For the last 10 years, granite has been regarded as the most favored bench top stone material. Granite is a natural stone that is relatively heat resistant, durable and comes in fantastic, unique and natural colours. No two slabs are the same. However, it also has major flaws and for quite some time now, several bench top materials are emerging and competing with it.
Maintenance Issues
For sure everybody who got granite bench tops can tell that they’re stunning and elegant yet very hard to maintain. Keeping its elegant and streak free look needs constant polishing. Plus, granite also needs resealing. It’s no doubt that this kitchen bench top requires more attention and maintenance than any other area at home. By the way Lithofin easy-clean is your best choice as a granite cleaner.
More Choices
In selecting bench top materials, looks will most likely matter. In the 1980’s and 90’s, Corian was the most favoured bench top material. This maybe for the fact that Corian is easier to maintain, however, its popularity ended when granite came.
Nowadays, there are a lot of stones to choose from for your bench tops. They are laminates, which can be made with customs edges, and designed quartz like Caesarstone or Silestone; both have all the benefits of granite – great looks, durability – but without the worry about resealing or using specialty cleaners and the likes.
They don’t come cheap, though. The price point for engineered quartz is close to that of granite. Although it’s inexpensive, it’s still considered a tough competition for granite.
