Comparing Stone Benchtop Materials: Which One Is Right for Your Home?

When designing your kitchen, the benchtop is one of the most important elements. It’s the heart of your cooking space, where functionality meets style. But with so many stone options on the market, how do you decide which material will not only look great but also stand the test of time? Let’s take a closer look at the key types of stone benchtops to help you make the right decision.

Marble – Timeless Elegance

Marble is known for its elegant and luxurious appearance, with unique veining that makes every slab one of a kind. This natural stone is a favourite for those looking to add a high-end, timeless feel to their kitchen. However, it’s more porous than other materials, making it prone to staining and etching if not properly sealed and maintained. If you don’t mind a bit of extra care, marble could be the showstopper your kitchen needs.

Benefits:

• Luxurious and classic look
• Unique veining
• Adds value to your home

Granite – Durable and Natural

Granite is another natural stone that offers both beauty and durability. It’s one of the hardest stones available for benchtops, making it resistant to scratches and heat. Granite’s natural colour variations and patterns provide a beautiful, earthy aesthetic that works well in both modern and traditional kitchens. While less porous than marble, it still needs occasional sealing to prevent staining.

Benefits:

• Extremely durable and heat resistant
• Wide range of natural patterns
• Low maintenance compared to marble

Quartz (Engineered Stone) – Low-maintenance Versatility

For homeowners looking for durability with minimal upkeep, quartz is a top contender. Unlike natural stone, quartz benchtops are engineered from a mix of quartz particles and resin, giving them a uniform appearance and making them highly resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria. Plus, quartz requires no sealing, making it one of the easiest materials to maintain. With a variety of colour options available, quartz is perfect for achieving a sleek, modern look.

Benefits:

• Non-porous and highly durable
• Low maintenance (no sealing needed)
• Available in a wide range of colours

• Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, heat, and UV light
• Can be cut into thinner slabs for a sleek, contemporary look
• Available in patterns that mimic natural stone and other surfaces

Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the best stone benchtop material comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you’re after a luxurious, natural aesthetic and don’t mind regular maintenance, marble or granite could be perfect for you. If low maintenance is key, quartz is a great alternative that still offers elegance and durability.

No matter your choice, our team at Pacific Stone is here to help you find the ideal benchtop for your home. With years of experience crafting high-quality stone benchtops, we can guide you through the process from start to finish.

Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start designing your perfect stone benchtop! At Pacific Stone, we specialise in crafting high-quality stone benchtops tailored to your needs. Contact us today to explore our range of marble, granite and quartz options, or visit our showroom in Tauranga to see them up close!

If you need help choosing the ideal stone benchtop for your home, we welcome you to visit our Tauranga showroom. To provide you with the best experience, we recommend booking an appointment in advance, so one of our knowledgeable team members can assist you personally. Visit us at 51-53 Koromiko Street, Judea, Tauranga, or call us at 07 578 5024 to schedule a visit. You can also explore all our stone options online at www.pacificstone.co.nz. Let us help you turn your vision into reality with the timeless beauty of stone.

At Pacific Stone, we are committed to providing good old-fashioned quality and service ensuring that you, our customer, is always satisfied with our work