The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s where we gather to cook, eat, and spend time with family and friends - so it needs to be functional, durable, and beautiful. One way to achieve this is by incorporating natural stone into your kitchen design. When selecting which type of stone to use for your kitchen benchtop, there are several factors to consider. Each type of stone has its own unique characteristics and benefits that may suit different lifestyles and preferences. Some things to weigh up include durability, maintenance requirements, cost, and aesthetic appeal.

Let’s explore the different types of stone you can use in your kitchen benchtops and what you should consider when selecting which one is right for you. Whether you're looking for something classic like granite or marble or prefer a newer option like quartz or soapstone; we've got you covered!

 

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular options for kitchen countertops. Not only does it look amazing in a range of colors and patterns, but this natural stone material offers impressive durability that stands up to impact and abrasive damage - plus it can handle heat too! It's important to note however that due to its weight, granite is best installed by an expert.

Pros:

• Resistant to heat and abrasion
• Strong and durable material
• Many colors and patterns

Cons:

• Premium price material
• Requires regular sealing
• Heavy and difficult to install

Marble

If you're looking for a luxurious option, marble might be the perfect fit for your kitchen. Not only is it heat-resistant and crack/chip resistant (making it long lasting), but it’s unique veining or naturally occurring pattern from mineral deposits are sure to make a statement in any home! For best results we recommend having this luxurious material sealed at least once yearly so as not to risk scratching or staining over time.

Pros:

• Resistant to heat, cracking, and breaking
• Attractive material with unique marble veining
• Durable, long-lasting material

Cons:

• Vulnerable to scratches and staining
• Requires regular sealing and maintenance
• Premium priced

 

Quartzite

Engineered stone, also known as quartz, is an affordable option for those who want the natural appearance of marble or granite. It’s made of about 90% quartz particles, mixed with other minerals to create a durable, stain-resistant product. Quartz comes in many colors and patterns, allowing you to choose the perfect design for your kitchen. It doesn’t require regular sealing, but it is susceptible to heat damage and fading in direct sunlight, so be careful when placing hot objects on it and consider your kitchen layout before choosing it for your countertop.

Pros:

• Easy to maintain, no sealing required
• Resistant to mould, mildew, and stains
• Wide variety of colour options

Cons:

• Vulnerable to heat damage
• Susceptible to scratches
• Direct sunlight can fade the colour

 

Soapstone

Soapstone is the perfect countertop material if you're looking for a sleek and stain-resistant surface! Its velvety texture comes from its high talc content, plus it develops an even more unique look over time as oxidation occurs. And with varying shades of grey, each featuring subtle blue or green undertones, along with marble-like veining, your kitchen will surely stand out among the rest!

Pros:

• Unique veining and color patterns
• Non-porous, resistant to heat and stains
• Patina can create an antique appearance

Cons:

• Takes time for the patina to develop
• Must be treated with mineral oil
• Surface is vulnerable to abrasive damage

 

Concrete:

If you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete may be a good choice. This heavyweight material is custom handmade and cast right into the shape of your space. It's also possible to tint or add texture, making it more personal - plus it's resistant against scratches and heat. All that said, be sure not to forget about sealing these counters regularly as their porous composition can face damage from bacteria staining due moisture buildup if you don't take some extra care of them!

Pros:

• Heat resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Long-lasting industrial appearance

Cons:

• Expensive
• High maintenance
• Porous surface must be regularly sealed

 

Limestone:

Limestones, with their range of modern hues and textures, are quickly becoming a design favourite. From soft greys to deep charcoals, they look stunning when finished! As limestones do need sealing for protection and longevity, be sure that you don't go too light - darker colours will conceal signs of wear better than lighter shades.

Pros:

• Unique look and feel
• More affordable than other natural stones
• Durable, long-lasting material

Cons:

• Vulnerable to scratches and staining
• Vulnerable to heat damage
• High maintenance

Choosing the right type of natural stone for your kitchen depends on your personal style preferences as well as practical considerations such as durability, maintenance requirements and cost! Whether you go with classic granite or marble or try something new like quartzite or soapstone. All of these materials will add timeless beauty to your home while ensuring superior performance and durability throughout its lifetime.