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Choosing the Perfect Bench Top

Natural Stone, Quartz or Porcelain?

Choosing the perfect countertops for your kitchen when selecting kitchen countertops, there are several important factors to take into account. A key consideration is the material used for the kitchen benchtops. People often opt for natural stone or engineered stone like quartz. Both natural stone and quartz come with their own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses that set them apart from each other. The


What is Natural Stone?

Natural stones are naturally formed through geological processes and are extracted directly from the earth in large slabs and wedges. Once quarried, they are polished and then tailored to meet the specific requirements of countertops in the market.

Granite and marble stand out as prime examples of natural stone countertops due to their purity. These stones are highly heat-resistant and offer a wide range of colors and shapes for your kitchen countertops. As a result, they are among the most widely utilized natural stones.


One key advantage of natural stone is its unmatched beauty and uniqueness, surpassing that of any man-made alternatives. To ensure the longevity of your countertops, proper care and maintenance are essential. When appropriately sealed, natural stone countertops exude timeless beauty.


What is Quartz?

Quartz, also referred to as engineered stone, is not naturally occurring; instead, it is created by mixing quartz crystals with resins and pigments for coloration. Popular engineered stones include Silestone, smartstone, and quartz stone. Quartz countertops are highly customizable and are recognized for their non-porous properties, consisting of 93% natural quartz. This composition makes them more resistant to scratches, stains, bacteria, and viruses. They are easy to maintain and come in a wide range of colors. However, compared to natural stones, quartz countertops are less extravagant and do not exhibit natural unique patterns. Despite this, they can still enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen with their diverse color options.


What is Porcelain?

Porcelain benchtops are crafted from powdered clay and colored pigments fused under high heat and pressure to form ceramic products. This durable, ultra-thin surface offers numerous advantages.


Natural Stone and Quartz Similarities

Both natural stone and quartz make excellent choices for kitchen countertops, providing lasting aesthetic appeal whether in a large or small kitchen. With proper maintenance, both options can maintain their beauty for a long time. Natural stone and engineered quartz are both easy to clean, offering a combination of beauty and durability.


Natural Stone and Quartz Differences

Natural stone and quartz have significant differences. When contemplating installing countertops for your dream kitchen, it's crucial to take these distinctions into account: durability, appearance and maintenance.


Natural Stone and Engineered Durability

Natural stone and engineered quartz provide excellent durability, but they vary in terms of strength and hardness. Engineered quartz is notably stronger than natural stones. However, this doesn't imply that natural stones are unsuitable for your kitchen. The distinction lies in the fact that engineered quartz is manufactured, produced in laboratories, and meticulously processed to enhance strength and durability for your kitchen. On the contrary, natural stones are entirely natural, quarried to create slabs of various sizes that are ideal for countertops.


Porcelain Durability

Porcelian is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it an excellent choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, porcelain benchtops are non-porous, which means they do not harbor bacteria or mold, contributing to a more hygienic environment.


Natural Stone and Engineered Appearance

In terms of appearance, both natural and engineered stones exhibit differences. Natural stones boast unique patterns created by nature, as opposed to engineered quartz. If you desire a distinctive countertop with its own irregularities, patterns, and colors, natural stone like granite would be ideal for you. The color of natural stones can endure over time due to its natural origin, resembling a one-of-a-kind piece of art that is hard to replicate. On the other hand, engineered stones offer a consistent design and pattern that natural stones lack. With engineered stones, you can choose countertops with precise patterns and colors, ensuring a uniform appearance. Despite the consistent design, engineered stones may lose their color vibrancy over time and might discolor when exposed to excessive heat.


Porcelain Appearance

In terms of aesthetics, porcelain benchtops come in a wide range of colors and patterns, often mimicking the look of natural stone, wood, or concrete. This versatility allows homeowners and designers to achieve the desired look without compromising on performance.


Natural Stone and Engineered Stone Maintenance

When it comes to cleaning, both natural stone and engineered quartz are easy to maintain. However, in terms of upkeep, quartz might have the upper hand. Quartz, being non-porous, is highly resistant to acids from spills, stains, and heat. This durability also makes it scratch-resistant, but it's important to note that quartz countertops are not heat-resistant. On the other hand, natural stone is a valuable addition to your home for its aesthetic appeal. To ensure its longevity and reduce frequent replacements, proper sealing is essential. Natural stone, being porous, absorbs liquids more readily, making maintenance more challenging.


Porcelain Maintenance

Maintenance is also a breeze with porcelain benchtops. Unlike natural stone surfaces that require regular sealing, porcelain only needs a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild detergent to keep it looking pristine. This low-maintenance feature makes it an appealing choice for busy households.

Moreover, the environmental impact of porcelain is relatively low. It is made from abundant natural materials and its production process is energy-efficient, often utilizing recycled content. Thus, choosing porcelain benchtops can be a step towards a more sustainable home.


Conclusion

Taking proper care of natural and quartz stones is essential for their longevity. Both types possess unique strengths and durability, offering beauty and competitive market value. While they may be pricier than other countertop options, their quality justifies the cost. Engineered stones are ideal for busy kitchens with high foot traffic, whereas natural stones bring a timeless and distinctive beauty to kitchen countertops. Porcelain is made from abundant natural materials and its production process is energy-efficient, often utilizing recycled content. In summary, porcelain bench tops combine beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance. Each material has its advantages, but the choice between them always relies on your individual needs and style preferences.




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