A stone kitchen benchtop adds sheer beauty and inherent luxury to the kitchen and can make the décor game go right!
Apart from adding a style statement, the benchtop withstands a lot of wear and tear, as you use it for almost everything from chopping the veggies to keeping the hot pans.
Thus, it is indispensable to choose the best stone benchtop material that looks beautiful, lasts longer, and has an amazing finish.
This post rounds up the major difference between the most popular benchtop materials: Caesarstone, porcelain, and granite.
Read on to know what the kitchen experts have to say!
How to Analyse the Right Benchtop Materials
Before we talk about the different kitchen countertop materials explaining their good and bad side, it would be great to weigh down some factors to consider in order to choose the right materials.
These things should be on your mind to make a better decision:
Durability
Modern kitchen benchtops don’t come cheap, so you should not settle down for something that’s fragile and has a short lifespan. Instead, consider materials that last longer and make your investment worth it.
Porcelain, Caesarstone, and natural stone are all very durable, and that’s why the residents of New South Wales consider them as an option for their kitchens.
Aesthetic Appeal
You invest in a premium benchtop so that it uplifts the appearance of the kitchen, so never overlook the aesthetic appeal. Some homeowners choose natural stones such as granite for their unmatched look.
On the other hand, some go for engineered stones because of the uniformity and other traits they have. Well, it’s a matter of personal preference, and it would be great to talk to a renowned benchtop slab supplier in Sydney.
Ease of Maintenance
The benchtop material that you put your money in should be easy to clean and maintain. The reason why some people call the kitchen a mess is because it can be a real mess sometimes.
Porcelain, Caesarstone, and granite are easy to maintain, and you can wipe them off with a damp cloth to get rid of the dust and dirt.
Value
The last thing to consider is the value. The benchtop material that you get for the kitchen should add value to the space.
Different Types of Benchtop Materials for Kitchens
The markets are full of different types of benchtop materials: granite, porcelain, and Caesarstone, to name a few. Each material possesses different characteristics and has some pros and cons.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that has been used as a popular benchtop material for years. What makes granite a preferred choice is durability. This is an easy-to-maintain material that does not consume a lot of time when it comes to cleaning.
In addition, granite benchtops look phenomenal and add a luxury touch to the cooking area. One thing that’s a bit disappointing is that these slabs don’t have similar patterns because granite is natural marble.
Also, it has a porous surface, so it’s important to keep the surface spick and span.
Pros and Cons of Granite Benchtops
Pros
They last really longer
The marble has a natural finish
It is easy to clean
They are available in multiple intricate patterns
Cons
Granite requires occasional sealing
The pattern of the two slabs might not match
Porcelain
Porcelain benchtop slabs aren’t formed naturally but are made using a special type of clay. In addition, the material contains higher amounts of silica and kaolinite.
What makes porcelain slabs so special is the aesthetic looks.
If you are looking for something that looks amazing and suits you well in the kitchen, you should choose porcelain slabs. There is a wide range of colours and patterns available in these slabs. Furthermore, porcelain slabs can have the same pattern, so you get a uniform slab design in the kitchen.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Benchtops
Pros
These slabs have a luxury appeal
You get the uniform pattern in multiple slabs
Available in a range of beautiful colours
Resistant to stains
Cons
Prone to warping and chipping
Pretty expensive
Caesarstone
Caesarstone slabs are continuously honing the manufacturing process, thus keeping the kitchen standards high. The surface of these slabs makes them appear exquisite while adding significant value to your kitchen.
The slabs are heat and stain-resistant and often come with a warranty (depending on the slab supplier you are going for). Lastly, Caesarstone slabs are perfect for a variety of kitchen sink styles, including farm sinks, vessel sinks, sink styles, and more.
Pros and Cons of Caesarstone Benchtops
Pros
These slabs are food-safe
The material is scratch-resistant and remains stain-free
The material is non-porous
No sealing required
Cons
They can chip off easily
Heat resistance is not good as granite
FAQs
Q: What is the best benchtop material for a budget-friendly kitchen renovation?
A: If you are on a budget, you should go for granite benchtops. There is a wide variety of slabs available in granite, so you can make the kitchen look great without breaking the bank.
Q: What is the most durable kitchen benchtop?
A: Well, the durability of the material depends on multiple factors, such as the surface and the type of marble. It would be great to contact a marble supplier to know more about the best durable benchtop for your kitchen and requirements.
Q: How do I get the benchtops installed?
A: You can ask the kitchen benchtop supplier to suggest you a good benchtop installer. Some of these slab supplies also have tie-ups with benchtop installers, so you get a complete service package that includes delivery of the slab and installation.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the core difference between different types of popular kitchen benchtop materials. It would be great to make a choice. First, consider what you need, and then talk to the marble supplier to get some suggestions.
At Royal Stone, we are a trusted benchtop supplier and installer in NSW that has a wide range of beautiful benchtops. From granite to porcelain, we have everything you need.
Get in touch with us to get a quick quote, or visit us to see the amazing slab collection we have.