Choosing the Right Benchtop Stone: Porcelain, Natural or Engineered
Here’s our biggest tip for the perfect finish to your newly built or renovated kitchen: it pays to do your research on stone benchtops.
The wide range of stone benchtops in Perth can be grouped into 3 categories:
- Natural stone
- Engineered stone
- Porcelain
So what are the main differences and how do you know which is best? Allow us to demystify your choices with an objective look at all 3 styles, giving you the knowledge to make the best decision for your home.
Natural stone benchtops
Large blocks of raw stone – usually marble, limestone, quartzite, granite or onyx – are quarried in slabs to make unique stone benchtops.
Engineered stone benchtops
Natural materials like quartz are processed and compressed with additives like resin to make engineered stone, a truly hardwearing and versatile product.
Porcelain benchtops
Modern porcelain benchtops are made by processing and kiln firing kaolinite-rich clay into an incredibly durable multipurpose material with many natural advantages.
Natural vs engineered vs porcelain stone: Pros and cons
Each material has its unique advantages. When shopping for stone benchtops in Perth there are three main criteria you will want to assess:
Aesthetics
No two natural stone slabs are the same thanks to conditions influencing natural veining, colours and imperfections. While this has obvious aesthetic advantages, porcelain and engineered stone benchtops may be preferred for a sleek and uniform look through a modern home or office.
Performance
Porcelain benchtops have a long list of superior qualities, but for those who prefer the natural look of stone there is no need to despair. Although natural stone is the more porous material of the 3, Bravvo use high quality natural stone with lower porosity. In the middle is engineered stone, offering more durability while retaining a natural stone look.
Suitability
Porcelain can be used both inside and outside the house because it is scratch and heat resistant, UV repellent and hygienic. Engineered and natural stone benchtops in Perth are also used in kitchens, laundries, and bathroom tiles. You may prefer natural stone as a statement piece, whereas engineered stone and porcelain slabs are easier to match up.
Natural, engineered stone or porcelain? Which is best?
As Perth stone benchtop experts this is a question the Bravvo team are frequently asked, and there is no easy answer. The best stone benchtop for you is the one matches your style, is most suitable for where you plan to install it, and ready for what you plan to throw at it.
Our advice is to contact us for tailored advice on the best product. With a huge range of natural stone, engineered stone and porcelain products available we can help you decide.
