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Travertine kitchen island and bench top

Benchtop Stone Selection

There is no such thing as a bad stone, there are however inappropriate selections for a given application and unrealistic expectations for a given stone type. The informed selection of natural stone is also influenced by the end user. To some, etching, or weathering, brings about a character that is unique to one's home.

 

The ideal benchtop is harder than the objects around it so that it doesn’t get scratched, strong enough to withstand the occasional impact from a heavy pot and resistant to acids like lemon juice and vinegar. 

 

While travertine, marble and limestone are quite beautiful to look at, they require more maintenance than a granite surface would. They are highly porous and therefore stain easily. Over time, normal cooking ingredients such as orange juice, wine or turmeric can harm the stone. These stones are best saved for lighter trafficked areas such as bathroom vanity tops, bath hobs, flooring or as wall cladding. 

 

Granite is tough, durable, has low porosity and is easy to clean. It is for this reason it has gained widespread use as kitchen benchtops. It comes in a variety of colours and pattern variations. Granite’s resistance to all types of weather is also the perfect solution for external application. 

Bench top with caramel quartzite and kitchen knives

Best Choices for a Kitchen Bench

01

Granite

This is the champion of durability and is the material we recommend most for a kitchen benchtop. Its strength, resistance to scratching and superior weathering ability makes it still one of the best choices for kitchens

03

Dolomite

Dolomite is a great choice for a kitchen! It is harder than a marble/limestone so it is much more difficult to scratch or etch. It can however stain as quickly as a marble or limestone so it does require sealing to keep it free from liquids that can penetrate the surface like heavy oils and red wine.

02

Quartzite

A very close second to Granite in reliability. It's very suitable for kitchen benchtops. Quartzites come in a variety of colours and can often be great substitutes for a marble look without the drawbacks.

04

Marble/Limestone

Gorgeous material with an unparalleled look. Marble and limestone are great on kitchen benchtops but are slightly more prone to chipping and staining. They can also etch when acids (like lemon juice) interact with the surface. They need to be resealed more frequently and wiped down after use. If well maintained, they can last as long as any other material. 

How do I go from idea to reality?

01

Talk to your Stonemason

Give your plans to your stonemason and they will advise you on how much material you'll need

02

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Select Your Stone

(At our showroom!)

Come in and select from our massive range of natural stone. Find the right piece for you.

03

Done

Either purchase the material directly or through your stonemason!

Come Visit Our Showroom

9 Eileen Road Clayton South, 3169, Vic, Australia

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