Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it’s vital to have a space that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One of the critical components of any kitchen is the worktop, and homeowners have a wide range of options to choose from. While natural stone worktops such as granite and marble are popular, engineered stone has been growing in popularity in recent years. As a worktop material, it is great for a low-maintenance, stone-effect look that’s scratch-and stain-resistant.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of engineered stone worktops and why they’re a great way to elevate your kitchen’s style and functionality.
Durability
Engineered stone worktops are incredibly robust and resistant to scratches, stains, and cracking. They’re also non-porous and hence, more hygienic because they do not harbour bacteria. The surface is made up of bits of quartz or granite, marble dust and glass, which are mixed with resin and pressurised, making it highly durable. It is resilient against cracking, chipping, etching, and scratching, making it perfect for high-traffic kitchens.
Aesthetically pleasing
Engineered stone worktops are stylish and modern, making your kitchen look luxurious. Engineered stone worktops come in many colours, patterns, and finishes, allowing you to customise your kitchen’s worktop to reflect your style and personality. You can even have the worktops manufactured to specific dimensions to fit your kitchen’s space perfectly. Unlike natural stones such as granite, engineered stone does not have any natural variations and will look the same throughout.
Low Maintenance
Another benefit of engineered stone worktops is that they’re easy to maintain. Unlike natural more porous stone, engineered stone does not require sealing to keep it looking good. Natural stone is susceptible to staining from oil, wine, juice and other substances if not properly sealed or if the sealant wears off. With engineered stone, all you need to do is wipe the surface with a damp cloth to keep it clean. It’s also resistant to heat, so you can place warm pots and pans on it without causing any damage, although, as with any surface, you should avoid placing extremely hot cookware directly onto the surface as it may scorch.
Lower cost
While engineered stone worktops are not the cheapest option in the market, they’re more affordable than natural stones. Moreover, the low maintenance and durability aspects of these worktops make them a long-term investment in your home’s value. You won’t have to replace them as often as other worktops, which saves you money in the long run.
Are there any disadvantages to having an engineered stone worktop?
There aren’t too many disadvantages, but like with any design choice, there are things that you must at least consider.
One of the biggest things is that engineered stone worktops can be less resistant to heat damage than some other materials. While they’re generally tough and durable, they can get damaged if you set hot items on it with no protection. This is less of a concern if you’re careful and use trivets, but it’s something to keep in mind.
There’s also, using natural stone as a comparison, the matter of aesthetics. While many people find the uniform look of engineered stone appealing, others may prefer the organic and unique patterns of natural stone. It really comes down to personal preference, and there’s no right or wrong answer. However, it’s worth considering whether an engineered stone worktop will fit with the overall style and character of your kitchen.
If you’re looking for inspiration, we encourage you to browse through the featured Vale Designs kitchens, where you’ll find a wide variety of engineered, granite and natural stone worktops.
