For many years, the slate has been used popularly as kitchen benchtop. Quartz cultured stone or slate is widely used for this purpose. This material is resistant to scratches and stains and is virtually maintenance free and along with these features, it is also very inexpensive and great to use outdoors like benches, tables and countertop for an outdoor kitchen.
Here are some Slate Countertops' Advantages and Disadvantages
Slate Countertops Advantages
- It gives a classy look.
- It is inexpensive.
- It comes in different colours to match your taste and style.
- Slates are highly resistant to chemicals.
- Scratches of any kind can be mended easily.
- Slates are extremely durable.
- Slates are heat resistant.
Slate Countertops Disadvantages
- Slate does not render a glossy finish to the countertops.
- Color enhancers are needed if you want to bring out deeper tones of the slate.
- Gaps and splits give rise to uneven surface hence it easily chips and break off.
- Slates are brittle that's why it cracks easily.
- It has limited colour choices compared to other stones such as granite or limestone.
There are more advantages than disadvantages in relation to slate being your choice of material for your kitchen benchtop. This is a very reasonably priced choice as it doesn't require much attention and cleaning, however, abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals can cause damage to the surface that is why it is recommended that countertop sealant should be applied.
The price of slate countertops varies depending on the quality and colour. Black is priced higher followed by red coloured slates. The cheaper type of slates needs an additional coating of colour enhancers to bring out richer and more intense tones. You can choose from topcoat finishes that you think would look best and complement your kitchen ideas. For those who want to sustain the natural colour of their slate kitchen benchtop, they can opt for a matte finish. Although they are priced lesser compared to its counterparts, slate kitchen countertops look fantastic and give a warm and cosy feel to your kitchen. The impressive and excellent natural texture of the slate countertops render exciting quality and definitely add beauty to your kitchen.
To achieve that ultimate functional and decorative kitchen benchtop, take the time to choose and weigh the pros and cons before you decide. Aside from the aesthetic appeal that it promises, ensure that you have examined the quality of each material. Check durability and its value for the money that you would be spending on it. Once you have decided on the material that you would like to use, choosing the design will be easy. You can create your own benchtop design and combine it with other materials to achieve the look that you wanted to get. Make sure that other materials, fixtures and furnishings should match or at least be in sync with the other components to achieve beauty and balance. With a plethora of materials available in the market, it is quite difficult to choose and decide what to use. The right way to go about it is by choosing the best that will surely suit your and your family's needs as well as your budget.
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