If you are considering a stone worktop then this is the article you must read. We cover all the commonly asked questions we regularly get about stone worktops everything. We think you need to know when considering purchasing and installing one.
Do Stone Worktops Stain?
It would be a stretch to say that stone worktops do not stain. Though stone worktops are more stain resistant than many other types of worktops, it is a stretch to say they are stain-proof.
It would take a significant spill to cause a stain, but regular maintenance, cleaning, and common-sense should ensure your stone worktop stays stain-free without too much hassle.
Though a polished stone worktop, is a high gloss surface, natural stone is a porous rock, and the pores cannot be completely eliminated. As a result, given the open pores, it will always be possible to stain a stone worktop.
The main way to prevent stains on a stone worktop is to wipe up any spills immediately. Sealing the worktop, and polishing it also help, but will never be 100% effective.
The types of liquid you need to be especially wary of are liquids that do not evaporate, dark juices, coffee, citrus products, and red wine.
Are Stone Worktops Worth It?
In our opinion, stone worktops are definitely worth it. There are many reasons that you should consider a stone worktop for your kitchen.
Durability is one of the primary worktop benefits. Solid stone, is a very reliable surface, that will handle many of the bumps of day-to-day kitchen life, without the bumps appearing on the surface.
Secondly, stone worktops are relatively easy to maintain. Worktops made from some other materials can require a significant amount of maintenance and upkeep to preserve their pristine condition. Though a stone worktop requires some maintenance it is a lot less maintenance than some other types of worktop, in particular wood.
Every piece of stone is one-of-a-kind. As an extension, every stone worktop is one-of-a-kind. Having a stone worktop in your kitchen gives your kitchen a unique and distinct aspect, that no other kitchen can reproduce. This distinction can be a great selling point if you ever try to sell your home. They are even known to increase the value of your home.
Are Stone Worktops Durable?
Yes, stone worktops are very durable. The surfaces in general can withstand many knocks and bangs, without those impacts appearing on the surface. In many cases, anything that hits your stone worktop will come off second best.
Though it would be technically possible to break or crack your stone worktop, this would require an impact of significant force.
Are Stone Worktops Cut To Size?
Yes, stone worktops are cut to size, and to the shape required for your kitchen. Given each stone worktop is literally one-of-a-kind, you may see a certain stone slab, and want that to be used for your kitchen. But if it is of the wrong size or shape, it will not be able to be used.
You need to first design your kitchen, to determine your worktop requirements, then view the available worktops that will meet those size requirements.
How Thick Should A Stone Worktop Be?
Industry guidelines recommend that stone worktops are 1.25 inches thick. This thickness is strong enough and stable enough to create an unbroken surface color without further stabilization and backing being required.
In some situations, you may want a thicker stone worktop, but you will need to reinforce the supporting structures accordingly.
Do Stone Worktops Crack?
Though stone worktops are very resilient, they can suffer from mild cracking. They are not completely immune to potential damage and mistreatment, combined with no maintenance, can lead to cracks appearing.
The main way to avoid cracking is to treat your worktops with care and do semi-regular maintenance.
Can I Put Hot Things On Stone Worktops?
Stone worktops have a very high heat tolerance. ut even still we always recommend using a trivet, or pot holder. When placing hot things on them. Though in most cases we would expect the stone worktop to absorb the heat with no complications. There is a risk, albeit a small one, that exposure to extreme heat from something hot, could damage your stone worktop.
Can Stone Worktops Be Repaired?
It is possible to conduct minor repairs on your worktops. Minor repairs can be done without professional assistance. Our advice is to act on the repair as soon as you notice the blemish, as the blemish is likely to deteriorate and worsen over time if left unattended.
Are Stone Worktops Expensive?
Yes, worktops are one of the more expensive worktop materials you can choose. We are biased in that we believe this expense is an investment and justified by the increase in value to your kitchen, and the wow factor it brings to your kitchen.
Though we couldn’t cover everything. We know about worktops in one article. we managed to cover some of the most commonly asked questions. Any of these topics can be researched in more detail, based on the nature of your specific inquiry and interest.
