In home decoration, the kitchen is a crucial area, not only because it involves multiple factors such as circuits, gas, water pipes, and ventilation, but also because as a family In the cooking area, the kitchen needs to be tested not only for waterproofing, moisture-proofing, and fireproofing, but also for stain resistance, antibacterial, and impact resistance.
This undoubtedly places high demands on cabinet materials, especially cabinet countertops that require various cooking operations. However, practicality and decoration "cannot have both", which has always been the pain point in selecting cabinet countertop materials. Whether it is traditional natural stone, quartz stone, stainless steel, or the fireproof board that has emerged in recent years, they all have their own advantages and disadvantages:
The advantage of natural stone countertops is that there are many and beautiful colors to choose from, and they have a sense of luxury and high-end. They are not only highly customizable, but also have an immediate effect on improving the design of the space.
The disadvantage is that it is relatively expensive, and because natural stone is a porous material structure with many pores invisible to the naked eye, it is easy to seep into dirt and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, it is often used for cooking. , The cabinet countertops that pay attention to hygiene are actually not ideal.
As the mainstream material for cabinet countertops, quartz stone countertops are good in terms of practicality and cost performance. It is not easy to scratch, has high hardness, has a fine and non-porous surface structure, and has strong anti-pollution properties.
However, the raw material of quartz stone slabs contains 10% resin solvent, which is prone to thermal expansion and contraction when exposed to high temperatures. The resulting temperature difference will cause the quartz stone to crack. Not only that, but limited by raw materials and production methods, there are not many colors and textures that can be achieved with quartz stone countertops. Although it is practical, it ultimately lacks in decorativeness.
Stainless steel countertops also focus on practicality and lack decoration. Stainless steel is fireproof, waterproof, antifouling, impact-resistant and easy to care for. It is an ideal cabinet countertop material in terms of functionality.. It's just that once stainless steel is scratched by a sharp object, it will leave irreparable marks. For a home that needs to be lived in for a long time, seeing scratches every time you enter the kitchen is indeed an eyesore.
At the same time, due to its cold visual and tactile experience and single color, the use of stainless steel cabinet countertops will affect the warmth and comfort of the home.
Let’s talk about the newly emerging “fireproof board”. Fireproof board is really good in terms of decoration, and it is also wear-resistant, scratch-resistant and high-temperature resistant. Unfortunately, it has poor moisture resistance and is easily corroded by water and moisture. Over time, it will lead to degumming and deformation. It is obviously not a long-term choice for a "100% wet area" like the kitchen that needs frequent cleaning.
After comparing the advantages and disadvantages of so many cabinet countertop materials, is there a material that can have the best of both worlds, which is both practical in function and decorative in design? The answer is of course: rock slabs.
First, let’s start from a practical perspective:
As a new material, rock slabs are made of natural stone and inorganic clay treated with special processes, extruded by a large-tonnage press, and then fired at a high temperature of 1,200 degrees. .
The complex and rigorous process gives slate slabs great practicality. It can not only accurately meet the requirements for cabinet countertops to be waterproof, moisture-proof, and fireproof, but also anti-fouling, antibacterial, and anti-fouling. It meets impact requirements, is non-toxic and aldehyde-free, and has a food-grade surface. It saves time and effort when cleaning, which can be described as "good news for lazy people".
Secondly, from a decorative aspect:
Stone slabs can achieve almost endless patterns, colors and textures, from granite to luxury stone, from wood grain to metal... The various needs of cabinet countertop design for patterns and colors are met in cultural relic-level high-definition With the support of scanners and 22-channel high-precision inkjet, the rock slabs are not difficult to print. You can even easily achieve the "grain tracing" effect of natural stone at corners and joints, making it more coherent and high-end.
Not only that, through skilled control of surface technology and anti-fouling technology, slate products can also present a variety of differences such as natural surface, smooth surface, skin surface and mold surface. Optimize the texture and give you a wider choice in cabinet and countertop design.
Finally, from the perspective of processing and delivery:
The slate cabinet countertops on the market usually use 12MM slate combined with other plates + 45° angle splicing process, or directly use 15MM/20MM thick plates.
The powerful machinability performance and mature processing techniques cooperate with each other. On the one hand, the slate cabinet countertops can be made "seamless" no matter at the corners or joints, and the visual effect is More advanced and beautiful.
On the other hand, the slate cabinet countertops can be well adapted to sinks and appliances of different sizes and shapes, which not only has a higher degree of customization, but also facilitates the integration of more intelligence Modern home appliances, truly achieving the "best of both worlds" in terms of practicality and decoration.
