Neolith is one of the latest buzzwords in the interior design vernacular; a lightweight porcelain which requires little maintenance butis durable and sophisticated. It’s procured from an extensive process called ‘sintering’, where intense heat and pressure is utilised in order to combine a elements with the goal of producing a sturdy and non-porous stone. But when it comes to choosing your type of Neolith, the terminology and nuance can get confusing. We’re here to sift through the jargon in search of the jewels, with this; our IDEAL guide to choosing a neolith worktop for your kitchen.
WHY NEOLITH?
The advantages are plentiful. Firstly, the material can be used indoors and outdoors as it is UV resistant. Similarly, it is so versatile that you can use it practically anywhere. Additionally, the process of sintering does not require resin or polymer, which is a win-win situation as these can be unpredictable. Neolith Worktops, in short, are increasingly popular due to their its ability to resist heat and pressure as well as being liquid non-absorbent.
It’s suitable for commercial as well as residential use where high-temperature conditions will not affect the texture or the material of the worktops. Its versatility makes it suitable for building kitchen countertops and backsplashes and additionally large format flooring in commercialized projects.
What’s more, its resistance to UV rays makes it an even more convenient source of investment as it can withstand temperatures and pressures up to 1200 degrees C. This trait is useful for building outdoor kitchens and for exterior cladding.
A CHOICE OF THREE
When it comes to the different types of Neolith materials, the most popular types include Neolith Calacatta, Neolith Estatuario and Neolith Bianco Carrara. These are all in many ways similar, but they also have with some lines of differentiation.
NEOLITH CALACATTA
Neolith Calacatta is composed of clays, glass minerals, silica, granite and natural oxides, making it 100% recyclable. This trait makes it useful for surfacing in both exterior and interior designs. As such, it provides architects and designers with the exclusive combination of the sophistication of marble coupled with the high-tech process of sintering. The Calacatta model is available in several variations with different veining patterns; matched splashbacks and bathroom walls, anyone?
NEOLITH ESTATUARIO
Neolith Estatuario is similar in its properties to Calacatta and has a variegated combination of thick/thin veins along the material against a white marble-effect background, giving the decor the same fine and sophisticated edge. This material is in high demand because of the worldwide trend of making interior designs with natural materials. Essentially, it’s very similar to marble, but with some better performance features. In addition to these features, Neolith Estatuario is available in several finishes and thicknesses. You can choose 12mm and 20mm for worktop and flooring applications, while for cladding a thicknesses of either 3mm, 6mm or 12mm is recommended.
NEOLITH BIANCO CARRARA
Lastly, Neolith Bianco Carrara is a collection inspired by the natural Carrara marble from Italy. It is 100% natural, recyclable, UV and heat resistant as well as scratch and stain proof. This makes it a classic alternative to marble. Consider Neolith Bianco Carrara BC01 and BC02 which come with opposite veining directions. If you are thinking of book matched walls and splashbacks, this is a wise option.
