Modern manufacturing has created a huge amount of engineered and faux varieties of many favourite building materials. From hardwood floors to stone benchtops, there are dozens of replicas and materials that mimic the real thing without containing any of the qualities that really draw people to them. If you are considering between getting a natural stone benchtop and a fake alternative then the price difference can be very tempting. However, there are a few reasons why you should always go with a natural stone benchtop over the alternatives, and why the extra money is not wasted.
Durability
Any type of engineered stone or marble is going to have a lot less durability than the real thing. It is impossible to get a material looking so similar to natural stone while also imbuing it with the same strength and longevity. While these faux benchtops might last for several years, they will steadily decline and become visibly deteriorated far before any natural stone benchtops will. There are real stone benchtops and countertops still in existence from hundreds of years ago. When it comes to building a home that you want to live in for the foreseeable future, there can only be one real choice.
Aesthetic Features
Natural stone is quite beautiful, especially because it doesn't scratch that easily or get scuffed, stained or chipped without serious, continued efforts to do so. Engineered varieties and fake plastic benchtops will show up all of these marks in only a few weeks or months of use. Yes, the price might be lower, but is it worth it if you are continually having to fix it up or explain to all your guests why the benchtop looks the way it does? You might save on money now but you will not like how it looks and feels later on.
Value
If you do end up wanting to sell your house or apartment then you always want to have the highest quality materials inside of it so that you get the best resale value. No one is going to be impressed with fake stone or wooden floors, especially if they are in a prominent position like your kitchen. Stone benchtops hold their value almost indefinitely, and even more so now because of how popular they have become in recent years. If you want to future proof your current investment then you really cannot go wrong with stone.
Contact a natural stone benchtop installation company for more information.