If you are in the process of searching for a new kitchen countertop, you will likely have come across a range of laminate material options. Laminate is cheaper and, best of all, comes in a range of colours, designs and finishes making it appear to be the ideal choice. However, whilst these materials may be cheaper, it doesn’t mean they are less expensive. In most instances, you will get a good year or two out of your countertop before it starts to chip, scratch and stain, and you need to replace it. As the old saying goes, buy cheap, buy twice.
We would always recommend considering a beautiful natural stone worktop for your kitchen, and in this article, we will be taking you through the different types of natural stone, the benefits and more to help you make a more informed choice.
What are the different types of natural stone kitchen worktops? (E.g. granite, marble, quartz)
Over the past few decades, manufactured and natural stone has grown in popularity. There is a wide range of natural stone kitchen worktops to choose from, but materials such as granite, quartz and marble, in particular, have become a staple for homeowners and developers across the UK. The natural beauty, durability and high-quality nature of these natural stone worktops are what makes them so appealing when compared to cheaper options such as laminate.
What are the benefits of using natural stone as a kitchen worktop?
Granite
Granite is arguably the most popular choice of natural stone worktop, noted for its durable and hard-wearing nature, perfect for high traffic rooms. Kitchen countertops also need to be practical, which is why granite is so regularly chosen for its extreme heat resistance. If you need to quickly place a hot pot or pan on your countertop with granite, you can rest assured it won’t melt or blister. For those looking for a worktop that will last, granite is a safe bet, and with a Moh’s hardness rating of 7, you would have to really do some damage to scratch, chip or cut into it.
Quartz
Quartz is an equally popular choice of kitchen worktop that regularly rivals granite. Being both low maintenance and just as hard wearing, quartz is perfect for the everyday kitchen. One of the benefits of choosing quartz is its design versatility, allowing you to choose from a range of colours and finishes that can mimic more luxurious stones such as marble. Quartz can be manufactured and customised to your design specifications, making it a natural choice for those creating a bespoke kitchen.
Marble
Marble has remained a popular choice of kitchen worktop throughout time, noted for its historic luxury and natural beauty. Marble brings a touch of elegance to any space, but it is more than just a pretty face. Similar to granite and quartz, marble is ideal in kitchens for its temperature control. It is an incredibly dense stone, meaning it can dissipate heat much faster than other materials. Marble is also very easy to maintain, requiring a simple wipe down with a soft cloth and everyday surface cleaner now and then.
How to look after your natural stone worktop
One of the key benefits of investing in a natural stone kitchen worktop is how effortless they are to maintain. It is easy to keep your worktop looking just as fresh, clean and shiny as the day it was installed, provided you care for it appropriately.
The first tip with any natural stone worktop is always to clean up any spills as soon as they happen. Whether it is juice, wine, coffee or tea, these liquids can cause permanent staining if left too long. A soft cloth should gently blot away the moisture, then wipe the surface with a non-abrasive cloth and warm distilled water. Once cleaned, your worktop should be dried with another soft cloth to avoid watermarks that cause the surface to appear dull.
To keep your natural stone worktop looking its best, we recommend weekly wipe-downs with a mild surface cleaner. If you have a busy household, this will help ensure that any food or drink residue, dust and dirt don’t have time to damage or embed themselves into the surface.
There is also a range of specialist natural stone cleaners on the market that can help bring any worktop back to life. If you struggle to remove any stains, grease, or watermarks, these cleaners are ideal. But, if in doubt, you can always contact our Eurostone team, who will be happy to point you in the right direction.
What to consider when choosing which natural stone worktop to have?
When choosing which natural stone worktop is suitable for your kitchen, there are three key considerations to bear in mind.
Aesthetics
Getting the right look for your kitchen is essential, and your worktop is a crucial element that will accentuate your interior. Whether you are considering granite, quartz or marble worktops, you should consider the colour, style, pattern and finish you want. Each natural stone countertop comes with a unique look, so it is important to find a fitting addition for your kitchen.
Function
You want a natural stone worktop that not only looks great but is also practical. Considering your kitchen needs and requirements when choosing your countertop is vital. Whilst granite, quartz and marble are all incredibly durable, heat resistant and versatile, they each have their own unique properties that may make them better suited to your needs. For example, avid bakers tend to favour marble as its temperature control makes it perfect for kneading dough to the right consistency.
Budget
Different natural stone worktops will come in at different prices, which is why it is important to consider the cost of each. Marble is an incredibly beautiful and luxurious choice, but it is also one of the more expensive options. Many people who want the opulent marble effect will choose quartz as an alternative that is just as hard-wearing and can be manufactured to have a similar aesthetic but costs much less.
Get in touch today
At Eurostone, we are proud to offer an extensive range of Natural Stone Worktops in a variety of patterns, styles and colours to suit any space.
If you think a natural stone countertop will bring the perfect touch of class to your kitchen in 2022, why not get in touch with our friendly team at Eurostone? With over 34 years of experience in the industry, our highly experienced and professional team will be able to answer any question or query you might have. Give us a call today on 0151 356 4500 or email us at info@eurostone.co.uk
