Your kitchen work surface should be able to keep up with you. It has to be your reliable partner in meal preparation so you can cook every day without any hesitation. There are a number of materials that can be used for this including wood, metal and stone. Wood looks homey and warm but it can be susceptible to burn marks, rotting, stains, and chop marks. Metal is extremely durable but it can look a bit cold. Stone is a good mix of all the desirable features including beauty and durability. There are different types so try to learn more about them from your local Benchtop Stone Bondi Junction specialists.
Permeability
Among the most vital characteristics that you should check is the stone’s permeability. Is the surface porous? If it is, then water can seep in quite easily. Depending on the stone, this could cause it to weaken over time. It would also make it prone to stains as sauces and beverages may get spilled by accident. It will be difficult to get rid of these stains, especially if the liquid is not cleaned up right away. There are types that are porous when rough but less so when polished. In any case, the best way to prevent issues is to seal it on a periodic basis.
Durability
Next is the durability of the benchtop. You will be chopping meats, veggies, and all types of ingredients on it. You will put hot pans and cold buckets on top. Some of these can be quite heavy. You want a stone that can take the pounding without whimpering. There should be no visible marks like chips or cracks. Opt for the high quality options like granite if this is a big concern for you. Quartz is another good alternative for those who are looking forward to intense kitchen sessions.
Appearance
This will be extremely subjective. It would be great if you could go to a dealer and inspect various stones up-close. They can be quite different in the pictures and real life. Then you will know exactly what you will be getting when you choose one stone over another. Marble is the usual choice when elegance is the goal but other types can hold their own if the kitchen is designed carefully.
Price
Of course, the final decision will be highly influenced by the price of the stone. Those with limitless funds can get anything they want but most people will need to work within a defined budget. It can be hard to tick all of the boxes when you are financially constrained so just be sure that you know your priorities.