Surface special | PRODUCT FEATURE
Lundhs says that its natural stone surfaces deliver on high scratch, heat, stain, water and UV resistance in all areas of the kitchen
Natural stone
This refers to stone that remains unchanged from when it is unearthed to being cut and installed. Popular options include quartzite, the main ingredient in engineered quartz, as well as granite and marble. Those looking for ultimate luxury and unbothered by great levels of practicality may choose to go for natural stone over the engineered counterparts. Natural stone carries with it a certain level of status because of its relative high-maintenance and because of its uniqueness, depending on the stone chosen. Granite is a particularly popular choice when it comes to worktops because of its toughness – it is one of the most hard-wearing materials on the market, and apart from the necessary post-
Siematic Mondial kitchen with quartzite surfaces in a choice of finishes
installation sealing products, granite is as natural a product as one can find. Marble can be incredibly luxurious and expensive, depending on whether the customer wants Carrara, Calacatta, or Statuario.
Also, as Lundhs Real Stone marketing and development director Hege Lundh notes, “the limitations very much relate to the different types of stones in question, as while some are softer and may break easily, others can withstand almost anything, even fire”.
Applications
Given the right treatment, and looked after properly, natural stone worktops can last a lifetime, and homeowners will have the joy of knowing that they have the only surface in the world that looks exactly like theirs.
And, natural stone, such as granite and particularly marble, offer that feeling of luxury that one just cannot replicate with their engineered counterparts. In addition, some may argue that marble and other stones offer a character that can’t be matched by engineered stone counterparts, partly because it is vulnerable to some wear and tear. Finally, as marble in particular is a cool surface, home bakers or those who regularly make pastry may prefer it. If your customer wants some natural stone but might not want all the maintenance that comes with a large work surface, you could point them towards other options, such as a statement countertop bathroom basin in basalt or marble. These are a great way of using natural stone without committing too much, while still offering that feeling of luxury, but also texture and earthiness.
Some natural stone can be significantly cheaper than its engineered counterparts – Carrara marble, which is pretty abundant – is a case in point.
Key considerations
Hege Lundh of Lundhs Real Stone adds that, because each stone is unique, each one will vary in appearance, and that consumers should ensure they are “happy with that exact piece of stone that
August 2023 •
their worktop will be made from” before they commit. Ensure your customer knows what is involved in
looking after
real stone worktops. Wine spillages should be mopped up straight away and acidic substances shouldn’t be applied directly to the surface as these could cause damage. In terms of finishes, marble can be polished or
honed and it’s important to advise your customers on the differences. Honed marble is created by sanding the surface to give a soft, matt finish. This means that it doesn’t scratch quite so easily, but because it opens up the structure slightly, it is more susceptible to staining.
Polished marble has a highly reflective, glossy surface which shows off the vibrancy of the stone and repels moisture better, so it’s less likely to stain, but will scratch more easily.
Whatever the stone, chopping boards should be used to protect it from knives. Finally, access is a key consideration when it comes to using natural stone, as it is likely to come in large and heavy slabs, so it is important to ensure you plan ahead and discuss any potential access issues with your customer.
43
Hanover White Limestone from Lapicida
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
