How to choose the right material for countertop and splashback?
The kitchen guide
Our many years of experience and our continuous investment in knowledge and innovation enable us to offer sustainable solutions for all kinds of kitchen applications. We have compiled this experience in our kitchen guide. This guide groups together our extensive range of materials for worktops and splashbacks, divided among the three product groups of natural stone, composite and ceramics.
In the hands of a stonemason, these slabs are transformed into worktops and splashbacks for your dream kitchen.
Choose the right material for the right application
Each material has specific properties. One material is better suited to a certain kitchen application (worktop, splashback, floor, table, etc.) than to another.
That consideration is different for everyone.
Check with your stone mason what the characteristics and possibilities of the selected material are. The overview below already gives you a nice and clear summary of the most important properties per type of material. For example, are you looking for a material that is heat-, scratch-, acid- and stain-resistant? Then the materials granite and quartzite are the best choice. And so your choice of material for your dream kitchen depends on your expectations, wishes and requirements.
Consult the overview below for an informed choice of the material that suits you best.
Natural stone
Granite
Granite is an extremely hard and especially wear- and scratch-resistant material. These properties have developed at great depths where the natural stone has solidified, slowly cooled and subsequently compressed over millions of years. Today the result is an acid- and heat-resistant natural stone, ideal as a maintenance-friendly kitchen worktop. The uniform or speckled colours offer exciting variations, along with different finish options.
Granite
Granite is an extremely hard and especially wear- and scratch-resistant material. These properties have developed at great depths where the natural stone has solidified, slowly cooled and subsequently compressed over millions of years. Today the result is an acid- and heat-resistant natural stone, ideal as a maintenance-friendly kitchen worktop. The uniform or speckled colours offer exciting variations, along with different finish options.
Quartzite
Quartzite brings an extremely high level of hardness and elegant looks into your home. This natural stone has the same maintenance-friendly properties as granite and is therefore acid-, heat- and scratch-resistant. In addition, it looks as stylish as marble. Quartzite thus combines the best of both worlds.
The hardness of quartzite lends itself perfectly to all kinds of applications. With the marble look and ease of maintenance of granite, it is a popular and durable material, especially in kitchens. The colours and graining give each worktop a stylish touch.
The soft, neutral or bold colours feel at home in any interior. The various formats and thicknesses, a multitude of materials and 4 possible surface finishes allow a personal touch.
Slate
Slate is gaining ground in our interiors due to its variety of colours and favourable price-quality ratio. It is also a rewarding material in kitchens. With slate, it is important to pay sufficient attention to proper maintenance. This way you can keep your natural stone worktop beautiful for years to come.
Marble
A marble kitchen worktop appeals to the imagination. This elegant, beautiful and often exclusive material is rich in colours and textures. Get good advice when choosing a marble kitchen top. This natural stone is heat and stain resistant, but requires some extra attention and caution with regard to scratches and acids. For kitchen applications, we recommend honed marble because it is less prone to staining.
Polished worktops within marble are not recommended. Reprocessing to honed or brushed is possible.
Dolomite marble
Dolomite marble brings a traditional marble look with a high level of hardness into your kitchen. The impressive interplay of lines is combined in this natural stone with a higher level of hardness than marble and with the same heat- and stain-resistant properties. A sustainable and maintenance friendly choice. For kitchen applications, we recommend honed dolomite marble as it is less prone to staining.
Polished worktops within marble are not recommended. Reprocessing to honed or brushed is possible.
Limestone
Limestone is characterised by unique textures and soft shades of white, beige and grey. This natural stone is particularly durable and also heat-resistant. It immediately gives your kitchen a warm, southern touch.
Bluestone
Kilkenny Limestone is Irish Bluestone. An authentic and extremely solid material that feels at home in rural and modern kitchens. This bluestone places a strong highlight on your worktop or splashback. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy the beautiful patina that this natural stone acquires from day to day.
Blended materials
Unistone®
Unistone quartz composite effortlessly combines aesthetics with durability. The high degree of hardness results in a maintenance-friendly material that is scratch, acid and stain resistant. Thanks to the variety of plain and veined designs, you are guaranteed to find a match for the kitchen of your dreams.
Unistone®
Unistone quartz composite effortlessly combines aesthetics with durability. The high degree of hardness results in a maintenance-friendly material that is scratch, acid and stain resistant. Thanks to the variety of plain and veined designs, you are guaranteed to find a match for the kitchen of your dreams.
Uniceramica®
Uniceramica brings top-quality contemporary ceramics to your kitchen. Uniceramica therefore offers a wide range of choices. The designs range from elegant limestone to exclusive marble and from popular travertine and sturdy granite to sleek basalt.
Terrazzo
An original splashback that catches the eye? Then Terrazzo is for you. This high-quality and durable marble mosaic is made up of recycled marble granules, marble sand, cement binder and colour pigment. The colour shades and unique speckled patterns form a playful accent in your kitchen.
Get inspired
The right maintenance for every type of natural stone and blended material
Your choice of natural stone or a composite material is a strong, durable choice. Proper maintenance is important in order to be able to enjoy these materials for a lifetime.
So always keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the right type of stone according to the application. In kitchens or bathrooms, it is important to choose a material with the right stain resistance and surface finish.
- Use a damp cloth and rub gently with an appropriate product.
- In addition to regular cleaning, natural stone and composites also require protection and nourishing. With a 3-in-1 maintenance product, such as Lithofin Easy Clean, you are safe.
- Daily maintenance with Lithofin KF HyClean keeps your ceramic worktop in top condition.
- Stubborn dirt? Never sand with abrasive materials.
Useful guide
Maintenance brochures
Go to the overview of our maintenance brochures.
Discover our range of maintenance products for natural stone and composite kitchen worktops at www.stonecare.be.