Caesarstone has been all the rage for several years now and because of this, it could lead you to assume that it is the best option for your kitchens. This may be true however it is important to understand that there are other options available.
So what are the different types of kitchen benchtops?
ENGINEERED STONE – CAESARSTONE
Don’t get confused about what Caesarstone is. The name (Caesarstone) is a brand name but this is often used in the same discussion with engineered stone. Bottom line these products are typically made of 85-95% stone powder, the adhesion occurs by the help of a petrochemical resin.
FACT: Approximately 50% of new benchtops installed in Australia are made from this very material.
It may look deceiving but unlike natural stone, Caesarstone requires little to no maintenance, there is no need to put a sealant or wax on the surface. It is resistant to scratches, cracks, stains and heat. Not only can consumers expect the same exact quality with each surface of Caesarstone, but they can even expect a perfectly consistent colour.
Adds Value When You Sell Your House
If you browse through real estate listings for new homes, you’ll notice Caesarstone regularly highlighted as a key selling feature.
Research has shown us that a kitchen with a Caesarstone benchtop is rated significantly higher than the same kitchen without Caesarstone.
However, if Caesarstone isn’t what you’re after, there are other options available to choose from!
NATURAL STONE – LIMESTONE, MARBLE, GRANITE AND QUARTZITE
All-natural stone products are often favoured when the desired outcome of a new home or multi-unit development is LUXURY. The marble cut specifically to accommodate a certain area brings with it exclusivity. Another feature of marble is its eco-friendly properties, as the product being used is manmade.
With proper maintenance, this product can last longer than the home it was made for! It can last for many decades and retains its original beauty with very little maintenance. Great for the demands of a busy kitchen benchtop.
If you’re looking for a perfect place to prepare meals on a clean and durable surface than look no further. Natural stone is highly resistant to bacteria and can be sealed to provide even more protection.
CERAMIC SLAB – THE STRONGEST BENCHTOP OF ALL
A relatively new benchtop material, a ceramic slab when compared with a Caesarstone can be identified as a winner. Made from natural porcelain, this piece is resistant to damage, it doesn’t stain and is stable to UV light. The sturdiness of ceramic allows it to be cut in thinner profiles which is great when it comes to designing that perfect kitchen look.
The benefits of a ceramic slab benchtop go far beyond its surface. In contrast to the petrochemical adhesives used to make engineered stone, pressed porcelain is made from all-natural ingredients – clay, sand and quartz – heated and mixed gives you the stronghold.
Considering these fundamental differences between engineered stone, natural stone and ceramic slab, it is up to you to choose which kitchen benchtop is best for you!
Renovating your kitchen? One of the biggest decisions you need to make is the type of benchtop will you use. The impact it has on the overall look should not be understated, it’s also the hardest working surface in your kitchen, so durability is a big factor. A decision to which material is suitable should be considered. The team at Arlington Homes have an extensive array of knowledge in this area and are always willing to help in understanding our client’s life and advising what we believe is best to accommodate this.
We focus on quality, not only in our workmanship but the customer service that we provide. We believe that clear communication is of the utmost importance and such we focus our efforts to keep this at the forefront of our operations. Client satisfaction is integral when developing house and land packages in the Melbourne area.
