When it comes to a kitchen one will realize that architectural stone benchtops can change the character of the place. In fact whether it is manufactured or natural a stone benchtop can be the glorious factor to one’s kitchen. However, it would be advisable to make the decision rather wisely since the user will have it for several years to come.
Different Types of Benchtops in Stone
Stone Benchtop are basically of two types:
- Manufactured
- Natural
Amongst the natural stone would be granite and then followed by the stone marble. Manufactured stone products are usually engineered and have a lot of manufacturing processes which are attached to them as well as brand names. However there are several pieces of crushed stone which is eventually combined with resins and then converted into slabs.
Granite Benchtops
- The texture is more dense than the marble.
- It needs be polished and sealed such that staining is reduced to a minimum.
- A large variety of patterns, textures and colors are on offering.
- Some of the varieties include Bethel Whites, mottled Impala, and deep Zimbabwe black among others.
- Colors also range from greens, reds, blues along with the neutrals and pale shades like beiges and pinks.
Marble Benchtops
- There is a large variety from delicate veins to complex patterns. In fact a lot of designs are there to get the designer feel to the kitchen.
- From neutral to sober, bright to extravagant the range is tremendous.
- Usually marble is rather porous in nature and thus the sealing needs to be proper such that stains can be avoided.
Stone Bench tops: Engineered
Engineered or manufactured benchtops came into existence only two decades away. In fact several people felt that it was a rather poor copy of the granite benchtops. There were several brand names in the field too. However with time, the scene changed and the quality was tremendous of architectural stone benchtops.
The composition of most includes quartz aggregate along with polyester resin. Stones and crystals are added for the extra sparkle or hue for the fully finished product.
These architectural stone benchtops have a higher aesthetic value since the appearance is uniform and have lovely and pleasant colors like off white and white.
Some other benefits include the following:
- The stain resistance is greater. However the user must remember that it is not stain proof and thus needs to be wiped thoroughly.
- The resistance to scratch is also greater. While on glossy benchtops a rather small scratch can be seen very easily, the dappled textured of the engineered benchtop along with the resins minimize the appearance of the same
There are several people who might say that engineered stone benchtops with exposition to UV rays become more brittle with passage of time. This if you have a kitchen which gives direct sunlight then maybe you can avoid getting an architectural stone benchtops and consider a beautiful natural stone one.
Other points to consider
- A double or single thick edge will be a choice to make between a natural or engineered stone benchtop
- A variety of treatments are available including beveled, pencil edged or bull nosed.
- While the colors and patterns will vary, the home owner can choose it as per their appeal .One cannot expect to get the exact same look in stone in two different places, especially in case of natural stone.
Whether you choose natural or an architectural stone benchtops, remember it should be a carefully thought of decision. Click here to get more information.
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