When it is time to upgrade the kitchen, most homeowners spend many hours debating on what to make the focal point in the space. If you are one such individual, wonder no more because a kitchen benchtop can transform a kitchen's outlook immensely. However, it is only possible if you choose the right benchtop. While there are different types of natural stone you can use as a benchtop, marble is arguably one of the best out there. Why? Well, this article articulates solid reasons why marble is the best natural stone for a kitchen benchtop.

Two Finishes -- The type of finish that natural stone exhibits is essential to your decision. One of the most significant advantages of using marble as a kitchen benchtop is that it is available in two finishes; glossy and honed. No other natural stone boasts of two finishes. If you want a shiny finish for your kitchen benchtop, then look no further than the glossy marble because you do not have to polish it after installation, and it gives the kitchen an elegant, expensive look. On the other hand, if you want a kitchen benchtop that is resistant to scratch marks, then honed marble is ideal. The matte look on honed marble improves a kitchen's aesthetics without standing out too much.

Unique Appearance -- Unlike other types of natural stone, each marble slab has a unique appearance; therefore, you will never find two marble benchtops that look the same. This can be attributed to the natural flowing marks on the surface that are not replicated along the entire length of a marble slab. Although you will mostly see white marble kitchen benchtops in homes, you will be surprised that marble is also available in varying colours and patterns such as gold, taupe, and red, among others. Therefore, you are not restricted to one colour or design. That said, there are two considerations when buying a marble benchtop. First, ensure you select the longest marble slab so that the patterns flow together naturally. Second, white marble is the most popular type because of its ability to camouflage imperfections with ease.

Heat Resistant -- What is the use of a kitchen benchtop if you cannot place a boiling pot on the countertop without worrying about damaging it or burning yourself? Unfortunately, these are common occurrences in kitchens where benchtops are made from other materials other than natural stone. However, you do not have to be concerned with such issues once you install a marble kitchen benchtop because the material is heat resistant. Therefore, your benchtop will withstand whatever your hot pots throw at it. However, that does not mean you should continuously place hot materials on the marble.

To learn more about kitchen benchtops, consult a resource in your area.