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6 Things To Know Before Choosing A Stone Benchtops

In this post, we are going to cover 6 things that you need to know before choosing a stone benchtop for your kitchen. This is an important decision and should not be made lightly. We hope our list of helpful tips will help you make the best possible choice when it comes time to decide on how to update your kitchen!

1. What are the different types of stone materials available for a benchtop

The various types of stone materials include Granite, Marble, Limestone.

Granite stones are composed of quartz crystals that have formed under heat and pressure deep within the earth. These rocks are very hard to wear because they have a high composition of silicon dioxide (SiO2), which binds ionic lattices tightly together to form glues for the crystals. 

Marble is a metamorphic rock and its color can be due to impurities in the whitish marble such as stains from iron oxide (rust) or uneven stresses that create zones that are lighter or darker than the rest of the stone. It is mostly composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals such as calcite or dolomite. 

Limestone is a sedimentary rock with many uses which includes being used to build benches because its natural porosity and availability make it easy to use without requiring amendments like concrete, etc. 

2. How do I know which type is best for me and my kitchen space

In general, you’ll want to choose the type that is best for your cooking and baking needs. When it comes to countertops, there are a few things you should consider before deciding on which one is best for your kitchen space and recipe needs. Some priorities might be cost (granite can be more expensive) or ease of cleaning (countertops with complicated patterns usually get stained easily). Ultimately, you’re going to have pros and cons for every type of countertop.

3. What are the benefits of using stone as a benchtop material

Stone has some great benefits for benchtops. If you want an expensive looking benchtop that won’t fade, humidity proof, and will last longer than your average benchtop (stone lasts about 25 years typically), then stone is a fantastic choice.

If you have high expectations of your kitchen, need durability from your benchtops, and in the budget for installation costs; then you should definitely go ahead with stone. 

4. Why should I consider granite instead of other materials such as marble or limestone

Granite is a great choice for countertops because it needs to be sealed less often than marble and limestone, and with an occasional scrubbing or mopping, they will stay the original color. This means granite may be in your kitchen for the rest of your lives without you having to replace it. Furthermore, granite also holds up well to heat from ovens or sinks that contain boiling water. Marble counters can crack when exposed to high temperatures whereas in most cases, granite won’t have this problem.

5. What is the cost difference between these different stones, and what can I expect to pay per square meter 

Granite is usually the most expensive. Factors that affect the price include the color, size, and quality of the stone. The more granite quarries in an area, the less expensive it will be. Marble is often a close competitor and can be slightly cheaper depending on the quality of marble being used in production. Limestone tends to be relatively inexpensive as there are many deposits around the world and prices remain low because limestone products are so common in construction use.

The price of stone benchtops per square meter will depend on location, type of stone, and how it’s cut. It could go anywhere from as little as $10 to upwards of $500+.

6. Check to see if there are any warranties or guarantees on the stone benchtop before purchasing it

There are various guarantees on stone benchtops from different companies. Most companies offer a warranty of 5-10 years, which includes the installation and subsequent periodic maintenance. This is something you should check before purchasing to make sure that the retailer has done their due diligence to provide buyers with the peace of mind.

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