How to choose the right stone for your benchtop?

Countertops are the highlight of the room, whichever stone you may use. Whether renovating or purchasing for the first time, gaining prior knowledge on different stones is always beneficial. Natural stone sets the aesthetics and tone of your home. Granite, Marble, Quartzite, and others are favoured stones for their elegant feel. From classic to contemporary styles, you can utilize these stones everywhere. Benchtops feature walls, staircases, and more that can use contrasting stones depending on its purpose.

Knowledge of different stones is mandatory for your budget, usage requirements and more. Broadly, Stone Benchtops fall into three categories.

Natural Stones are your first category. These stones are quarried in massive pieces, then cut into numerous individual slabs and polished for use. Igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and more come under Natural Stones.

Composite Stones are the second category. These stones are constructed out of crushed quartz. A polymer resin then links these pieces together in an approx ninety: ten resin ratio. Other materials such as coloured glass, mirrors, shells, and metals are also included. These materials are added for artistic incentives.

Sintered Stones are the third category. These stones are made from a combination of natural stone, glass, and porcelain. Sintered Particle Technology (SPT) is used to bring these materials together. SPT is a method that incorporates amalgamating the raw ingredients under tremendous pressure and heat.

Countertops set an elevated mood all around the kitchen. With so many exquisite options to choose from, the task can be formidable. Some factors to consider beforehand are the aesthetics, your budget, the maintenance you provide and the proportions required. One should have a vague idea of the colour requirements. The colour combinations already present should match your benchtop. A flexible budget widens the array of options and size of the stone. The length and breadth of the stone should complement the area, as the dimensions depend on the expanse of the kitchen. The patience required in the upkeep is dependent on how often you cook, what you cook, how quickly you clean, and how often guests come home. The durability of the stone should be kept in mind.

Natural stones are favoured stones for its true brilliance and shine. Options are as follows:

1. Granite Benchtops

Granite Benchtops, a premier choice for designers and homeowners alike, has entered the market substantially due to significant benefits. Moderate prices due to numerous alternatives, this exclusive stone is the best natural stone for benchtops. Perfect for houses with high usage requirements, this stone is the most durable natural stone with low maintenance. Just as dazzling as marble, Granite Benchtops are scratch and chip resistant. Regular sealing every year will prevent any staining and scratching.

At Avant stone, we have eleven elegant options to choose from.

Here are some recommended colour combinations:

• With white cabinetry, our Antique Black or Indian Jet Black would suit the overall aesthetics. With dark cabinetry, our Nero Assoluto or Titanium Granite would balance the intensity of the room. With dark cabinetry and dark granite, light-coloured floors would ease the tone of the room.
• With darker shades of brown, our Black Fusion or Solarius would match the dusky appeal. With lighter shades of brown like cream or beige, our Colonial White or Viscount White would draw attention like pearls.
• With colours like grey or off-white, our Blue Moon or Delicatus White would fit as smooth as silk with its silvery atmosphere.

2. Marble Benchtops

Marble Benchtops, The aesthetics of marble is far higher than its efficiency. Marble offers a striking and timeless appearance with the price of high maintenance. Available in different patterns and undertones, this stone is perfect for houses with a low usage requirement as marble is porous and soft. Spills have to be wiped immediately to avoid “etching”.

At Avant Stone, we have more than thirty options to choose from. Here are some colour recommendations:

• With soft, warm shades of brown, yellow, or peach, our Alveo Gray or Breccia Rosso would suit the soft sunny aesthetic. If you’re looking for off-white marble, our Bianco Orobico or Cafe Au Lait will match the shades.
• Our Nero Marquina or Sahara Noir would balance the vibrance with its deep colour with bright colours like red or burgundy.
• Our Silver Cloud or Silver Fantasy would suit the aesthetic with more stainless steel and silver materials in the kitchen. Our Galassia or Doma Grey would also match the serenity of the kitchen.

3. Quartzite Benchtops

Quartzite Benchtops, Closely resembling marble, Quartzite is used to add character and drama to any space. Quartz crystals are often found in these stones giving off a constant sparkle. Flourishing as a decorative stone, Quartzite is available in a huge range of neutral colours. In addition, this stone is denser than granite, making it more resistant to chipping, scratching, and staining. With durability and low maintenance, this stone is the perfect stone for a benchtop.

At Avant Stone, we have more than ten options to choose from. Here are some colour recommendations:

• With white and off-white cabinetry, our Seashore Grey or Macaubus White will tone down the brightness in the room. Crystal White and Bianco Quartzite would suit the pale aesthetics.
• With wood or brown backgrounds, Tiberio, Omega Black, or Portoro Quartzite will provide depth to the caramel backgrounds.
• With shades of grey, our Arcadia or Arielle Quartzite will add some fresh colour to the space. For some lighter tones, Palazzo or Mont Blanc will suit the ivory ambience.

With so many options to fit your home, hopefully, this blog eased the decision-making process.