The Pros & Cons of Choosing a Slate Kitchen Worktop

Everyone wants the best for their home. Bringing out the natural carbonaceous matter to your kitchen space gets an aesthetic look. Slate is one of the finest materials that gives tranquility to the home. Its natural appearance with authentic features sets up a unique suit for both traditional and modern kitchen designs. A slate kitchen worktop is an attention-grabbing stone that stands out from the other worktops. It is known for its thickest material with natural texture. However, it also comes with a few drawbacks. Let's dive into the blog to know more about the slate and its pros and cons in the kitchen workspace.

What Is Slate?

Slate is a sedimentary rock that is composed of clay or volcanic ash. Under the low-grade metamorphosis, the foliated slate is formed. It is collected with quartz, muscovite, and illite. These materials help to determine the colors of slate, which are usually red, green, brown, and black. Even today, it stands popular for its durability and low maintenance.

Pros of Slate Kitchen Worktops

Unique Appearance

Slate stones are known for their various colors and patterns. As it is combined with several mica materials like biotite and chlorite, it gives a unique pattern to the stone. Its varied texture adds character to the kitchen worktop. Its timeless beauty can be easily paired with wood, metal, or white cabinetry.

Durability and Longevity

Slate stones are a robust material that withstands stress and impacts over a period of time. His thickness can uphold scratches, stains, and intensity. Its high heat resistance and water-absorbing nature make your kitchen look tidy and flawless.

Easy Maintenance

Unlike granite and quartzite, a slate kitchen worktop does not require multiple cleaning processes. With clean water and a mild washer, stains and creases can be easily removed. As a natural material, it is necessary to avoid harsh chemicals to prevent the damage of the surface.

Affordability

Slate stone's installation and price range vary according to its thickness and material quality. But it is more affordable than granite stones. Although it is slightly more expensive than ceramic tile, it offers a natural appearance and strong durability. Once it is installed, it provides incredible life, and recycling characters reduces the need for replacement.

Cons of Choosing Slate Kitchen Worktops

Limited Colour Choices

Though slate is a fine-grained material, it comes in only limited colors. Sometimes, the slate's muted color doesn't go well with the interior and looks deserted from the whole place. The homeowners who look for vibrant colors can't choose slate stones for their kitchen design.

Brittle Edge

The slate stones are strong, with the finest look. However, its edges are more fragile and sharp due to its natural formation. If you have young children in your house, you need to smooth or round the edges, but it may cost much. Leaving it open may cause injury.

Heavy Material

Like other natural stones, slate is heavy in texture. Due to its heaviness, it needs a high manpower support to install or replace the slate. As the man's work increases, it multiplies the cost. Slate stones require a strong cabinet for support, or else they will dismantle the place. In addition to all these, dropping a heavy material on slate can cause chipping or cracking of the stones. So, it is necessary to handle it with caution.

Cool and Hard Surface

Slate is cool to touch due to its nature. Though it feels great in hot climates, it is not cozy to everyone. Its hard and unbending nature lacks warmth and softness like other wood materials. If you accidentally drop any dish, it will easily break into pieces.

Final Thoughts

Slate stones are the stunning and marvelous choice for a kitchen. It’s appealing to those who love and appreciate natural materials with a bit of personality. High-end materials like granite may seem like a worthwhile investment, but they can’t withstand the durability and visual appeal of slate stones. Considering a slate kitchen worktop for your home? Then give a call to KML Worktops, who will make your dream home come true with perfect materials.