Zero Silica Engineered vs Porcelain Stone Benchtop: Which Is Better for Australian Homes?

It is one of the most critical choices made when planning or updating a kitchen in Australia, as the design of a stone benchtop should be taken into account. As the issue of silica safety and long-term wearability has become more popular, homeowners have now been making comparisons between zero silica engineered stone benchtop materials and porcelain stone benchtop materials. 

Both the materials are expected to provide durability, modern design, and low maintenance - but they can be used in practice differently. When making the choice of the stone benchtop to use in your home, this guide will enable you to know the most important variations. 

Instructional Material What Is a Zero Silica Engineed Stone Benchtop?  

A zero silica engineered stone benchtop is produced through the mixture of crushed minerals, resin and pigments - however, no crystalline silica is used. Engineered stone in the past had a lot of silica in it, and this posed great health risks during cutting and fabrication. 

This was done by developing zero silica engineered stone benchtop choices that minimize the risks of fabrication but retain the same appearance and feel of engineered stone. 

Key Characteristics 

Monotone colour and pattern. 

Smooth, uniform surface 

Good scratch resistance 

Less risk of elevated silica fabrication. 

This kind of stone benchtop is a safer substitute to the older formulations in case of homeowners who are more inclined to an older engineered look. 

What Does a Porcelain Stone Benchtop Mean? 

The porcelain stone bench is a piece of natural minerals that are fired under very high temperatures. It is a non porous, hard, slab that is very strong against scratches, stains, heat and UV. 

Porcelain is supportive of binding agents, unlike resin-based material. The outcome is a stiff and durable flooring that can be used in both indoor and outdoor use. 

Key Characteristics 

Superior thermal capabilities. 

Highly scratch resistant 

UV stable 

Non-porous and hygienic 

Slabs can be found in large format. 

Porcelain is a new stone bench top product that has gained a quick momentum as a solution to the modern Australian kitchen. 

Durability Compare and Contrast: Which Stone Benchtop is more effective? 

Any stone benchtop requires durability, and this is of great importance in the Australian homes where they are primarily used. 

Scratch Resistance 

Silica Free Spirit Engineered Stone Benchtop.: That can resist the scratches of the daily life, though it may mark in case of the drag of sharp objects across the surface. 

Porcelain Stone Benchtop: This is extremely hard to scratch because the material is dense, fired. 

Porcelain tends to give better long-term scratch resistance in kitchens with heavy use. 

Heat Resistance 

Zero Silica Engineered: Resistant to heat, to some extent, but pans of very high temperature can damage the surface on direct contact. 

Porcelain: Light in weight, very resistant to heat. Hot cook ware may normally be put on the surface. 

A porcelain stone benchtop provides more peace of mind to those households that cook regularly. 

Maintenance & Cleaning 

Majority of house owners desire a stone countertop that does not require constant maintenance and appears to be beautiful. 

Zero Silica Engineered 

Non-porous 

Easy daily cleaning 

Strong chemical cleaners should be avoided. 

Porcelain 

• Non-porous 

• No sealing required 

• Insensitive to wine, coffee, oil and turmeric stains. 

Is able to withstand more aggressive cleaning agents. 

Both are convenient to keep yet porcelain has an edge in the high heat and rough cleaning. 

Australian Safety Concerns. 

Stone benchtop health and safety are now a big consideration. 

There were serious concerns raised by the use of traditional engineered stone because of exposure to crystalline silica during the fabrication. Zero silica engineered products have a considerable lower risk of this danger. 

However, since porcelain does not depend upon silica-laden quartz content as engineered stone used to in the past, it is a low risk material during the fabrication process provided proper handling. 

Safety of stone benchtop solution has become an issue of choice to many Australian builders and homeowners. 

Design and Aesthetic Variances. 

In terms of appearance, the two materials have a modern finish. 

Zero Silica Engineered Stone Benchtop 

Uniform patterns 

Subtle veining 

Consistent colouring 

Popular neutral tones 

Porcelain Stone Benchtop 

Fewer joins in large-format slabs. 

Drama marble inspired veiling. 

Natural and concrete stone appearance. 

Textured, polished and matte finishes. 

Due to their larger size, porcelain slabs this enables them to have a more streamlined installation of the stone bench top - particularly where the same material is carried over to splashbacks. 

This open plan design is very desirable in open plan Australian houses. 

Outdoor Performance 

The climate in Australia requires materials which can accommodate temperature and the sun. 

Zero Silica Engineered Stone Benchtop: not UV stable. Fading or discolour change may take place when exposed to the sun over a long period. 

Porcelain Stone Benchtop: weather resistant and UV stable. Can be used in the outdoor kitchen and in a BBQ area. 

Porcelain makes a better stone benchtop because it is more reliable in an outdoor entertainment area in case of your project. 

Cost Considerations 

Prices differ according to brand, thickness and installation needs. 

Zero silica manufactured stone bench top products are normally mid-priced. 

The porcelain stone benchtop models may have a slightly high initial cost in terms of slab size. 

Nonetheless, porcelain can provide superior durability, heat, and outdoor performance and, therefore, in the long term, could be more advantageous. 

Which Stone Bench Top Is The Best Addition to your house? 

It is all about priorities and the right choice. 

Select Zero Silica Engineered Stone Benchtop In Case: 

You like a monotonous, regular design. 

The installation is very much indoors. 

Budget is the major determinant. 

Select a Porcelain Stone Benchtop When: 

Thou wisheth higher thermal resistance. 

Resistance to scratch is significant. 

You require being outdoors compatible. 

 Large-format slabs are desirable in seamless form. 

It is a priority to long-term performance. 

In the case of many contemporary Australian houses, porcelain is proving to be the future-proof stone benchtop.