Onyx is a top choice for homeowners for their kitchens. If you opt for this stone, you can witness the changeover in your kitchen. But Onyx is difficult to install and requires regular upkeep to keep its gorgeous appearance,  so it is rarely found in kitchens and bathrooms.  It is, therefore, most frequently used to produce bar countertops because of the uniqueness that makes the surface stand out. Here, you will learn about onyx kitchen countertops’ pros, cons, and cost breakdown to decide whether it is right for you or not. 

Pros

It’s Gorgeous

People consider onyx kitchen countertops their favourite because of their unique look. This feature makes onyx stay tall when compared to other stones.

Understand that onyx’s typical colour is either pastel or light. Also, another best aspect of onyx countertops is that they come in different colours, from red to blue and green. Neutral colours like cream and beige can also be an option for you.

It Is Translucent

Onyx has a remarkable advantage in that it appears sensitive to the touch due to its translucence. Due to this property, you can have a backlit bar countertop, which lets light shine through when it is positioned behind the stone. You don’t have to worry about the light’s unequal distribution.

Depending on the spectrum of the backlighting light source, the colours in the stone may appear warmer and more vibrant. You won’t find this feature with traditional materials.

Good Durability

Natural stone countertops made of onyx provide remarkable lifespan and durability. They are a long-term investment for any home as they can survive up to 100 years with the right maintenance.

They are so strong and beautiful that you may never need to replace them in your lifetime. When regularly cleaned and sealed, they retain their stunning brilliance and remain a magnificent highlight for many years.

It Is Rarely Found

Onyx is a natural stone countertop made on the surface of ground or spring water with a lot of calcite dissolved in it. On the other hand, other natural stone countertops are forged deep under the earth’s surface. 

The mineral precipitates at the spring’s mouth and progressively forms a crust of calcite crystals as the water emerges. As more water passes by, more minerals can settle.

The various volumes and flow rates of the water, as well as the pollutants present, are what generate the numerous differences found in the classifications. This procedure gives onyx slabs their unique visual appeal. Because of this, it’s perfect for anyone who desires a unique countertop.

Drawbacks  of Onyx

Expensive

Due to its scarcity, onyx is considered an expensive natural stone countertop.  As you will need to hire a contractor with experience working with the substance, labour and setup charges are typically more than the material cost. This is required to avoid damaging the countertop during setup. Furthermore, any repairs will cost extra because they are not commonly available.

If you are a person who is looking for an affordable option, consider Onyx as a costly option. But understand that Onyx is worth the investment because of its top features.

The Fragility

Regretfully, onyx kitchen countertops are delicate and soft. So, it needs a lot of care. It is not as hard as other natural stones but has many similarities.  You can cover its bottom with fibreglass to increase the onyx compound’s strength, but it might still be vulnerable to cracking and scratches. To preserve the surface, the countertop must also be properly sealed.

Cost Breakdown

Material Cost

£300 to £600 per square metre. Understand that it depends upon the pattern and colour.

The Cost Of Installation

Onyx is delicate. Thus, it costs between £100 and £200 per square metre.

Maintenance costs are required for the following:

• Sealing 
• Refinishing it occasionally to keep it looking brand new

The Bottom Line

Choosing Onyx for your kitchen is such a wonderful idea. However, you need to calculate everything from the Pros to Cons of the stone you choose for your kitchen worktops. Do not forget the cost breakdown, which you must consider. Remember that there are always cons for every kind of stone; what matters the most is its pros. Learn if they can fit your needs and choose them for your kitchen worktops and enjoy a new kitchen atmosphere.