Stone is fast becoming a favoured material for kitchen worktops around the world as more people are abandoning wood and laminate in favour of this multi-feature alternative. Whether you opt for natural stone or manufactured stone, this popular material boasts a timeless, luxurious look, as well as possessing the degree of strength and durability needed to withstand a kitchen environment. And with many colours and patterns to choose from, it’s easy to find a stone to suit your decor. To find out more about what advantages this material can offer, we’ve put together a quick guide to the top 5 benefits of using stone worktop for your kitchen.
Low maintenance
Stone is easy to wipe down and keep clean which makes it easy to maintain the hygienic standards that are required for a kitchen. Cleaning is a minimal effort task that only requires a damp cloth or warm, neutral soapy water and a soft towel. Manufactured stone, quartz, is nonporous which prevents entry of liquid and bacteria into the stone itself. Natural stone, granite, has some degree of porosity depending on the type chosen, but with occasional sealing it can become relatively impermeable. Here at Cawdor Stone, we can provide care sheets specific to your chosen material.
Adds and retains value
Buyers often pay close attention to kitchens and bathrooms when viewing properties. The high-end aesthetic that stone adds to a home can help boost the saleability of your property, especially when integrated into a well-designed room complete with modern appliances. And if the quality of your stone worktops are maintained to a high standard, this value is often not lost as years go by.
Hard-wearing
A kitchen environment can be tough on your surfaces, and the movement of hot pans, knives and heavy crockery all have the potential to damage your worktops. The high strength and durability of stone allows it, with care, to withstand this frequent wear and tear, making it a material that is well-suited to this high-use area of the home. Consequently, the likelihood of chips, cracks and scratches is reduced, leaving your worktops with a virtually blemish free finish.
Porosity
As a mix of natural stone and chemical resin, quartz possesses a low porosity that grants it excellent stain-resistance. Whilst natural granite is porous, it can achieve high levels of stain resistance if regularly treated with readily available proprietary sealers. This stain resistance is a vital feature in a food preparation area where spillages are likely.
Attractive aesthetic
True to its name, natural granite offers an outstanding look that can be both opulent or rustic depending on the style or colour you choose. No two pieces of granite are the same, and therefore it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to put a unique stamp on your property. Manufactured stone, such as quartz, is a mixture of resin and natural stone, and consequently many different colours are available. This grants homeowners a greater degree of control over the appearance of their worktops, allowing customers to easily complement their new or existing decor.
If you’re looking to make a statement with stone, look no further than Cawdor Stone. We offer expert advice and installation of bespoke kitchens, providing our professional services to both domestic and commercial clients. Our specialists source a wide range of granite and quartz with many pieces being displayed in our gallery, located near Stevenage. Take advantage of our 30 years of industry experience and give us a call today – we are happy to answer all enquiries.
