Natural stone has been a popular material for a kitchen for ages, thanks to its timeless appeal, unparalleled durability, and elegance!
There is a broad range of options available that includes plenty of colours and patterns, thus choosing the natural stone slab gets a little challenging.
We want you to have a seamless and easy natural stone slab selection experience, so here are some things you should consider when buying such slabs.
With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision by choosing the perfect stone slabs so that your kitchen stands out.
Type of Natural Stone
The first thing to consider is the type of stone since they are available in a multitude of types, and each type is ideal for different applications. Some common natural stone types that Australians prefer in their kitchen are:
Marble
Marble is an excellent flooring material and comes in a range of unique variations of unique colours and rich natural vein patterns. However, both Italian and Indian marble are highly porous and have the tendency to absorb stains, so marble slabs benchtops will need more care and cleaning.
However, nothing can match the durability marble can offer, making it last longer and retain its shape for longer.
Granite
You’ll see granite in almost every luxury kitchen, and there are many reasons behind it. Homeowners even consider granite for splashbacks since it is a highly durable material. In addition, granite is perfect for benchtops, countertops and more.
Limestone
The raw texture of limestone rewards it with a rustic appeal making the stone slabs perfect for use in a lavish kitchen.
It is indispensable to know about the natural stone slab types that the local stone dealer offers in order to know you are getting the perfect benchtop for your kitchen. Since natural stone is quarried, there is minimal control over the pattern and colours.
Even two slabs of the same stone may have multiple differences, so knowing about the right type is important.
Know If the Stone Can Withstand High Temperature
The best part about using natural stone slabs in your kitchen is that it’s highly durable and can withstand high temperature. Natural stones including granite, limestone, marble, and slate can easily bear exposure to high temperatures.
Where artificial slabs crack, the natural stone benchtop retains its shape, and there are lesser chances of any deformities.
However, it would be great to place the hot pans on pads and trivets to be cautious about the stone and preserve it for longer.
Understand the Porosity
Unlike quartz and other man-made stones, natural stone is highly porous and prone to stains. Therefore, natural stone slabs require sealing in order to keep the stains away from the benchtop.
When buying natural stone slabs for your kitchen, you need to understand the porosity of the material. The type of natural stone will affect the type of sealer required to preserve the material.
It would be great to get in touch with a local natural stone dealer to know more about which natural stone type is perfect for your needs and the care it needs in the long run.
Thickness and Quality of the Stone
When choosing natural stone slabs for your kitchen benchtop, it is essential to ensure the material is free from stains and cracks. As you are buying natural stone, expect the material to have some imperfections, which are natural and nothing to worry about.
Purchasing thick slabs for the countertop makes more sense since they are highly durable and last longer. If you want stone for the wall cladding or splashback, thin natural slabs will be perfect for the job.
External Finish
Natural stone slabs come in a variety of finishes like honed, polished, tumbled, and flamed. The polished finish slabs have a glossy appeal highlighting the natural colour of the stone. However, this finish makes the slab slippery but reduces the porosity as well.
On the other hand, the honed finish slabs have a matt look but even and soft texture. Stones with a tumbled and flamed finish have a rough texture making them an ideal anti-skid flooring material.
Colour
You’ll find tons of colours when choosing natural stone for your kitchen. These colours include green, white, pink, brown, beige, and there’s a long list of amazing colours.
Always choose a colour that matches the décor of your kitchen and requires minimal care. However, since natural stone is porous, the lighter shades like white and beige require more care, as they are prone to catching stains.
Darker shades, on the other hand, require less care, making the cleaning job easier.
Know the Application
Lastly, the choice of the natural stone should depend on the end application. If you are looking for kitchen benchtops, there is no better choice than granite. Furthermore, different types of natural stones have different characteristics, which make them ideal for different areas in the kitchen.
Always discuss the stone selection with the marble supplier and installer to ensure that you are getting the right type installed in your kitchen. Also, it would be great to check the slabs in person to get a better idea of the thickness, colour, texture, and more.
Final Thoughts
Natural stone is a perfect marble material for your luxury kitchen since the intricate patterns and exclusive colours can match any type of décor.
At Royal Stone, we have a wide slab collection that accommodates a range of natural stones, including granite. Get in touch with us to know more about what we offer, and buy high-quality natural stones at the best prices.