inherent richness, Stone Kitchen Benchtops have been popular for decades. Picking the ideal stone may be difficult and time-consuming with so many various types of Stone Benchtops available.

Natural Stone’s look is, of course, the first thing you notice. The impact of the stone’s color, texture, and pattern is vital to keep in mind. These features help in enhancing the overall appeal of a place. As a result, your search for natural stone begins with the stone’s distinct appearance and feel and moves on to application and benefits.

Each natural stone, on the other hand, has its unique beauty and advantages. To put it another way, a stone suitable for wall cladding may not be appropriate for use as a bathroom countertop. Aside from that, other aspects of the room’s interior design are also to be considered when making a purchase. As a result, it is critical that you select a natural stone that complements your lifestyle. It is also critical that you consider your lifestyle and requirements. Let’s go-ahead to discuss the top three natural stones, popular for their beautiful and advantageous applications.

Marble

Since the dawn of time, Marble has been a favored stone for kitchens. It has been utilized to construct several royal palaces across the world. Marble is a limestone metamorphic product exposed to exceptionally high igneous temperatures. Marble has some exquisite features and pros and cons you should be aware of.

  • Aesthetic Value

Marble’s beautiful, excellent visuals are one of the reasons it remains in high demand. This volcanic stone is available in plenty of hues and a variety of textures. There are no two Marble counters that are the same in appearance. Marble is put into several classes based on how free of veins, lines, and spots it is.

  • Book-matching

Seams will always be evident due to the roughness of the stone. The veins flow through each stone differently, making the task of matching and uniting two pieces of stone, without a visible seam, an exhausting task. The Book-matching approach is thus used to create a design out of the seams.

  • Stain Resistance

Because Marble Benchtops are permeable, appropriate sealing is required. Citrus juices, coffee, and alcohol (such as the red wine you enjoy sipping while cooking) will etch or degrade the Marble surface. Drinking glass ring marks may be avoided by utilizing coasters. Use mats beneath hot plates and mop up spills promptly to protect your Marble surface.

  • Heat Resistant

Marble has excellent heat resistance. It can withstand the heat of hot pans and pots without turning yellow. Marble’s heat-resistant characteristics make it a splendid choice for a long-lasting kitchen Benchtop.

  • Scratch Resistance

Marble is not a particularly robust material, and its porous nature makes it particularly vulnerable. To prevent scratches on the surface of the stone, sealing is required. Furthermore, the edges of the Benchtop might be weaker regions, resulting in chipping and even breaking.

  • Cleanliness

It is a smooth process to maintain your Benchtop once it has been sealed. However, there are a few tips to follow to keep your Marble blazing for as long as possible. Clean your Marble surfaces using warm water and marble soap or a light dishwashing liquid soap; additionally, rinse and dry the Marble Benchtop well after cleaning. On Marble surfaces, avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tile cleaners since they will dull the natural stone.

2-5 How To Choose The Right Natural Stone For Your Kitchen

Source – avantstone.com.au

Granite

When it comes to Kitchen Benchtops, it is critical that you select the suitable stone so that you can achieve the ideal balance of functionality and aesthetics. Granite, a naturally occurring substance formed by the cooling of the lava and found deep inside the Earth’s core, is one of the most popular materials these days. This stone has numerous advantages and the pros are more than cons.

  • Cost

When it comes to Kitchen Benchtops, Granite Benchtops is one of the more economical options. So, if you want to save money on your kitchen counter, choosing Granite is one of the ideal choices you can make. It is a long-lasting, gorgeous stone for the price wanted.

  • Hardness

Because Granite is such a robust stone, it is ideal for use as a Kitchen Benchtop. It is notably one of the most durable materials to use if you want to set heavy stuff and goods on it.

  • Abundance

Granite is not a particularly scarce mineral, especially since new Granite mines have been unearthed in various locations throughout the world in recent decades. These mines make it pretty straightforward to access, regardless of where you are on the globe.

  • Diversity

Granite is a stunning stone that comes in a wide range of hues and patterns. If a visually distinct appeal is fundamental to you, Granite is a perfect stone to choose, especially if you want your kitchen to have a highly diversified look. Each slab is unique because it is a natural substance. If you need two or three slabs for a job, there’s a chance the slabs may be drastically different.

  • Easy to Maintain

As long as your Benchtop is sealed yearly and isn’t etched or damaged by physical force, it’ll be simple to clean and maintain a Granite Benchtop if you choose the appropriate materials. You may clean your Granite Benchtop with water and soap, or you can use cleaning solutions made exclusively for granite worktops. More abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia, bleach, or Windex, should not be used since they can cause etching.

  • Resistance to Heat

Granite should not be subjected to hot pans or extreme heat for more than a few seconds. The stone will crack under the heat.

  • Seams Are Visible

When two slabs are needed in an application, the slabs must be seamed together. The seam will be more noticeable in Granite due to the inherent differences. But when compared to a material like quartz, the homogeneity of the stone helps seams blend in and become undetectable.

3-4 How To Choose The Right Natural Stone For Your Kitchen

Image – avantstone.com.au

Quartzite

If you like the look of Marble Benchtops, Quartzite is a great alternative. Quartzite has the appearance of Marble but is much simpler to maintain, so if the upkeep is a concern, Quartzite is an excellent option. Quartzite Benchtops may be utilized in a variety of settings and applications. This natural stone has many features worth knowing.

  • Quartzite is long-lasting

Homeowners want a genuine stone surface that will last. Quartzite, like Granite, is a durable natural stone, which means it won’t wear down or have difficulties shortly.

  • Quartzite is a low-maintenance material.

Quartzite Benchtops are easy to keep clean. With soap and warm water, the stone’s surface will be lovely. Special cleaners aren’t required. Clean spills as quickly as possible to prevent staining.

  • Quartzite is UV resistant

Quartzite is resistant to UV radiation, which is ideal if you’re utilizing it in an outdoor environment or a space with a lot of natural light. You won’t have to be concerned about fading.

  • Keep sharp objects far.

Sharp knives are used on a variety of surfaces. Quartzite, however, isn’t one of them. When knives are used directly on Quartzite Benchtops, they leave a mark. Any task involving knives should use a cutting board.

  • Quartzite Benchtops aren’t heat-resistant

While heat is critical in the formation of Quartzite, it does not necessarily mean it can withstand direct heat. When working with a pan or dish straight from the oven or stovetop, you’ll need pot holders or trivets. These will assist to protect your Quartzite Benchtops and ensure that they survive for many years.

  • Some quartzite varieties require more frequent sealing than others.

Quartzite comes in a wide range of colors and shapes. Some are a little softer and last a little longer, while others are a little tougher and last a little longer. Sealing is required once a year, however, some may need it more frequently. While this is something you may accomplish on your own, it should still be considered while considering this content.

  • Quartzite comes in a minimal range of colors and hues.

Quartzite comes in a restricted range of hues because it is a naturally created stone. Whites and greys predominate, with a few colors in between. If you want additional color in your Kitchen Benchtops, Quartzite has a few options, but they aren’t particularly vibrant.

The kitchen is an essential part of your daily routine. It is one of your home’s most wholesome and crucial areas. For Kitchen Benchtops and backsplashes, natural stone is a fantastic choice. Consequently, choose your stone after a comprehensive and critical examination. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of these natural stones. Keep in mind that choosing the right natural stone for your kitchen Benchtop will pay off big time in the long run.

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