6 kitchen benchtop ideas to consider in 2019
Whether you’re building a new house, renovating an existing one, or contemplating a bathroom or kitchen upgrade, there’s one item that usually absorbs a good chunk of anyone’s budget. Benchtops!
When you decide to fly solo on your reno (no architect) it’s not uncommon for benchtops to be completely forgotten – but benches often form one of the most pivotal parts of a finished space, which makes it important to get them right.
So, what are your options?
1. Natural stone
When you’re talking stone benchtops, you’re looking the higher end of the market – usually marble, granite or limestone. All three are natural products quarried from the earth in slabs and then honed and refined into what you see on many kitchen surfaces around the world.
Stone benches are heavy and need to be installed by artisan suppliers with the facilities to lift, cut, hone, edge and stitch the stone together. It may be the most aesthetically pleasing of all the bench options but it comes at a hefty cost, so make sure you do your homework.
Being naturally porous, this type of bench will require regular maintenance throughout its lifetime to stay in good shape. Stone can also be easily damaged by regular household cleaners so, if you’re going to drop 15k-plus on a benchtop, make sure you factor in these potential extra costs.
2. Solid surfaces
Solid surface is a non-porous material commonly used for benchtops, including brands such as Corian, Staron, Marblo, Hi-Macs and Freestyle. This option is designed to have a silky feel, with the quality and allure of natural stone and the hygienic properties of stainless steel.
It’s a low-maintenance style and offers endless design flexibility. Solid surface can also be joined seamlessly, which eliminates dirt traps, promotes clean lines and allows seamless integration of horizontal and vertical surfaces.
3. Reconstituted stone
This variety of stone benchtop is produced by binding crushed natural stone with an acrylic resin to create a workable surface. Reconstituted stone is high performance and low maintenance, engineered to accommodate the needs of modern living.
Brand options include Essastone, Caesarstone and Smartstone.
4. Timber
There’s no doubt that natural timber delivers warmth that is difficult to match. Timber benchtop finishes can vary depending on the tree it was milled from – they can be light, dark, rough, smooth, thick, thin, knotty or consistent.
Like stone, it’s a natural material that requires sealing and maintenance and can also be easily affected by modern acidic cleaners. They can cause the heart of the timber slab to dry out and cause splitting and cracking, so if you have a timber benchtop, I’d suggest you also purchase yourself a PH neutral cleaner.
5. Laminate
When you crunch the numbers, laminate benches are easily the most cost-effective option on the market. Laminate benchtops, such as Polytec, Formica, WilsonArt, Nevamar, are usually made by compressing a layer of reinforced plastic, a decorative paper sheet and a block of engineered timber, such as moisture-resistant particleboard or medium density fibreboard (aka MDF).
It’s the top decorative layer that gives a laminate bench its texture, pattern and colour. However, they are susceptible to heat and scratching so be sure to never place a heated pot or pan directly on the surface and always cut on a chopping board.
6. Stainless steel
Tough, hardy and easy to maintain – there’s a reason you find stainless steel in commercial kitchens worldwide. If it’s uncompromising durability you’re after then stainless steel should be on your radar. But be warned, these same characteristics can make even the most welcoming room feel somewhat sterile.
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