What is a Smartstone?

A benchtop is a major feature of any new kitchen design. If you’re seeking one of the finest and most durable surfaces, Smartstone is a great choice—but what is Smartstone? 

Smartstone is a premium brand of engineered stone surface that can be used for benchtops, splashbacks, panelling and even in the bathroom. 

Read on to find out more about using Smartstone in your renovation.

Key Summary

As an engineered stone surface, Smartstone has a pleasing veined surface and is one of the most natural looking products on the market, with superior durability. 

Smartstone is available in many ranges, colours and price points.

What is a Smartstone?

Smartstone is an engineered stone surface used for interiors in residential and commercial projects. It is most commonly installed in kitchens and bathrooms and is especially popular for kitchen benchtops. 

Like natural stone surfaces such as marble, Smartstone has a luxurious, veined appearance, but is more durable and requires less maintenance.

Smartstone vs Caesarstone: What’s the Difference?

You may have also heard of a product on the market called Caesarstone. Smartstone and Caesarstone are both composite stone surfaces, mainly made of quartz, pigments and resin.

An independent assessment by CHOICE reports that they perform the same. As brand names produced by different manufacturers, whatever you choose will come down to colour and preference.

How is Smartstone Used in Kitchen Renovations?

Smartstone surfaces offer great design possibilities and can be used in many high-traffic areas.

Kitchen benchtops 

Particularly popular as a kitchen counter or benchtop. Smartstone offers a choice between a polished or honed finish and suits a variety of edge profiles.

Splashbacks

Smartstone’s durability and ease of cleaning make it well suited as a splashback for wet areas or with an induction or electric stove. For a streamlined look, match with your benchtop for maximal visual appeal.

Other areas

Smartstone may also be used throughout the kitchen and bathroom including vanities, wall panelling, bath surrounds, flooring and interior design features.

What Are the Advantages of Using Smartstone?

There are many advantages to using Smartstone, including: 

• Durability: Quartz is one of the hardest minerals and Smartstone contains a minimum of 93% natural quartz. This makes Smartstone heat-resistant and non-porous as well as scratch, chip and stain-resistant.
  Smartstone is not suitable for exterior use or areas exposed to high UV radiation.
• Aesthetics: As the quartz in Smartstone is natural, it has unique variations in pattern, but due to its manufacturing process, is available in consistent colours. Designs are available with a range of pigment options.
  Can be fabricated with any edge profile, with pencil or bevelled edge being the most popular.
• Cost: Smartstone quartz range offers six price ranges to cater to every budget and style. The quality across the ranges is equal, but the price difference reflects the complexity of pattern and raw material composition.
• Environmental: As a new generation surface, the Smartstone Ibrido range is made from 56% recycled content and less than 28% silica. Smartstone prides itself on numerous health, safety and environmental certifications.

How can I care for Smartstone?

Caring for Smartstone is simple:

• Clean daily with a soft cloth and ph neutral detergent like quartz clean products. As it is non-porous, it will never need to be waxed or sealed.
• For dry or stuck-on residue (like food), scrape away excess and use a wet cotton cloth to rinse. 

• While Smartstone is tough, aggressive cleaners or strong chemicals can cause damage. Rinse with water immediately if it comes into contact.
• Heavy impact may cause damage or chips to the slab and is best avoided. 
• Smart Stone may react to rapid temperature changes. For example, direct contact with extreme heat from a saucepan can cause damage and best avoided.

Smartstone offers superior durability, practicality and is one of the most natural looking quartz surfaces available today.

Speak to the Kitchen Renovation Experts

Thinking about using Smartstone in your home? We can help! Contact our experienced team for advice and bring your new kitchen to life.

Find out more about Mint kitchen renovations

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