The Best Stone Benchtops: Pros, Cons and Everything in Between
For many modern homeowners, stone benchtops have become the go-to option for their kitchen designs. Nothing speaks of luxury and class more than natural stone lending an air of sophistication to a room with its beauty and unique grain.
However, with so many options available on the market today – granite, quartzite, marble and even soapstone – it can be difficult to decide which type is right for your home.
That is why we are taking a deep dive into all things related to stone benchtops: from the different types available and their respective pros & cons to helpful tips when choosing one that’s best suited for your needs.
What are the different types of stone benchtops and what are their pros and cons?
There are many different types of stone benchtops to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Generally speaking, the most popular options include granite, marble, quartzite and limestone.
1. Granite
Granite is one of the most popular materials for stone benchtops. It is incredibly durable and resistant to heat, making it an excellent choice for kitchen work surfaces where hot pans may come into contact with the countertop surface. Additionally, granite features a variety of colors and patterns that will look stunning in any room. The drawback to granite is that it can be quite expensive depending on the quality you choose.
2. Quartzite
Quartzite offers a middle ground between quartz countertops – which lack the aesthetic appeal of marble or granite – but still has many positive qualities from both materials combined! Quartzite is highly durable against everyday wear such as scratches, stains or spills due to its hardness rating being nearly identical to that of granite while still offering elegant aesthetics with subtle swirling patterned designs found only within this stone type making your home truly unique! A slight downside with quartzite would be its slightly higher price point than regular quartz countertops; however overall value certainly outweighs cost.
3. Marble
Marble is another luxurious material often used in high-end kitchens or bathrooms due to its classic beauty. Marble features natural white veins running through beautiful grey-blue tones which give it a timeless aesthetic appeal that no other material can match. Its smooth finish makes marble perfect for rolling out dough or preparing food if you’re looking for an all-inclusive kitchen work surface solution! However, because marble chips easily compared to other materials like granite, extra care must be taken when using knives or heavy pots on this surface type as too much force can cause damage over time.
4. Limestone
Limestone offers more subtle tones overall while generally being less expensive than say granite & quartzite yet concurrently offers comparable durability (assuming correct maintenance) & timeless beauty which could add value to any area of your house. Its porous nature means liquids can permeate quickly into the surface, but again proper sealing post installation should help reduce these issues greatly.
How do you care for a stone benchtop and how long will it last?
1. Avoid putting hot items directly onto the surface as this may cause damage or discoloration. Instead, use mats and trivets when placing hot pans, dishes or other items.
2. Never cut on it directly; always use a cutting board instead in order to prevent scratches from forming on the surface.
3. Clean up spills immediately with an absorbent cloth and then rinse with mild soapy water before patting dry with another clean cloth afterwards.
4. Sealants can help protect your stone benchtop from staining and etching caused by acidic liquids such as vinegar and citrus juice; they should be applied at regular intervals (around twice per year).
When correctly taken care of, your stone benchtop can easily last you 10-20 years depending on which type of material has been used for your particular counter top (granite being one of the more durable materials available).
What is the cost of installing a stone benchtop and how do you choose the right one?
The cost of installing a stone benchtop varies depending on which type and size you go with along with the complexity of installation, the availability in your area, labor costs and more. Quartz countertops often range from $50-$150 per square foot, including installation; granite countertops can be significantly more expensive at $75-$250 per square foot; marble countertops tend to run even higher at prices well over $100 per square foot.
In addition to installation costs when selecting a benchtop material, there are also other considerations such as durability, maintenance requirements, aesthetic appeal, and resale value that should be factored into your choice.
Can you install a stone benchtop yourself or do you need a professional?
Installing a stone benchtop is an important decision that requires considerable skill, knowledge, and experience. It certainly can be done as a DIY project, but it should not be taken lightly due to the inherent risks associated with improper installation. In short, the answer depends on your level of expertise in carpentry and your familiarity with stone countertops specifically.
Overall, installing a stone benchtop is not an easy task - without sufficient expertise and experience doing similar projects before. Therefore it is best left to a professional who will guarantee quality workmanship while keeping your safety as their main priority throughout the process.
