The countertop choices for Indian kitchens have expanded beyond traditional granite and marble. One of the more modern and trendier options is Kalinga stone. This remarkable engineered stone combines style and durability, making it a popular choice for home owners and designers alike. With its wide range of designs in shades of grey, white and brown, Kalinga stone adds a modern touch to your interiors. Not only does it meet the expectations of heat and scratch resistance, stain-proofing and durability but it also offers aesthetic appeal and is friendly to your pocket.
See also: Kitchen marble design ideas for your home in 2023
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What is Kalinga stone?
Kalinga stone is a durable and versatile engineered marble that closely resembles natural marble. It combines natural stone aggregates, polymer resins and pigments to create a resilient material with a wide range of colours and patterns. With over 150 designs and colours available, it’s popular in construction and interior design. Known for its strength and low maintenance, Kalinga stone is an excellent option for kitchen and bathroom countertops, flooring and facades.
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Kalinga stone: Properties
Here are some fundamental properties of Kalinga stone:
- Kalinga stone is a natural stone widely used in construction and architectural applications.
- It is known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- The stone has a high compressive strength, making it ideal for flooring, cladding and paving.
- Kalinga stone comes in various colours and textures, allowing for versatile design options.
- It has low porosity, making it resistant to stains and easy to maintain.
- The stone exhibits excellent thermal conductivity, helping in keeping the indoor temperature cool in hot climates.
- Kalinga stone is also non-slippery, ensuring safety in areas prone to moisture or water accumulation.
- It is resistant to chemical attacks, making it suitable for areas exposed to acids or other corrosive substances.
- The stone can be polished to achieve a smooth, glossy finish, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
- Kalinga stone is an eco-friendly choice as it is a natural material that does not emit harmful substances.
Kalinga stone: Things to consider
- Uniform appearance: As engineered stones, Kalinga stone countertops lack the natural imperfections and variations found in natural stones.
- Proper fitting: To achieve a seamless look, ensure the countertops are fitted correctly to avoid visible seams and accumulation of dirt over time.
- Discolouration in sunlight: If exposed to direct sunlight, Kalinga stone countertops, especially the quartz variant, may experience discolouration over time.
- Lack of unique variations: Engineered slabs of Kalinga stone offer consistent patterns, which may be a disadvantage for those who appreciate natural marble’s unique colouring and striations.
- Seams and dust accumulation: Inadequate fitting of lighter-coloured slabs can result in visible seams, disrupting the seamless design and allowing dust and residue to accumulate.
Kalinga stone: Maintenance
Sealing: While Kalinga stone doesn’t require sealing after installation, certain circumstances may necessitate it. Specific quartz sealers can be used to treat the material in such cases.
Cleaning: Kalinga stone is stain-resistant, making cleaning simple. Use an approved quartz cleaning solution and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing products.
Why choose Kalinga stone for Indian kitchens?
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- Durability: Kalinga Stone offers excellent durability, making it suitable for Indian kitchens that experience heavy usage.
- Aesthetic appeal: Available in a wide range of colours, Kalinga stone provides an aesthetically pleasing option for kitchen countertops.
- Low maintenance: Being resistant to heat, stains and everyday weathering, this stone is very easy to maintain and does not require much care.
FAQs
How does Kalinga marble differ from Italian marble?
Kalinga marble offers the luxurious appearance of Italian marble but with enhanced durability. It is less porous, preventing water absorption and making cleanups easier. It is also a cost-effective alternative to natural marble.
What are the advantages of Kalinga quartz for kitchen countertops?
Kalinga quartz provides excellent durability, scratch resistance and ease of maintenance. It has a non-porous surface, making it resistant to spills and stains. It is also bacteria-free and doesn't require sealing.
Are there any considerations when using Kalinga stone countertops?
Some considerations include the lack of natural imperfections in natural stones, proper fitting to avoid seams and dirt accumulation, potential discolouration in sunlight and lack of unique variations in natural marble.
Can Kalinga stone be used for other applications besides countertops?
Yes, Kalinga stone is suitable for various applications, including bathroom countertops, flooring, facades, cladding and paving due to its strength, low maintenance and versatility in design options.
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