When installing natural stone worktops in your kitchen or bathroom, you might wonder if these surfaces have any vulnerabilities. Firstly, all types of natural stone are considerably strong. They are not, however, immune to damage or wear. Things to avoid include exposure to excessive heat (placing a hot pan directly on your worktop), chemical or food spills, and scratches or chipping from cutting directly on the worktop. Sunlight can also take its toll, which is why you need to consider the location of your windows.
Of all the natural stones on the market, quartz is known for being particularly vulnerable to sunlight. You will notice fading within a relatively short period of time. In addition, regardless of the type of stone, the darker the colour, the more noticeable the fading.
Granite will fade after several months of daily direct exposure to sunlight. This means use outdoors and not just a few hours of sun exposure here and there. When installed in a home, granite is the least likely to fade. In addition, if you want to play it really safe, look for a lighter colour like grey or an off-white. The veining pattern will also help hide slight fading over the years.
Fading is part of life. Even your furniture fades after a few years but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do everything in your power to slow this process down. This can be done by choosing the right kind of stone and the right colour.