Browse Forums Kitchen Corner 1 Aug 27, 2016 8:10 am Hello foreros, I am considering a 20mm engineered stone benchtop for my new kitchen, but I found this while trawling the internet (it's from a Sydney kitchen company): [Engineered stone] Is not UV stable and can’t be used outside, (no Al Frescos unless no sunlight). Prolonged UV exposure will also cause the stone to lost “plasticizers” & become brittle Cannot be used behind a gas hotplate as a splashback One overriding thing that should be said about all stone benchtops is that they should never be manufactured with a 20mm thick edge. Again while such edges might give a nice clean, thin, architectural look to the benchtop, stone is too brittle to be used without a substrate underneath it. Many architects specify it, because it does look sharp. Most display homes show it and many kitchen salespersons offer it also. However, they do it because it makes the project cost cheaper, but unfortunately, so is the product’s structural integrity. When using a fragile, 20mm thick edge, there is a greatly increased chance of fracturing the stone. This is particularly so, in front of, and behind the sink & hotplate cutouts. It should be remembered that in these areas, especially at the front edge, the strip of stone might only be 50 or 60mm wide, front to back. One only has to lean hard on the edge and it can and will snap. Has anyone else been told, or experienced, this? Re: Engineered stone weaknesses 2Aug 27, 2016 9:41 am I agree with issues outside or beside BBQs, but I have fitted many out areas with stone without an issue as yet. The bit about 20mm not being strong enough without a substrate is a load of BS! No kitchen with 20mm stone has a substrate other than the cabinets under it. I have been building and installing kitchens for 25years now and never had a problem with 20mm stone. Cutting Edge Kitchens and Cabinet Making http://cuttingedgekitchens.net.au http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutting-Edge-Kitchens/290484196676 Mobile : 0419 430 575 PH: 9452 4772 Fax :9452 4772 cuttingedgekitchens@outlook.com Re: Engineered stone weaknesses 3Sep 06, 2016 6:14 pm Hahaha stone will just snap that easily yeah right !! Re: Engineered stone weaknesses 4Sep 06, 2016 7:49 pm Will you be able to sit and stand on a stone benchtop? Re: Engineered stone weaknesses 5Sep 07, 2016 1:04 pm Craigasaurus Will you be able to sit and stand on a stone benchtop? Yes, why you would want to is another question. But 20mm is more than strong enough to have you stand on it. What some people forget though is any bench top including laminate and stone is weak around the sink and cooktop areas. If you stand close to the small piece in from it may crack. This is not an issue with the product being weak its an issue with the idiot standing close to areas like this. Seriously engineered stone is not week, its stronger than any natural stone! Cutting Edge Kitchens and Cabinet Making http://cuttingedgekitchens.net.au http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutting-Edge-Kitchens/290484196676 Mobile : 0419 430 575 PH: 9452 4772 Fax :9452 4772 cuttingedgekitchens@outlook.com Engineering timber is certainly a less fuss option, times cheaper to supply and install and better withstands humidity. 1 11494 Thanks Simon, I guess I'm no concerned with the volume of the noise rather that dead and hollow sound and feel that is associated with floating floors. But I'm not sure… 3 4576 Dear Members I have to decide the Facade column size. My custom builder standard is 350mm with rendering, but i asked for 470mm plus stone or tiles and yet to get… 0 4287 |