Stone benchtops are hardwearing, long-lasting and add value to your home. They’re also visually stunning and come in a variety of colours and finishes. The best way to avoid stains on your stone benchtop is to get into the habit of conducting a daily clean. Always use a soft cloth and avoid using scouring pads or steel wool.
Stone Bench Top
A stone bench top is a beautiful addition to any kitchen and can add great character to the home. Stone is a durable material that will last for many years and it is also waterproof, however, like other surfaces it can be damaged and stained if not treated with care. It is recommended that you use a natural stone cleaner and regularly wipe down your benchtop to keep it looking clean and fresh. It is important that any spills are cleaned up as soon as they occur, to avoid staining and bacteria build-up. Most stone products are now factory-sealed and some offer lifetime anti-stain warranties, but it is still a good idea to reseal your benchtop every three months depending on the type of stone you have.
Always protect your stone benchtop by using a trivet or heat pad when placing hot pans and pots onto the surface. This will help prevent thermal shock and permanent damage to the stone. Avoid placing any acidic foods or liquids (like lemon juice, wine and berries) on the benchtop as these can cause etching which will dull the surface over time. Always wipe up any stains as they occur with a damp cloth to ensure no moisture is left behind.
Types Of Bench Top
There are many different bench top materials on the market; each with their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, natural stone such as marble and granite is gorgeous and feels luxurious to the touch but is one of the most expensive options and needs resealing (ideally yearly) to keep it stain resistant. Engineered stone is a popular choice and is available in a variety of colours and finishes. It is extremely durable and resists heat well but like all surfaces is not completely scratch or heat proof so should be used with care and in conjunction with a heat shield or trivet.
Corian is another engineered stone option and comes in a wide range of colours. It is non-porous, hygienic and highly stain resistant but again, not totally stain or scratch proof so should be used with caution. Porcelain is a relatively new addition to the benchtop arena and is marketed under the brand names Dekton and Neolith. It is a combination of powdered clay and coloured pigments fired at high temperatures. It is available in a wide variety of textures and printed with images such as stone, timber, concrete and even rusted metal. It is available in matte and semi-gloss finish. It is also stain and scratch resistant but may need to be resealed more regularly than other products.
Quality Stone Bench Tops
Quality Stone bench tops are hardwearing and visually stunning. They add significant value to your home, especially if they are properly cared for. They can withstand high temperatures and are easy to clean with just a quick wipe down. They are also hygienic and safe for families. Natural stone benchtops are more expensive than other types of benchtop materials. This is because they are sourced from the earth and each slab has its own unique characteristics. However, a beautiful stone benchtop is worth the extra investment as it will last a lifetime and will not degrade like Lamex or chip like quartz.
Reconstituted stone (or engineered stone) benchtops are made from a blend of aggregate chips, resins and pigments and are more consistent in colour than natural stone. They are also non-porous and stain resistant but do require regular sealing. It is important to always use a quality stone fabricator and installer for your new benchtop. They will ensure the installation process is smooth and that your benchtops are installed correctly and securely. They will also provide advice on cleaning, maintenance and care. They will also assist with choosing a suitable stone type for your benchtops.