Choosing an appropriate benchtop is an essential process in designing your dream kitchen. The kitchen will undoubtedly be the most routinely utilized space in your residence. Considering it will be utilized for a multitude of operations, your benchtop must be rugged and long-lasting. There are numerous materials available for kitchen benchtops, and finding the ideal one will be determined by a number of criteria, including the design of your kitchen, your budget, your tastes, and the degree of maintenance that you are willing to undertake.

When it comes to selecting a kitchen benchtop, selecting between porcelain and engineered stone can be challenging. Both resources have an array of advantages, but they also have distinct qualities that should be considered when making your choice. Builders Paradise understands the significance of selecting the right material for your tabletop. The material you select will influence the appearance and quality of your kitchen, but also its longevity, efficiency, and maintenance requirements. When selecting a tabletop material, consider aspects such as your lifestyle and the amount of use the countertop will see.

For example, if you’re a regular home cook, you’ll require something that can withstand the everyday use of chopping and cutting. If you’re searching for a more ornamental piece, though, you’ll want to choose a material that looks great and won’t scratch or crack easily. Maintenance is yet another crucial element to consider when selecting a tabletop material. Some materials must be coated on a regular basis to safeguard them from scratches or spills, but others are remarkably easy to maintain and do not require coating. This might be an essential element in the decision you make depending on how much time and work you’re prepared to put into maintenance.

Engineered Stone Benchtops

This substance is frequently referred to as quartz in the business, however, the label ‘engineered stone’ offers a clearer notion of what it is. Contrary to natural stone countertops, which are constructed of pure granite, marble, or sandstone, engineered stone countertops are made of quartz crystals that are bound together using a “resin binder.” They have an identical look to genuine stone, yet they have advantages that natural materials do not have. Let us look at the advantages of engineered stone countertops.

1. Compelling Designs

The quartz material is ‘compressed’ creating slabs that resemble real granite and slate in colour and texture. The primary difference people will observe is that the colour is more unified than the colour differences found in most real stone slabs. The biggest distinction guests will notice is that the shade is more uniform than in most actual stone slabs. Colours available for engineered stone kitchen counters include earth tones throughout the spectrum, rose, greys, and others. The majority of the colours are derived from the natural colour of quartz, while pigments can be added to get the appropriate tone. 

2. Highly Resistant

The end product is very hard, almost as hard as granite. It has the distinct advantage of not cracking as easily as granite or slate. It’s remarkably heat resistant, so a hot pan is unlikely to harm it. Although the surfaces are immune to cuts and scratches, it is nevertheless advised that you place a cutting board on top of them. 

3. Easy Cleaning

One disadvantage of natural stone countertops is that they are breathable. Quartz countertops are resistant to absorbing liquids, making cleanup easier and more effective. Engineered Stone Benchtops will enhance the security of food if you operate with raw veggies, meat, or fish in your kitchen

4. No Stains

Natural stone is prone to discolouration from oil, wine, juice, and other liquids if it is not adequately coated or if the coating ‘wears off’. Engineered worktops are extremely resistant to such materials. Engineered worktops are extremely resistant to such materials.

5. Ideal for every kitchen

Natural stone is extracted from the earth’s core and hence contains a variety of flaws. Engineered stones are extremely essential for protecting the surface from heat and moisture. As the countertops are made using a pigmentation technique, they may be coloured in a variety of ways.

6. Easy Installation

The installation method is quite effortless while users must consult the handbook to complete the work. People may additionally benefit from the services of expert installers that are at the top of their game when it comes to giving quality services to consumers. If you are unsure about the product’s quality, verify with former consumers who had the service done. If you are unsure about the product’s quality, verify with former consumers who had the service done. The primary elements influencing the choice of Engineered Stone Benchtops are uncompromising quality and flawless function.

7. Hygienic

The primary elements influencing the choice of Engineered Stone Benchtops are uncompromising quality and flawless function.

8. Presence of Silica

Silicosis is a previously rare, long-term lung disease caused by inhaling fine dust containing silica (also known as crystalline silica). Quartz is a type of crystalline silica. Silicosis can be fatal, while exposure to silica dust can also lead to lung cancer and other diseases. This is one of the most prominent reasons why people prefer other benchtop options over-engineered or quartz. As your kitchen is supposed to be the most hygienic and pure area in the household, the presence of silica makes engineered benchtops undesirable.

2. Porcelain Benchtops

Because of the numerous qualities of porcelain, this material is expected to become a prominent design trend in the future. Porcelain benchtops are ceramic goods that are created from powdered clay and coloured pigments that are joined together under great heat and pressure. This ultra-thin surface is extremely sturdy.

1. Heat Resistant

When compared to engineered acrylic surfaces, laminate, or quartz stone, porcelain stone can withstand considerably higher temperatures. This is due to the novel manufacturing technology employed in the creation of porcelain slabs. This lets you transfer hot pots and pans directly from the stove or oven onto the porcelain countertop without fear of them shattering. So get rid of your heated mats and install a porcelain countertop instead. 

2. Durable

Porcelain is around 30% stronger than even the toughest stone. Because of its robust structure, porcelain is scratch-resistant. You can even chop and dice food on it without worrying about scratching the surface. 

3. Variety of Designs

Another quality that distinguishes porcelain stone is that each slab is skillfully made and deliberately imprinted onto the stone’s surface. Natural shades are printed beneath the stone’s surface, ensuring that the surface maintains its non-porous ceramic properties. Each slab design has its own distinct and detailed depth, providing you with a wide range of realistic alternatives with maximum design flexibility. The combination of scratch and heat resistance, as well as the widest colour and style choice, sets it apart from other surfaces.

4. Scratch Resistant

Porcelain, like any other material, is resistant to scratching. Porcelain is a desirable substitute for granite for consumers looking for a strong tabletop since it is durable and has low porosity.

5. Can be utilised in any setting

Finally, porcelain is not only heat, scratch, and abrasion resistant, but it is also practically UV radiation resistant, making it a perfect surface for outdoor application. Use the same colour in both indoor and outdoor areas to emphasise the idea of indoor-outdoor flow, resulting in stunning uniformity across your house. Another alternative for an entertainer’s outside safety is a custom outdoor kitchen with fully working equipment, a grill, and running water. Porcelain benchtops are becoming increasingly popular in the realm of kitchen remodelling and design.

6. UV Proof

One significant benefit porcelain has over quartz is that it will not discolour when exposed to direct and continuous sunshine. What a comfort it is to be able to design your kitchen countertop arrangement without having to think about where the windows are positioned.

7. Nature Friendly

One of the most significant advantages of porcelain is its greenness. It’s a completely natural product composed of raw and clay-based components, so it’s wonderful to know it’ll be recyclable one day.

Conclusion

When it concerns kitchen benchtops, there is no standard solution. Each material has distinct advantages and disadvantages that must be carefully considered before selecting a material.

Porcelain stones are popular today and cause no harm to the hygiene of your kitchen ever

Porcelain benchtops provide a traditional and timeless appearance as well as tough durability, We can help you select your ideal benchtop, as our team is proficient at advising the best kitchen benchtops after analysing your needs, budget, utilisation and kitchen space. Connect with us today.