Natural Materials: What's the difference?

Limestone, as the name implies, has built up due to layers and layers of limey deposits slowly compacting under the weight of the ocean over millions of years. It is a slightly softer stone, with distinct colours and veins that are incredibly modern.

Limestone

Travertine is a form of limestone but softer and more porous. It has a signature light brown hue and either has a long linear vein structure, or one that is lightly eclectic.

Travertine

Marble

Marble is synonymous with elegance and prestige. The subtle colours and delicate figuring this stone provides allow for it to be used as a minimalistic background, or a luxurious and dramatic statement.

Granite

Granite is one of the hardest stone types. It's inherent strength, abrasion resistance and superior weathering durability is likely to keep it one of the preeminent material selections available.

Quartzite

Quartzite is formed due to the combination of quartz crystals under high pressure over 1 billion years ago. It is known for having extra extraordinary dynamic patterns and for being an incredibly tough material.

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Dolomite

Dolomite is a sedimentary rock like marble, but needing less maintenance. They are generally cool and mysterious with a marble-like flare. They are found all over the world including right here in our own backyard in the Pilbara region, WA.

Bench top with caramel quartzite and kitchen knives

Best Choices for a Kitchen Bench

Granite

This is the champion of durability and is the material we recommend most for a kitchen benchtop. Its strength, resistance to scratching and superior weathering ability makes it still one of the best choices for kitchens

Dolomite

Dolomite is a great choice for a kitchen! It is harder than a marble/limestone so it is much more difficult to scratch or etch. It can however stain as quickly as a marble or limestone so it does require sealing to keep it free from liquids that can penetrate the surface like heavy oils and red wine.

Quartzite

A very close second to Granite in reliability. It's very suitable for kitchen benchtops. Quartzites come in a variety of colours and can often be great substitutes for a marble look without the drawbacks.

Marble/Limestone

Gorgeous material with an unparalleled look. Marble and limestone are great on kitchen benchtops but are slightly more prone to chipping and staining. They can also etch when acids (like lemon juice) interact with the surface. They need to be resealed more frequently and wiped down after use. If well maintained, they can last as long as any other material.

Benchtop Stone Selection

There is no such thing as a bad stone, there are however inappropriate selections for a given application and unrealistic expectations for a given stone type. The informed selection of natural stone is also influenced by the end user. To some, etching, or weathering, brings about a character that is unique to one's home.

The ideal benchtop is harder than the objects around it so that it doesn’t get scratched, strong enough to withstand the occasional impact from a heavy pot and resistant to acids like lemon juice and vinegar.

While travertine, marble and limestone are quite beautiful to look at, they require more maintenance than a granite surface would. They are highly porous and therefore stain easily. Over time, normal cooking ingredients such as orange juice, wine or turmeric can harm the stone. These stones are best saved for lighter trafficked areas such as bathroom vanity tops, bath hobs, flooring or as wall cladding.

Granite is tough, durable, has low porosity and is easy to clean. It is for this reason it has gained widespread use as kitchen benchtops. It comes in a variety of colours and pattern variations. Granite’s resistance to all types of weather is also the perfect solution for external application.