When it comes to kitchen counters, you have choices of materials that can be natural or man-made substances, both categories offering durable and long lasting options. In certain cases the natural substances need to be specially treated for which reason they fall expensive. With synthetic and manmade substances one can have several choices in terms of look and finishes as well as practical functionalities.
Natural countertops
When it comes to natural stone based kitchen counters, you might take a look at popular options like marble, travertine or onyx. These are stunning stones that have been used over decades and they help add a certain look and appeal to your kitchen room. However reconstituted stone benchtops Melbourne can do so at equal measure. The natural stones are softer as compared to synthetic stone options. As a result, if you continuously use hot pans on such surfaces or grate these surfaces with knives, these surfaces get marked easily. Hence the natural stone surfaces are ideal in kitchens where traffic and usage is less.
Properties of man-made kitchen counters
On the other hand, when you opt for engineered or man-made stone benchtop for your kitchen, such material tends to be harder and more cost effective as they will last longer. Engineered stone is often not resistant to heat but many modern manufacturers offer composite solutions that are resistant to heat as well. Engineered stone surfaces are non porous and have a shine of their own that does not require to be additionally sealed and polished which natural stone surfaces do.
Choosing between natural and artificial countertops
Natural stones such as soapstone, limestone and slate are often considered for kitchen counters. These offer unique appeal in their own ways, though granite is found to be more durable. Soapstone and limestone can be susceptible to buffing or scratches. Usually dark colored stones are ideal for countertops in kitchens so that they do not show marks and stains even if they do occur. It is best that one looks at the functionality of the stones available with a supplier and then choose the color, finish and other aesthetic properties. Many engineered stones offer varieties in looks and finishes and have durable and long lasting properties.The above points about natural and artificial or engineered stone surfaces help one to understand the properties of both categories of substances. As the choice of a kitchen counter material is an important and long lasting choice that also involves considerable costs, it is important that the choice is made right.