Countertops, regardless of the kind of stone used, are the focal point of the space. When upgrading or acquiring for the first time, having a basic understanding of the various stones is usually advantageous. Natural stone contributes to the overall aesthetics and atmosphere of your house. Granite, marble, quartzite, and other natural stones are popular because of their exquisite appearance. Stones such as these may be used in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern. Benchtops may include walls, stairs, and other features made with contrasting stones depending on their intended usage.
Understanding the many types of stones is essential for determining your budget, user needs, and other factors. Stone benchtops may be divided into three groups, in general.
- Natural stones are the first category you’ll come across. These stones are quarried in large slabs, which are then chopped into many individual slabs and polished before being used in construction. Natural Stones include igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and various other types of rocks.
- The second kind of stone is called composite stone. Again, crushed quartz is used in the construction of these stones. The components are then joined together using a polymer resin at a ratio of around ninety to ten. There are also other materials such as colored glass, mirrors, shells, and metals incorporated. These items have been included to provide creative incentives.
- The third kind of stone is known as a sintered stone. Natural stone, glass, and porcelain are used to create these stones, which are unique in their appearance. These materials are brought together via the application of Sintered Particle Technology (SPT). An amalgamation of raw components under extreme pressure and heat is used in the SPT process.
Countertops provide a more upscale atmosphere throughout the kitchen. Because there are so many great alternatives to pick from, the job might seem overwhelming. Aesthetics, your budget, the level of care you give, and the needed proportions are all things to think about before you start building. One should have a general understanding of the color needs. The color schemes that are currently in place should coordinate with your benchtop. The number of selections and the size of the stone is increased when you have a flexible budget. Because the measurements of the stone are determined by the size of the kitchen, the length and width of the stone should suit the space. When it comes to maintenance, the amount of patience necessary depends on how often you cook, what you prepare, how fast you clean, and how frequently visitors come home. Finally, it is important to consider the stone’s long-term durability.
Natural stones are preferred over artificial stones because of their genuine brightness and sparkle. The following are the alternatives:
Benchtops Made Of Granite
Granite Benchtops, a popular option among designers and homeowners alike, have seen a major increase in demand as a result of the several advantages they provide. Because of the large number of choices, this distinctive stone is the ideal natural stone for benchtops because of its moderate price. This stone is the most durable natural stone available and requires the least amount of upkeep, making it ideal for residences with heavy use needs. Granite Benchtops are just as brilliant as marble, yet they are scratch and chip resistant. Staining and scratching may be avoided with regular sealing throughout the year.
Here are some color combinations that are recommended:
If your cabinets are white, Antique Black or Indian Jet Black finishes will complement the entire look.
When combined with black cabinets, Nero Assoluto or Titanium Granite would help to bring the room’s intensity down a notch. Against a backdrop of black cabinets and dark Granite, light-colored flooring would be a welcome addition to the space.
Black Fusion or Solarius would be a good fit for the dusky appeal since they are deeper tones of brown.
Colonial White or Viscount White would stand out against lighter tones of brown, such as cream or beige, much as pearls would against a pearly white background.
Blue Moon or Delicatus White would be as silky as silk in this silvery environment, which would go well with colors such as grey or off-white.
Benchtops Are Made Of Marble.
Marble’s aesthetic value outweighs its functional value by a wide margin. Marble has a stunning and ageless aesthetic, but it comes with a hefty cost in terms of care. This stone, which is available in various patterns and overtones, is ideal for homes with a low water consumption demand since marble is porous and soft. Spills must be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent “etching” on marble benchtops.
You can choose from many different alternatives to pick from. Here are some color suggestions to get you started:
Alveo Gray or Breccia Rosso would be a good match for the gentle sunny style since they have soft, warm colors of brown, yellow, or peach.
You can choose from Bianco Orobico and Cafe Au Lait marbles that will fit the colors you are searching for if you are seeking for off-white marble.
Nero Marquina or Sahara Noir would bring out the vibrancy in bright colors like red or burgundy while also balancing the vibrancy of the deep color.
Using Silver Cloud or Silver Fantasy in the kitchen would complement the style of the room, which would include additional stainless steel and silver elements.
Galassia or Doma Grey rugs might also be a good complement for the tranquility of your kitchen.
Benchtops Made Of Quartzite
Quartzite is a stone that has a similar appearance to marble and is used to bring character and drama to any area. Quartz crystals are often found in these stones, and they give off a steady glint of light. In addition to its popularity as a decorative stone, quartzite benchtops may be found in a wide variety of neutral colors. Furthermore, since this stone is denser than Granite, it is more resistant to chipping, scratching, and staining than the latter. This stone is ideal for use as a tabletop because of its longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
You can choose from many different alternatives to pick from. Here are some color suggestions to get you started:
When used with white and off-white cabinets, Seashore Grey or Macaubus White will help to soften the overall brightness of the space.
Crystal White and Bianco Quartzite are two stones that would complement the pale aesthetics.
Those who like wood or brown backgrounds will find that the Tiberio, Omega Black, or Portoro Quartzite will provide depth to the caramel tones.
Arcadia or Arielle Quartzite, which come in various hues of grey, provides a splash of color to the room. Palazzo and Mont Blanc are two lighter tones that will complement the ivory atmosphere.
With so many alternatives to choose from to make your house a home, maybe this blog has made the decision-making process a little easier.