Tips to Identify Defects in Granite kitchen benchtops before Purchasing from Melbourne

Granite is a natural stone and one of the most preferred for benchtops. It looks stylish, sleek and attractive. Besides, granite has commendable strength and resistance against extreme temperatures. This means that the Granite kitchen benchtops made in Melbourne don’t crack if you place a steaming utensil on them. Nor do they undergo any damage if you place a bag of ice on them.

The following parameters will tell you that the Granite kitchen benchtop could just be defective:

Cracks:

During the polishing of Granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne, cracks present in the granite are covered up. So, it is hard to identify cracks on the polished side. In order to identify the cracks, the trick is to verify the unpolished reverse side of the stone slab. If you have a close look, you can easily make out cracks on the reverse side. This is one of the basic checks which you have to do when shopping for Granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne.

Pattern defects:

Good quality granite has uniform colours and patterns. However, colours and patterns aren’t always even. This happens due to the uneven concentration of certain minerals in the granite. For example, the presence of excess quartz content is seen in the form of white patches on the stone slab. Such stones have poor quality because quartz makes the stone brittle and break. The polishing process doesn’t entirely cover up this fault. Thus, when you shop for Granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne, study the surface in order to make sure that the colour and patterns on it are even.

Uniformity in thickness:

You can effortlessly identify unevenness in the thickness of the slab. Look closely all along the edge to identify if the thickness is uniform. You shouldn’t buy an uneven slab as the slimmer portions become the weak links and break easily.

Be a smart customer and make the right choice while purchasing Granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne.

Invest in Granite Benchtops made in Melbourne

Since the kitchen is an important part of most Melbourne homes, it makes sense that you want yours to be as pleasant as possible. If you're planning to remodel your kitchen soon, then, the first thing you should do is replace its benchtops for something more modish, stylish and attractive. Investing in Granite Benchtops in Melbourne is a wise thing to do. How to do it?  

Get the Right Size:

According to experts, the optimal depth for kitchen benchtops lies between ‘600 mm and 900 mm’. Width is a bit of a more flexible matter, though. If only one person works in the kitchen, a width of about 600 mm to 900 mm should be sufficient. If two people cook simultaneously on a regular basis, you should aim for a width of about 1200 mm or more. Some materials join together more naturally than others, thus larger designs might restrict your options a bit. Hunt for the right size while shopping for Granite Benchtops in Melbourne. 

Choose the Proper Material:

If you tend to be a more professional-grade cook, then you will want your benchtop to be made up of a heat resistant and scratch resistant material. While shopping for Granite Benchtops in Melbourne, keep in mind that the granite you choose is of high-quality and is long-lasting.   

Get The Look You Desire:

The type of benchtop you choose for your kitchen has a major impact on its overall look, especially if you’re going to use an island in your design. Choose a colour and style which will make you happy, and which will complement your kitchen in the best way possible. If selected and installed correctly, your novel kitchen granite benchtop will enhance the look and utility your kitchen for many years to come. Therefore, investing in Granite Benchtops in Melbourne is a wise pick!

3 types of kitchen stone benchtops in Melbourne

Kitchen stone benchtops

in Melbourne make an excellent choice. They are popular and are available in a wide variety. Here is a list of 3 types of Kitchen stone benchtops

:

Granite Benchtop: These cater to different budgets. They can be too expensive depending on the quality you choose, and at the same time, you have the choice of buying a material which is of high-quality yet pocket-friendly. Granite Benchtops are pleasing to the eye and heavy-duty. Moreover, they are easy to clean. Spilled something? Wipe it off easily using a moist sponge. You may not even require any detergent. Granite benchtops are the best among the Kitchen stone benchtops in Melbourne. They are natural and are available in different patterns. However, one drawback is sealing. This is not a big problem as sealing may only be needed after a decade has passed by. By that time, you will already be planning a kitchen remodel.

Limestone Benchtop: Limestone is a soft, heat resistant stone. You can buy a limestone benchtop for as low as 60 dollars per square foot. They have fabulous looks. However, they aren’t a wise investment. Their beauty is marred by their porous nature. You’ll be spending most of your time fighting the spills and stains. Moreover, compared to other Kitchen stone benchtops in Melbourne, they are more prone to scratches and cuts. Thus, think before going for a limestone benchtop.

Marble Benchtop: Being a natural stone no marble slab is similar to another. Marble benchtops are preferred by people who favour decor over functionality. The distinctive swirls and veins on marble add class to your decor. However, they are not the best among other Kitchen stone benchtops in Melbourne. Marble is porous and reacts to acids and food colourings like vinegar and turmeric. With time your marble benchtop begins to lose its original colour, and requires polish.

A Buyer's Guide to Granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne

Granite Kitchen Benchtops Melbourne

Available in a variety of colours, from brown to grey, pink and purple, granite is the most beautiful option when it comes to kitchen benchtops in Melbourne. Its grainy texture makes it warm and welcoming. Being heat, scratch and stain resistant, granite is both economical and stylish. These are the reasons that allow some fabricators to trick you. You can be sold low-quality granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne without you ever finding out.

To save you from falsehood here's a buyer’s guide on how not to be fooled when buying granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne:

Slabs or Tiles:

You should first decide whether you want to buy granite tiles or slabs. A granite slab is nothing but solid granite. It is slightly expensive as compared to tiles but demands less care. On the other hand, granite tiles are crafted from multiple left-out pieces. They’re less costly but need more cleaning especially the grout between the tiles.

Granite Direction:

Granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne have unique patterns. There are some that have a wavy or flowing pattern. When buying these ensure that all the benchtops flow in the same direction. It saves your kitchen from an ugly look and also prevents you from being tricked. Some of the fabricators use left out pieces from a previous job. So be careful and insist on the same pattern.

Polish:

Polish gives a fantastic finishing touch to any surface. It instantaneously enhances the appearance of the object. Granite kitchen benchtops made in Melbourne require polish as well. However, some fabricators polish the surface while they leave out the edges. The edges are covered by wax which comes out in six months. To gauge the quality of polish run your hand over it. It should be smooth and shouldn’t have any stains or prints. Run your hand around the edges too. Does it feel rough? If yes, it indicates low-quality craftsmanship.

Sealing:

Sealing offers protection from spills, stains, and scratches. A good sealant provides sealing which lasts almost a decade. Lighter granite might need sealing a little early. So do make a note of it when buying Granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne.