Reconstituted stone - the alternative natural stone finish

The natural stone look – think everything from granite to marble – is fashionable in kitchens once again. But because natural stone is very expensive, reconstituted stone, which combines ground-up natural stone with polymers and aggregates, may be a more practical solution for kitchen benchtops.

But is reconstituted stone right for everyone? Here are a few things to consider. 

The Pros of Reconstituted Stone

A big advantage of reconstituted stone is that it's less expensive than the real thing. But price isn't the only pro. You'll also discover that it's not as heavy as real stone, which makes installation cheaper and easier, and it's more flexible because it doesn't have to come in enormous slabs (like granite) and is easier to cut and shape.

Another advantage of reconstituted stone is that it's non-porous. This means it's more hygienic, easier to keep clean, less prone to stains and generally easier to maintain than natural stone. Reconstituted stone is also relatively heat and scratch resistant and, compared to other finishes, is easier to repair if something nasty does happen.

Because it's not completely natural, reconstituted stone is available in a wide variety of finishes and colours, which is great if you have a very specific colour scheme in mind. As well as getting the luxurious look of stone, you'll have a choice of colours and finishes to better complement your interior. Also, that colour and finish isn't at risk of fading or discolouring when exposed to sunlight or wear and tear.

The Cons of Reconstituted Stone

While it's cheaper than natural stone, reconstituted stone is still expensive compared to more common, synthetic options. Something else to consider is that, compared to natural granite or marble, the composite finishes provide a uniform look that not everyone will find appealing.