When designing a kitchen, you'll have many decisions to make, some routine, others more exciting. For example, while picking the spots for electrical outlets crucially affects how you'll experience the kitchen, you mightn't feel too inspired by your choices. However, selecting the kitchen benchtop presents an exquisite range of colours and patterns to enhance your decor. While many different materials might vie for attention, natural stone offers a unique aesthetic. Consider the following factors to help with your decision-making.
Unique Slabs
Stone counters display varying colours that originate from the minerals within the rock. For example, feldspar, quartz, and silica intersperse chunks of granite, as do other minerals. Marble includes creamy calcite, and green marble holds serpentine. Each mineral displays a different hue, and because they intermingle within each slab, each counter shows a unique blend of colours and patterns. Thus, any natural stone benchtop you install in your kitchen will not repeat another exactly, even though it will display the characteristic look of its species.
Design Options
Because stone displays so many colours and patterns, you'll have a variety to select from when designing your kitchen. Both granite and marble range from dark to light shades. Granite often shows dapples and flecks, while marble displays linear veins. However, some stones of both species give a uniform even colour with little variation. You can pick striking benches with glittering green streaks or a subdued grey surface. Make sure to view your slab in person to get familiar with its unique colour combinations.
Installation
Installing a stone kitchen benchtop typically takes a week or so, rather than a day. Firstly, contractors will measure your kitchen area and create a template of the counter, including any cut-outs for sinks. Off-site, they'll carve the stone piece you've chosen, defining its edge. They'll then transport and lower the benchtop into place. As rock forms heavy counters, you'll need sturdy cabinets to carry its weight.
Durability
Stone materials can form durable counters that last for decades with regular sealing and care. The durability of particular benchtops varies depending on their mineral content. Calcite, a mainstay of many marbles, forms porous and relatively soft surfaces. Sealing will block off the tiny holes across the surface that can trap food and spills to etch and stain the surface. Some dark granites resist staining and etching, while other lighter granite counters contain less-resistant minerals. Generally, however, granite can withstand harsher treatment than marble.
Learn more by contacting stone kitchen benchtop contractors.
Share10 November 2020
When my husband and I bought our first house, we went out of our way to find a property that was suited to young professionals such as ourselves. So when my ageing mother had to move in with us last year, we instantly knew that the house was going to need some changes to accommodate her. We had both our kitchen and our bathroom remodeled, and we couldn't be happier with the results. We were surprised to find that with some careful planning and clever design, it was possible to create living spaces that worked great for me, my husband, and my mum. I hope you'll enjoy these posts about what I learned during the process.
