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There’s no surface quite like natural stone. Try though they may, engineered stone and porcelain replicas just can’t compare to the look and feel of the real deal.

However, the investment goes beyond the initial cost. So how do you keep your natural beauty looking its best? We’ve scratched the surface…and then some, to learn what you can expect when installing Natural stone benchtops in your home…

Which Stone?

First things first - not all stone is created equal, and depending on the type of stone you choose, its properties, maintenance and care will vary. So when going down the path of Natural Stone, this is an important consideration.

Granite is generally non-porous and more resistant to acids from food and chemicals than its counterparts.

Surfaces like Marble, Limestone and Onxy are Granite’s higher maintenance cousins. These beauties are more porous and should ideally be sealed every 6 months, requiring extra care and upkeep.

Which Finish?

When choosing natural stone, there’s a range of finishes available.

Polished surfaces have a gloss finish that reflects light and emphasises the colour and markings on the stone surface. They can be slippery when wet and show up watermarks on their glossy surface.

Honed surfaces feature a matte or satin finish with very little reflection of light. They are generally easier to maintain than polished surfaces and get the Z + S vote when it comes to natural beauty!

A Brushed finish gives the stone a slightly textured feel. It is smooth although uneven to touch and adds a layer of interest to your surface. The brushing process results in a stone that is more porous and will require extra maintenance, although the uneven surface often means stains are less visible. We opted for brushed Limestone in our Resort project and we’re thrilled with the results!

Seal The Deal

No matter which natural stone you opt for, it should be sealed regularly to protect the surface. This is because Natural Stone is porous, and can absorb chemicals, liquids, food colours and acids, as well as bacteria. A sealer will help your surface be more resistant to stains, but won’t make it completely stain-proof.

Opt for a non-toxic sealer, particularly in food prep areas. Your stone should be cleaned and sealed as soon as possible after installation. A penetrating sealer will form a barrier between the stone surface and food and drinks but must be reapplied every 6 - 12 months as it wears off.

Not sure which sealer to use or how often to seal your stone? Your stone supplier should be able to assist.

Can You DIY?

Should you go it alone or call in a professional to seal it? Sealing natural stone benchtops is relatively straightforward if you carefully follow the instructions on the label, however, be aware that the sealant will let off fumes and if you’re sealing a large area, it can require some serious elbow grease to thoroughly wash, dry and seal the surfaces.

So if you’re opting to DIY, be thorough and apply adequate coverage on all stone surfaces. Leave no stone unturned! 😆 Also use a mask if required and ventilate your space during and after sealing. After the sealer has dried, clean the surface with warm water, particularly in food prep areas.

What About Regular Cleaning And Maintenance?

Simple but regular care will preserve your stone for years to come.

• Mop stone floors and wipe bench tops with a soft cloth and warm water, changing your rinsing water frequently.

• Use mild neutral detergent or specialised stone cleaning products.

• Rinse with clean water to remove any detergent residue and dry the surface thoroughly.

What to avoid

There are certain products you definitely want to avoid on your stone surface:

• Acidic cleaners or those containing vinegar or lemon juice, such as bathroom cleaners or grout cleaners.

• Stay away from abrasive cleaners or cream cleansers which may wear away at the stone surface or result in scratches.

Spills

Spills are unavoidable, so the best advice is to blot up spills immediately or as soon as they are discovered. Avoid wiping the area, which can spread the spill further. After blotting, flush the area with warm water several times, drying off excess water each time. Follow with a gentle clean with a neutral-based cleaner or detergent and warm water and always dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary until the spill has been removed!

Call in the big guns

With regular sealing, most spills wipe up easily and stains can be removed before becoming permanent. But there are some marks that will embed themselves despite your best intentions. This is when professional restoration may be just the ticket. An experienced stone restorer can clean and repair your stone surface, then hone or polish it as good as new. Hooray!

Prevention Is The Best Medicine

Beyond sealing, there are precautions you can take to keep your pride and joy in looking at the goods.

• Always use a coaster or mat under glasses taking extra care when serving alcohol or citrus-based drinks. Acidic drinks can etch the surface, resulting in marks or dull areas that are difficult to remove. You may not remember how many drinks you had last night - but your benchtop will show it!

• Never place a hot pan or pot directly onto the stone. A trivet or mat will protect your stone from any potential damage.

• Extra care needs to be taken on vanity tops. Never store perfume bottles or cosmetics directly on the bench top surfaces, and take care with make-up and fake tans.

Is it worth it?

The million dollar question! If you ask us, the answer is most definitely yes!

If you’re ready to embrace the beauty of a natural product and perfectly imperfect surface, then natural stone is your perfect match. The inevitable blemishes and ‘beauty marks’ will add character over the years, and the extra TLC that’s required is definitely worth it!