Stone or granite?
When it comes to kitchen renovations or building a new home, this is a crucial question you may need to answer when choosing the right countertop material.
Your kitchen countertop is not only a functional space but a significant design element that can greatly impact the overall aesthetics and value of your home.
So, how do you choose between
stone benchtops and
granite?
Both materials offer elegance, durability, and functionality, so that’s a great start. But both stone and granite also have distinct characteristics that
might make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the differences between stone benchtops and granite and help you make an informed decision for your kitchen.
Let’s get right into it.
Material Composition
Stone Benchtops: Stone benchtops are engineered using a combination of natural stone, typically quartz, and resin binders. These countertops are known for their remarkable consistency in colour and pattern, making them ideal for modern kitchen designs. The manufacturing process allows for a wide array of colours and patterns, providing homeowners with an extensive range of choices to suit their style preferences.
Granite: Granite countertops are crafted from 100% natural stone. Formed from volcanic activity, granite is extracted in large slabs from quarries and then cut and polished to create countertops. Each granite slab is unique, boasting its distinct blend of colours and patterns, giving your kitchen a truly one-of-a-kind appearance.
Appearance
Stone Benchtops: As an engineered stone, stone benchtops can mimic the look of natural stone while offering more uniformity in colour and pattern. This makes them an excellent choice for contemporary and minimalist kitchen designs, where consistency is preferred.
Granite: The beauty of granite lies in its natural variations. No two granite slabs are exactly alike, which means your countertop will be truly unique and showcase the raw, unrepeatable beauty of nature. Granite countertops add warmth and character to traditional and rustic kitchen styles.
Looking for more options? Explore our Stellastone range here
Durability
Stone Benchtops: Engineered stone benchtops are highly durable and less porous than natural stones, making them less susceptible to staining and bacterial growth. They can withstand reasonable temperatures but the resin can not handle excessive heat like hot pots from the stove. They are also not quite as hard as granite so although scratch resistant, they will not handle the amount of wear and tear that granite will.
Granite: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, making it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and heat. However, it is more porous than engineered stone, so it requires proper sealing to prevent stains and bacterial infiltration. With proper maintenance and sealing, granite can last a lifetime.
Maintenance
Stone Benchtops: One of the significant advantages of stone benchtops is their low maintenance requirements. They are easy to clean using mild soap and water, and their non-porous surface prevents the accumulation of bacteria, making them hygienic for food preparation. It is essential to avoid abrasive scrubbing pads to preserve the lustre of the engineered surface as the resin is easily scuffed by scourer pads and high grit cleaners.
Granite: While granite countertops are relatively easy to maintain, they need annual sealing to ensure they remain resistant to stains and bacterial growth. This is a simple procedure of wiping the sealer onto the benchtop and allowing it to soak in. Wipe off the excess that does not penetrate and it is sealed for another year. It is essential to avoid harsh chemicals which could break down the sealer earlier.
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Cost
Stone Benchtops: Engineered stone benchtops can be more affordable than granite if chosen from the lower priced builders base range. The manufacturing process allows for more cost control, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking for high-quality countertops without breaking the bank. However once chosen from the mid to high price range brackets, they can be an equivalent price to using granite.
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Granite: As a natural stone, granite countertops can be more expensive than the builders range engineered stone. Due to the extraction and fabrication process, as well as its unique characteristics, there are only a few granites which will match the price of the builders range of engineered stone. There are still a few which are in the low price range which are very popular, modern colours such as Black Pearl and Steel Grey. If you choose a granite which has rare and exotic minerals in its makeup, then they can reach exotic price ranges, however there is quite a huge selection of granites which remain in the mid price range that would compare favourably and sometimes cheaper than the more elaborately patterned engineered. Whichever granite price range you choose from, the investment is often justified by its timeless beauty and exceptional durability.
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Eco-Friendliness
Stone Benchtops: If eco-friendliness is a top priority for you, then stone benchtops might be the more environmentally conscious choice. As engineered stones, they often incorporate a significant percentage of recycled materials, reducing the demand for new resources. Additionally, some manufacturers use sustainable practices during the production process, further minimising their environmental impact. Choosing stone benchtops with recycled content can be an excellent way to contribute to a greener planet without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Granite: While granite is a natural stone and doesn’t involve the use of synthetic materials, its extraction process can have a more substantial environmental impact. Quarrying granite involves the removal of large amounts of stone, and it requires heavy machinery and energy. However, some quarries do implement sustainable practices and strive to reduce their carbon footprint. If eco-friendliness is crucial to you, make sure to research the sources of the granite slabs and opt for those from environmentally responsible quarries.
Resale Value
Stone Benchtops: Homebuyers often appreciate the sleek and consistent look of stone benchtops, especially in modern or contemporary homes. As a popular choice in kitchen design, having stone benchtops can positively influence the resale value of your property. Moreover, since they are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, they can retain their pristine appearance for years, appealing to potential buyers.
Granite: Granite countertops have long been associated with luxury and elegance, making them a desirable feature in homes. Their unique patterns and natural beauty add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. As a result, having granite countertops can boost your property’s resale value, especially for buyers seeking premium features and long-lasting quality.
Availability
Stone Benchtops: As engineered stone, stone benchtops are readily available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Their manufacturing process allows for better control over the supply chain, ensuring consistent availability of various styles. This means you’re more likely to find the perfect stone benchtop that suits your kitchen’s aesthetic and your personal preferences.
Granite: While granite is widely available, its uniqueness means that certain specific patterns or colours may be limited in supply. As a natural stone, its availability depends on the geological sources, and certain rare or exotic granite slabs may be more challenging to find. However, with the extensive range of granite options available, you are still likely to discover a granite slab that resonates with your style and design choices.
Installation Process
Stone Benchtops: One of the advantages of stone benchtops is their ease of installation. Since they are engineered and typically uniform in thickness and pattern, the installation process is slightly more straightforward and less time-consuming. This is because the stone mason does not have to consider abrupt changes in pattern as they manufacture your top to suit your kitchen.
Granite: Installing granite countertops requires more expertise and care due to the natural variations in pattern however a professional stonemason should have no problems in solving this as they have been trained to do so.
Impact Resistance
Stone Benchtops: While engineered stone is highly durable, it is not entirely immune to chipping or cracking upon severe impact. Its hardness protects it from minor incidents, but it’s essential to handle heavy objects with care to avoid any damage.
Granite: Granite benchtops generally have higher impact resistance, making them less likely to chip or crack compared to engineered stone. They can withstand the occasional accidental knocks and bumps that can occur in a busy kitchen, ensuring their long-term durability.
Leave Your Granite Worries to Granite Warehouse
Whatever product you decide is best for your project, Granite Warehouse can help you find the right material to suit your needs.
With
over 40 years of experience and over 200 stones so you’re sure to find a product that fits seamlessly into your kitchen’s design and your lifestyle.
Plus, our low business model means you pay less with our highly competitive rates, so
browse our wide range of products today or contact us on
08 9209 2620 to speak to a member of our team!
