There are many advantages of using engineered stone for kitchen benchtops, including its durability and heat resistance. However, not all of these qualities are essential for every kitchen. Here are a few of the more important advantages of this material. You can read on to determine if it is suitable for your home.
Nonporous nature
One of the most appealing characteristics of engineered stone is that it is resistant to heat and liquid. Another plus is that it is easy to clean and is not porous, unlike natural stone. The nonporous nature of engineered stone benchtops makes them suitable for large kitchens with joins, veins, waterfall ends, and book matching. Because they are nonporous, they are highly durable and easy to clean.
Another advantage of engineered stone is its protective finish resistant to stains and bacteria. Its nonporous nature makes it easy to clean, but the surface will also look brand new for years to come.
An engineered stone benchtop is a good choice if you’re after a modern look. Natural stone can be expensive, but the engineered stone is more predictable, so it’s a better choice for a budget-conscious kitchen. It costs less than high-end natural stone and is almost always cheaper. The material is composed of crushed natural stone combined with a polymer resin. Another benefit of engineered stone is that it doesn’t need sealing and is virtually spill-proof. There is a vast range of colours and styles to choose from.
Durability
The best way to determine whether a kitchen benchtop will last for years is to check its UV stability at banksbenchtops.com.au/quote/. The sun can damage colours, so many natural and engineered stone tops are not UV stable. One exception is Corian, which is known for using a pure acrylic binder, and it is also reasonably easy to maintain and repair if necessary.
An engineered stone kitchen benchtop has many benefits over marble. For one, it is nonporous. Unlike marble, it is resistant to heat, scratching, and staining. Plus, quartz is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it a safe option for surfaces. Another advantage of engineered stone is that it requires no sealing and is hygienic.
The downside of engineered stone for kitchen benchtops is that it is not heat resistant like natural stone. Unlike natural stone, engineered stone is more prone to cracking, affecting its appearance. Despite this, you can clean it with mild alcohol-based degreasers or hydrogen peroxide, which are effective for cleaning engineered stone. Hot pots and pans are not suitable for use on the engineered stone surface, so be sure to cover them with a mat.
Heat resistance
While engineered stone can withstand moderately high temperatures, prolonged exposure can cause damage and discolouration. For best results, hot pans and pots should always be removed from the stove before placing them on an engineered stone bench.
Unlike natural stone, engineered stone benchtops are uniform, making them ideal for large kitchens. They can be used for kitchens with waterfall ends and joins and withstand intense heat and chemical mainstays.
As an engineered stone, quartz stone benchtops are also highly resistant to stains and cracks. In addition, quartz can be used as cladding materials in your home because it is nonporous and water-repellent.
Lustre
Engineered stone is a popular choice for kitchen benchtops. Also known as reconstituted stone, this material combines natural and synthetic materials.
A great benefit of engineered stone benchtops is their ease of maintenance. Using a soap and water solution to clean them is sufficient. You can use a non-abrasive soap and a soft scrub pad if you need a stronger cleaner. Always rinse the benchtop thoroughly after using soap and other cleaning products.
Engineered stone is resistant to staining and acid attack but is prone to scratches. A professional can fix scratches or staining if necessary, but it is not a permanent solution.
Easy to install
The appearance of engineered stone is quite similar to natural stone, but it comes with fewer imperfections. Engineered stone is made of compressed quartz, which provides a consistent colour. The engineered stone finish is harder than granite so it won’t crack. And unlike granite, it won’t be stained or scratched by a knife, so you can eat on it without worrying about damage. It’s also very durable so that you can use it in a basement or under the stairs. Nevertheless, it is still best to use a cutting board.
If you want to choose a material for your kitchen benchtops, you should be familiar with the advantages and drawbacks of natural stone. Marble has long been the king of natural stone benchtops, but it is gradually losing popularity. Quartzite is the strongest natural stone benchtop material and is very easy to install.
Another engineered stone option is Silestone. This type of stone is nonporous, making it a good choice for kitchen benchtops and resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria. So if you’re looking for a durable and stylish benchtop, it’s worth considering Silestone.
