Engineered Stone Benchtops

About Engineered Stone Benchtops

Engineered stones, or quartz, are among the hardest minerals on earth and abundant. They are made with 90% quartz and 10% polymer resin. Quartz benchtops have become one of the most popular kitchen benchtops worldwide because they are easily available and cost-effective. 

Some even say it's the only manufactured material that matches the strength and durability of natural stone benchtops and stainless steel benchtops. Moreover, they are also hygienic since they are non-porous. They can be substitutes for slab stones such as marble and granite.

Since they are manufactured, they can be created using different colors and designs to match them to the theme of one's kitchen.

Engineered Stone Kitchen Benchtops Advantages

Here are a few advantages of engineered stone benchtops:

Aesthetics

Engineered stone provides homeowners with the appearance of natural-stone benchtops without the cost. It's a popular option for homeowners, designers, and builders mainly because of its three-dimensional look and natural finish.

Uniformity

Since it's an artificial material, it can have a uniform appearance through slabs, unlike granites and marbles. Users who don't want any blemish or imperfection that may come with natural products can choose composite stone benchtops. It's ideal for large kitchens requiring joins. 

Durability

Engineered stone provides a trusted and highly durable surface, thanks to resin binders and its sturdy makeup.  

Low Porosity

Unlike a few natural stones, Silestone doesn't provide a porous kitchen benchtop surface. Due to resin binders sealing the material, it's not penetrated easily by liquids and moisture. However, the spills must be cleaned immediately in most other materials such as wooden benchtops, concrete benchtops, or acrylic benchtops. 

Scratch-Resistant

Almost all caesarstone benchtops are scratch-resistant. This makes them perfect kitchen benchtops as they won't be heavily affected by knife spots. 

Stain Resistant  

Apart from being scratch-resistant, these artificial stone benchtops also have an increased resistance to stain. Liquids like juice, wine, water, oil, and other beverages don't affect it.  

Hygienic

Engineered stones are non-porous; therefore, it's pretty hard for bacteria and other germs to grow. In addition to that, since these benchtops don't usually have multiple or large joins, there's nowhere for dirt and dust to build in seam zones.   

Easily Maintained

Here's the thing: quartz benchtops' upkeep isn't demanding and requires little to no maintenance. Though every brand comes up with special cleaning instructions, most will recommend a simple solution: clean it with warm water and mild soap. 

Additionally, natural surfaces require continual resealing to preserve function and longevity. However, engineered stone benchtops don't. This helps homeowners save adequate money and time, making maintenance much more manageable.  

Types Of Engineered Stone

Here are the top five engineered stone kitchen benchtops:

Dekton

Dekton is the perfect hi-tech solution for users with a knack for the feel and looks of stone without considering upkeep, weight, or bulk. These benchtops are incredibly lightweight and come in 8mm thin slabs. 

Not to mention, they are impenetrable, scratch resistant, heat resistant, and UV resistant. Additionally, they come in a wide range of finishes and colors and won't change color with time. 

Silestone

For homeowners that love the look of natural stones but prefer the durability of quartz benchtops should choose silestone kitchen benchtops. 

Made mainly from organic quartz, it's a non-porous surface with increased resistance to scratches and bacteria growth. However, this benchtop isn't heat-resistant. 

Laminex

Laminex kitchen benchtop is a perfect choice for users looking for a swift revamp or budget-friendly overhaul. With a wide variety of finishes and colors that imitate the look of natural stones to make a seamless kitchen benchtop, homeowners can't trip with this option. 

Paperock

Constructed resin and paper, the Paperock stone benchtop provides a reliable and durable surface, capable of resisting temperatures to 180-degree Celsius. Moreover, it's much cheaper than most other benchtops, such as natural stone benchtops and laminate benchtops. Also, it comes in four colors: sand, green, brown, and black. 

Caesarstone

Like most other composite stone benchtops, Caesarstone benchtops are also made from 90% natural-stone particles. This makes Caesarstone a more durable choice than natural stone benchtops, requiring minimal maintenance. 

Though it's resistant to heat, it might change color after a while due to abrupt temperature changes. So, avoid placing warm pans and pots on it.  

Factors To Consider

Consider these factors before making a purchase:

Thickness

Most engineered stones are available in 20mm-thickness only. However, Silestone benchtops come in approx. 30mm. Make sure to check with the supplier what brands and colors they have in various thicknesses. 

Nonetheless, even if homeowners want an engineered stone with 50mm or 150mm thickness, they can have it as it can be smoothly mitered to look as thick as one desires. 

Finishes

A majority of quartz benchtops come in two finishes, i.e., matte or polished finish. Both these finishes can improve particular kitchen designs and styles. Users can even change its look without fear of losing its durability and strength. 

Colors

Since it's blended with pigment, engineered stone benchtops come in a range of color options to choose from. Unlike most other materials, quartz is uniform and has a homogenous pattern and color, making it easier to compare slabs and tiles during installation. 

The surface appearance is based mainly on quartz granules' size. Remember that designs with big granules may make the benchtop look occupied and busy. 

Maintainance

Engineered stone kitchen benchtops are pretty easier to maintain and care for. Unlike most other materials such as concrete and granite, quartz doesn't require yearly resealing to keep stains or moisture.

All users need to do is employ a dishrag and mild soap and clean the benchtop. Make sure to avoid using cleaning products with chemical properties unless it's explicitly mentioned.  

If you need assistance to find the right engineered stone benchtops for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.