The Advantages Of Using Engineered Stone For Your New Kitchen Benchtop

14 May 2019
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

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Engineered stone is a type of hybrid product — part manufactured, part natural.  It consists of a combination of crushed stone — typically quartz — and other materials such as glass or shells, and a resin bonding material. It has many advantages when used for a kitchen benchtop.

Provides Design Freedom

For a start, engineered stone provides design freedom because the range of different colours and textures is so vast. This will allow you to easily choose a hue and pattern to coordinate with other components such as cabinetry, splashbacks, and appliances. Additionally, these countertops can mimic expensive, beautiful types of natural stone such as marble and granite.

The engineered slabs are available also in many different edge profiles, making it easy to match it with your new kitchen. A rounded bullnose edge gives a soft look, for example, while a sleek, angled, bevelled edge suits contemporary kitchens. You can also select from various thicknesses: a thin profile benchtop to compliment a light, clean design or a standard thickness for a traditional effect. The variations let you match an engineered countertop to virtually any style.

Being a manufactured product, engineered stone is more repeatable and consistent than natural stone. The crushed rock and other materials that form the mix are open to sorting and control to produce precise textures and colours. Such consistency is not available with natural stone all the time, as they vary depending on their origin. This consistency helps with design because if you have multiple benchtops, or your home builders construct a kitchen island, you know you can create the same surface for all of them. Also, it provides excellent control for you to install a splashback with the same surface, or else to use a different but complimentary engineered stone.

Durable And Easy To Maintain

This hybrid stone product presents a hard and durable benchtop. It is less porous than many types of natural stone, such as travertine or marble, and because of this, engineered stone is very hygienic and requires little maintenance. Many natural stones, on the other hand, are somewhat porous, so you need to take special care to wipe up spills immediately to avoid staining; this is the case particularly with marble. As engineered stone is pre-sealed, you will never have to worry about regular oiling or sealing either. However, though it is sturdy and can withstand hot pots and pans, it is best to place them on trivets to protect your beautiful investment

If you're interested in adding engineered stone to your property, talk with professional home builders in your area to learn more.