Exploring Alternatives to Engineered Stone
At Glenstone Living we remain ahead of government regulations by ensuring that all developments and projects from July 2024 will not incorporate any silica-based benchtop products, reflecting our commitment to safety and innovation in every aspect of our work.
Here we list our top benchtop alternatives
1. Marble – Made from natural marble stone and ideal for high-end kitchens. It requires regular maintenance and is more susceptible to etching and staining compared to other benchtops. There are various types of marble with unique colours and patterns, such as Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario, and Emperador. Each type offers different aesthetics, veining patterns, and colour shades.
2. Quartzite - A natural stone that forms from sandstone under extreme pressure. It’s known for its durability, hardness, and resistance to heat and scratches making it ideal for high traffic areas. Quartzite often features unique and striking patterns and colours and requires minimal maintenance.
3. Granite - Granite is an igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. It is renowned for its durability, heat resistance, and resistance to scratches and stains, making it a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Granite benchtops come in a wide range of colours and patterns, reflecting the natural variations in the stone.
4. Porcelain - Porcelain benchtops are manufactured by compacting porcelain particles at high pressures and firing them at high temperatures, similar to the process used for making porcelain tiles. Porcelain benchtops are available in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 6mm to 20mm or more,
5. Concrete - Concrete benchtops are typically made from a blend of cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), water, and additives. Concrete benchtops are known for their durability and strength. When properly sealed, they are resistant to scratches, heat, stains, and water damage. However, like any natural material, they may develop patina and wear over time, adding character to the surface.
6. Timber - timber benchtops offer a timeless and natural look, durability, and the ability to be customised to suit different design preferences, making them a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary kitchen and bathroom designs. They are typically made from hardwoods like oak, walnut, maple, or teak.
7. Zero Silica engineered - Typically made from alternative materials that do not contain silica. These materials are carefully selected and engineered to provide durability, aesthetics, and safety without the health risks associated with silica dust exposure. They are predominately made with resins, glass, minerals, and additives like pigments, antimicrobial agents, and UV stabilisers. Most major benchtop suppliers now offer a range of zero-silica benchtop options.
Exploring stone option alternatives to engineered stone opens a world of possibilities for homeowners, builders, and designers. From the timeless elegance of natural stone like marble and granite to the durability and customisation options of porcelain, quartzite and concrete, there's a perfect benchtop solution for every style and use.
Blog by Glenstone Living’s Interior Design Coordinator, Jana Varouhakis
