Benchtop Basics

The kitchen benchtop is one of the most used surfaces in any home. It needs to not only look fabulous, but also be durable enough to withstand the various foods, liquids, utensils, tools and general ‘stuff’ that will inevitably end up there through the course of an average day.

We’ve taken out the hard work of choosing the right type of surface for your kitchen benchtop, by compiling a list of advantages and disadvantages for each one.

Natural Stone

Natural stones such as granite and marble have been popular for centuries because of their beautiful patterns and ‘rich’ nature.

✓ Looks luxurious
✓ Natural material
✓ Patterns are unique with no two pieces ever looking exactly the same
✓ Heat resistant. Granite is also more scratch resistant
✓ An edge profile such as a bevel can be chosen to suit your décor style

✗ Costly
✗ Marble is extremely porous and will absorb stains and smells. Granite is less porous but can still absorb oil-based stains
✗ High maintenance- requires regular sealing to prevent staining
✗ The ‘classic’ look of marble or granite may not appeal to you or suit your décor

Glulam

While glulam or timber benchtops are commonly associated with Scandinavian & traditional design styles, it can look striking in a contemporary kitchen when paired with manmade stone for example.

✓ Great for an updated Mid Century Modern or Scandinavian style kitchen
✓ Get the warmth and strength of timber
✓ Can easily be sanded and re-polished with polyurethane or wood oil

✗ If a glulam benchtop isn’t sealed correctly, it can become a haven for germs
✗ Requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good as it can scratch, stain and burn easily

Man-made Stone

Man-made stones such as Caesarstone and Quantum Quartz have many of the qualities of natural stone, but can be much more durable and economical for use in the kitchen.

✓ Can now mimic the look of natural stone, as well as having more contemporary patterns
✓ Range of price points to suit many budgets
✓ More durable and scratch resistant than most natural stones
✓ Highly heat resistant
✓ An edge profile such as a bevel can be chosen to suit your décor style

✗ Can be costly
✗ Beware of chipping the edges on thinner profile stones
✗ Comes in a maximum length of 3,060mm that can’t be exceeded. Anything beyond that length will require a join

Laminate

Laminate is a synthetic material designed for use in residential and commercial spaces as benchtops, doors, wall panels and splashbacks.

✓ Choose from an almost limitless range of colours, finishes, patterns and effects to suit your kitchen décor
✓ Laminates are a very cost-effective option, being economical when compared to other benchtop materials

✗ Can be more easily damaged – scratches and heat marks
✗ Laminates are only available with a curved or square edge profile
✗ Can look cheap

Solid Surface Materials

Solid surface materials like Corian means the colour runs all the way through the material, and are another alternative to laminate or stone.

✓ Mimics natural stone and other effects, as well as a wide range of colours
✓ Seamless, and not restricted to a maximum length, other than weight and what access will allow
✓ Cuts and scratches can be polished out
✓ Sinks can be integrated and it can be moulded into unusual shapes
✓ Lighter than stone but heavier than laminate
✓ Non porous and stain resistant

✗ Options for finishes and colours are less varied than natural stone or laminate
✗ Not heat resistant above 100°C (212°F)
✗ While not common, it can crack badly

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is most often used in commercial and industrial kitchens because of its ability to be easily maintained.

✓ Perfect for a contemporary or industrial style kitchen
✓ Easy to clean
✓ Stain and heat resistant
✓ Won’t absorb bacteria and germs
✓ Sinks can be integrated

✗ Can scratch easily and is difficult to keep looking ‘new’
✗ Corners can be quite sharp if welds fail at all
✗ Can look clinical & sterile- like a laboratory

TIP: Tile benchtops aren’t all that common anymore, and I don’t recommend them as a good option for a kitchen bench because the porous grout makes it difficult to keep clean and germ-free

If you decide you need some professional help and advice in choosing the perfect benchtop for your kitchen,  feel free to call Jenny on 0416 190 792 or email [email protected].

Tagged as: Interior Decorating, Kitchen