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Are you planning to give your kitchen a makeover?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing the right benchtop material. But with so many options available, it’s essential to understand what you’re getting. Sure, looks matter, but what about durability and practicality? Let’s delve into the basics of some popular natural stone options to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding the Mohs Scale

To start, let’s talk about the Mohs Scale of Hardness. It measures a stone’s scratch resistance, ranging from 1 (least resistant) to 10 (most resistant). The higher the score, the tougher the benchtop.

Marble: 3
Limestone: 3
Calcite: 3
Dolomite: 4
Granite: 6.5
Natural Quartzite: 7

Now, let’s explore each option:

1. Marble Benchtops

Marble is timeless and beautiful, but it’s not the most durable. It’s made from limestone, which is soft and prone to scratching (Mohs 3). Plus, marble reacts to acids, like those in lemonade, causing etching. However, its unique patterns and warmth make it a popular choice.

2. Dolomite

Dolomite is similar to marble but denser (Mohs 4). It’s more resistant to scratches and heat, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. While it can still etch, it’s slower than marble, giving you time to clean spills.

3. Natural Quartzite

Quartzite is tough and durable, ranking at Mohs 7. It’s made of quartz grains compressed over time, forming a dense rock. Unlike marble, quartzite won’t etch from acids. However, be cautious as some stones sold as quartzite may be mislabeled.

4. Granite

Granite is formed from magma and ranks at Mohs 6.5. It’s strong, durable, and resistant to scratches and acids. Light-colored granites may need sealing, but darker ones are virtually maintenance-free.