Your choice of kitchen benchtop material can have an enormous influence over the heart of your home, so what factors should you consider before going shopping?
It’s no secret that kitchens are often one of the biggest influences on the final sale figure of a property, so as a result, renovations or refits in this area of the home is often the source of a budget blowout. Even if you’re not on the move or interested in selling anytime soon, the kitchen has long been considered as the heart of any home, so designing a new one or giving parts of it an upgrade requires careful research, with one such example being the selection of a new kitchen benchtop.
A kitchen benchtop – or otherwise just known as the kitchen bench in Australian lingo – is the firm, flat, horizontal surface of a counter. The term usually applies for work in kitchens or other food preparation areas, but benchtops can also be used in bathrooms and outdoor areas. They’re often overlooked, forgotten about or undervalued when homeowners are in the process of planning a renovation, but the humble kitchen benchtop plays a much bigger role than most people think.
Natural Resources
Marble, Granite, or Stone
Natural marble has a unique, beautiful finish. The client can select a slab in a range of colors and veining. Marble can be expensive and rare, depending on its finish. Marble is porous, softer, and more prone to staining than reconstituted stone. Marble should be sealed every six months, and spills must be cleaned immediately. Granite is far more resilient and durable. Natural stones and marbles are more expensive than manufactured products, and they add an extra wow factor. Marble, granite, and stone slabs are usually 20mm thick and can be stacked at the edges for a thicker appearance. The material can be supplied with a flamed, honed, or polished finish, depending on what look you want to achieve. Statuario Venato marbles and Calacatta are our favorite products for kitchen projects.
Timber hardwood veneer
Timber is a beautiful natural product with a warm finish. Hardwood timber is not commonly used for kitchen benches because it can be susceptible to stains, warping, and moisture. We often add wood accents to our cabinetry and breakfast bars, but we don’t install a wooden kitchen bench. It is best to keep it for surfaces that are not in constant use. Cooking oils, fats, and knife marks can all damage the surface. The timber veneer finish has a polyurethane finish that protects it from staining, wear, and tear.
Products Made By Man
Engineered solid surfaces like Caesarstone, Smartstone QStone, Silestone Quantum Quartz, etc.
The range of engineered solid surface slabs is impressive and vast. They are available in thicknesses as thin as 12mm or as thick as 20mm or 30mm. Solid surfaces are made from a mixture of quartz/ground stone, polymers, and pigments. They can look realistic, but they’re also easier to maintain. Engineered stone is a surface that’s non-porous, heat resistant and scratch-resistant. The cost of engineered stone is usually less than that of natural marble, allowing for a more uniform finish. The advancements in technology has allowed the creation of engineered stone surfaces with veining and colouring that are very similar to marble, but at a fraction the cost. The engineered stone can be molded into sinks and basins for a seamless appearance. We manufacture a large number of kitchens that use Caesarstone splashbacks and bench tops. They have a high-end finish. You need to keep a 200mm space between a Caesarstone Splashback and a gas stove. Corian, an acrylic resin-based solid surface that can be moulded in shapes and sinks made from one seamless benchtop.
Dekton, Neolith and Lapitec are all large format compact surfaces.
Kitchen suppliers large format compact surfaces are a popular choice. They can be used as a benchtop and cladding. The large sheets of slimline composite allow for more design flexibility and easier installation and kitchen benchtop replacement services in Brisbane. It is available in a variety of colours and finishes that mimic natural stone and marble. The product has a near-zero porousness, which makes it easy to clean, hygienic and stain resistant. The product is heat, wear and scratch resistant. Available in 6mm, 20mm and 12mm thicknesses. Avoid dropping heavy objects onto the surface.
Fenix NTM is a large format matte finish surface.
Fenix NTM has a super-opaque interior design finish that is suitable for horizontal and vertical surfaces, namely kitchens.
This innovative nanotech material, made in Italy, has the following features: anti-fingerprint finish, resistant to scratches and abrasions. It also has enhanced antibacterial properties. It is a popular choice for the Arrital kitchen range.
Stainless Steel
It is hygienic and durable, making it the preferred choice for commercial kitchens and chefs. The large sheets can be assembled to create a seamless finish on the benchtop. The product is versatile and can be used to make a splashback without the need for a joint. It can feel cold and scratchy over time.
Concrete
This finish creates a rustic and industrial feel in the kitchen. Concrete benchtops can be finished and made in a variety of ways. Concrete is poured into a mould to achieve the desired shape and size. Remember that concrete is porous and will need to be sealed with a concrete sealer or combination of sealers to prevent stains, heat damage, and scratches.
Laminate
Laminate Benchtops are not only durable but also economical. Our Italian suppliers, such as Arrital or Arredo3, have a wide range of High Pressure Laminates with different designs to choose from. For kitchens that are on a budget, or those with a scullery, we tend to use laminate benches. HPL tops are available in thicknesses ranging from 12-60mm.
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