What is the Best Stone for a Kitchen Benchtop?

Stone benchtops have long been a favourite in kitchens—and for good reason. It offers a premium, high-end feel that instantly elevates a kitchen space, delivering natural beauty, style and luxury you can’t find with other benchtop materials.

When designing or renovating a kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the choice of benchtop. Whether you want a clean, modern look or something more textured, natural stones such as granite and marble deliver supreme style and functionality across residential and commercial projects. So, what is the best stone for a kitchen benchtop? Let’s take a look.

Firstly, It’s Important to Know That Engineered Stone is No Longer Available & Can’t Be Used Anymore

Before we knew about the significant dangers of engineered stone, it was one by far one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom benchtops. Due to its high crystalline silica content and the serious health concerns associated with workers cutting, grinding and polishing this material, the government put serious bans and restrictions in place.

Did you know that all stone materials contain silica?

Although natural stone contains small amounts of silica, it’s the increased amount of silica in engineered stone (up to 90%), that has had an adverse impact on health. Inhaling the dust particles during the fabrication and installation process made it incredibly dangerous; and for this reason, it is no longer an option within the building industry.

Safer substitutes include porcelain, stainless steel or natural stone. The kitchen benchtop and stone industry is paving the way for safter practices while using materials that don’t cause increased risk and harm to workers.

What Natural Stone Benchtops are Best for Home Renovations & New Builds?

When compared to laminate, one of the biggest advantages of natural stone benchtops such as granite and marble, lies in its long-term durability and strength. It doesn’t peel, scratch, fade or stain, and is resilient enough to handle the daily rigours of wear and tear around the kitchen. Furthermore, when properly sealed, a stone benchtop will outperform other materials by a mile. Robust, timeless and low-maintenance, it suits all types of home designs, making it a clear winner for renovators and builders.

Choices, choices, choices…

With so many different stone choices on the market, it can be difficult to know the right one for your kitchen space. However, not all stone is created equal. Depending on your budget, design requirements and the unique aesthetic appeal you’re after, different types of stone will suit different style kitchens. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular stone options and why we think they’re a great choice.

GRANITE

If you’re looking for a luxurious, refined and one-of-a-kind stone for your kitchen, then granite benchtops hits the benchmark very well. Being a natural stone, there are no two slabs that are the same. Not only does it have a natural beauty that is rich in diverse patterns, colour and veining, it gives your kitchen that ultra chic and high end look many homeowners desire. In our opinion, we believe granite is a stunning centrepiece in every kitchen.

Features:

• It is strong & durable
• Has excellent heat-resistant qualities
• Very difficult to scratch or chip
• Adds instant value to your property
• Low maintenance & easy to clean
• Comes in a variety of different colours & designs
• Being porous in nature, it’s important to seal it regularly for maximum longevity & protection.

MARBLE

Softer and more timeless in appearance, there is something very sophisticated about a marble kitchen benchtop. Over time, it can develop a character of its own, further enhancing its natural pattern and etchings. Loved for its rich, luxurious and classy feel, marble offers exceptional design value and is suitable for a range of classic and modern kitchens.

Features:

• Being a naturally cool stone, it is ideal as a baking surface
• It delivers timeless beauty & luxurious vibes
• Its earthy style appeals to those who prefer a more sustainable and eco-friendly option
• Diverse colour selection ranging from white marble to rich brown, green & black varieties
• Over time, it brings out its natural character & marble qualities
• It boosts your homes appeal
• Due to its highly porous nature, it must be sealed for extra protection against staining from foods and liquids.

Ultimately, the best stone benchtop for your kitchen depends on your individual budget, lifestyle needs and design requirements. If you love the natural beauty that stone delivers, you simply can’t go wrong with Granite and Marble kitchen benchtops.

At Stone-Tech benchtops Sydney, we supply and install a range of stone benchtops to enhance the functionality, beauty and style of your kitchen. Get in touch with us today to find out more.