Why Stone is the Perfect Choice for Kitchen Island worktops
The kitchen island is the heart of any modern kitchen. Whether you use yours for meal prep, casual dining or entertaining, our kitchen island worktops blend beauty and durability. Stone worktops are an especially popular choice for homeowners, with options including custom-cut marble, granite and manufactured quartz surfaces. Interested in learning more? Explore why stone is perfect for topping kitchen islands and how it can enhance your cooking area below.
Benefits of stone kitchen island worktops
1. Durability and longevity
When it comes to kitchen island worktops, a hardwearing surface is key. Your island sees a lot of action: from chopping vegetables to rolling out dough, dishing meals to hosting parties. And stone worktops stand up well to daily wear and tear provided they’re sealed to prevent stains.
Granite, for example, is one of the hardest natural surfaces available. Whilst marble offers excellent heat-resistance and a luxurious finish, though is more prone to scratches. Or you could opt for an engineered stone surface like quartz or ceramic. These long-lasting materials are resistant to scratches and stains, without the need for additional surface protection. This is ideal if you don’t want to have to re-seal your worktops periodically to maintain their condition.
Quartz is robust, non-porous and won’t absorb bacteria. Meanwhile, Dekton is the most dense form of ceramic. It is waterproof, virtually indestructible and won’t be scorched by hot pans.
2. Aesthetic appeal
As the centrepiece of your kitchen, your island will have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of the space. With that in mind, choosing the right surface design is crucial. Stone worktops bring natural beauty and a sense of luxury to your home. Their unique patterns, textures and colours can complement any kitchen style, from sleek modern designs to more rustic looks. Options include:
- Granite is a naturally heat resistant form of igneous rock rated 6-7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it one of the toughest natural stone surface options. It comes in various colours with unique speckled patterning, and honed, polished or leathered finishes.
- Quartz combines ground quartz crystals and resin to create a robust and non-porous finish that’s perfect for kitchen island worktops. And as it’s manmade, the pigments can be tailored with specific colours and more uniform patterns.
- Marble is known for its elegant and naturally smooth finish. Its multi-tonal veining distinguish it from other natural stones, with white marble featuring grey patterns typically being the most popular. But it also comes in black, brown, blue and more.
- Porcelain worktops are made with a blend of fine clay, Feldspar and quartz fired at high temperatures for durability. Waterproof and as hard as granite, the strongest form of porcelain is Dekton, available in authentic stone, wood grain and metallic effects.
3. Easy maintenance
One of the main worries people have when choosing kitchen materials is the upkeep involved. Stone worktops are more durable and require less maintenance than materials like wood or laminate. Engineered stone surfaces like quartz and porcelain are particularly easy to care for as they are water-resistant and don’t require sealing. A simple wipe-down with warm water and mild soap is often all that’s needed to keep your worktop looking fresh. Granite and marble, on the other hand, require periodic sealing and polishing to protect against stains.
4. Versatility in design
Whether you want a minimalist look or something more dramatic, stone kitchen island worktops are incredibly versatile. Choose from a range of colours and patterns to complement your cabinetry. For example, pairing a dark stone with light units can create a striking contrast.
What’s more, cooktops, pop-up extractors, sinks and boiling water Quooker taps can be integrated into each bespoke design. Simply provide the measurements or request a home survey and we’ll supply a custom-made counter to fit around your fixtures and fittings. We can also tailor the edge finish, from classic Coved or Ogee styles to simple bevelled edges and contemporary bullnose profiles to complement your décor. Just tell us what you’d prefer!
5. Increased home value
Investing in high-quality stone worktops can increase your home’s value and appeal when it comes to selling. Natural stone is considered a premium material that offers a timeless finish. Meanwhile, manmade alternatives like Dekton and quartz offer a similar look, but typically last longer as they are more resistant to surface damage. As such, homebuyers may be willing to pay more for a kitchen with a beautifully crafted island that is both beautiful and functional.
6. Environmentally friendly options
For eco-conscious homeowners, sustainably sourced marble and granite free from synthetic polymers are a good option. You can also get kitchen island worktops that mimic natural stone and are manufactured from recycled materials. For example, Neolith ceramic surfaces and Caesarstone’s quartz range made with reclaimed post-production waste.
Whichever you choose, our stone counters are designed with longevity in mind to minimise the need for replacements over time. Likewise, our natural stone surfaces are all finished with professional-grade sealant prior to installation to keep the surface in good condition for longer.
Kitchen island worktops in a range of stone finishes
Remodelling your current kitchen or designing a new one? The combination of beauty, practicality and longevity that stone offers will ensure your island remains a stunning and practical centrepiece for years to come. No matter your preference, we have a surface to suit your taste and budget! What’s more, we can measure your space to ensure your product fits perfectly and fit your custom stone worktop too. Learn more about our installation service.
Visit our Midhurst showroom now to browse natural and synthetic stone samples, alongside luxury cabinetry options, in person. Or give us a call on 01730 923286 for advice on the best kitchen island worktop material for you.
