Pros and Cons of Stone Worktops
Engineered stone products are primarily—more than 90 percent—made of natural quartz, the hardest non-precious stone, bound together by resins. The latest products contain sparkling 'deep' metals, which will add a unique dimension of character and beauty to your kitchen.
Engineered stone products:
- Require less maintenance than granite because they are non-porous so don't have to be sealed periodically.
- Are more stain and bacterial resistance than granite.
- Are more heat resistant than natural stone
- Are slightly heavier than granite, but they are also less brittle so they are less likely to break and crack during transportation and installation.
- Are relatively easy to repair with a piece that is indistinguishable from the original.
The downside is that they’re homogenous looking. There are no swirls or big colour variations like there can be with granite. However, OKITE one of the newest lines of quartz surfacing is first manufacturer to introduce a veined "marble look" line.
Care and Maintenance of Stone Worktops
Although Engineered stone is extremely tough and resilient, as with all stone products it is always recommended to wipe away spillages immediately, especially those of oil and drink and acid spillages such as vinegar, which are corrosive to stone in general. Abrasive cleaning products such as metal pads, scouring detergents or wire wool should never be used on the worktops as these can affect the finish over time. Bleach and alkaline and chlorine based cleaners should be avoided.
To view our full range of Engineered stone finishes why not pop into our showroom, our designers will be happy to talk them through with you.