How to Choose the Ideal Kitchen Benchtops

Your kitchen benchtop can be a conversation piece when you invite guests over. It can make a good impression on people and at the same time, be a functional piece of furniture in your kitchen. So, it would only be fitting to place careful consideration on what material you’d choose.

There are so many materials available and it can be difficult to determine which one will suit your budget and needs. When it comes to deciding which one is ideal for you, there are several factors you have to consider. For instance, you might be looking for something that is durable and requires low maintenance. On the other hand, you might want to make a statement by having a marble benchtops that are stunning and eye-catching.

In general, here are the factors you have to consider when choosing a benchtop material:

Cost

The cheapest option for a kitchen benchtop material is laminate. However, they do not offer the same benefits as other materials. The better and more aesthetically pleasing option is natural stone. On the other hand, marble and granite have to be shipped, cut to size and properly installed. So, when you choose this option, you have to place your trust on experts only.

Style

It is always advisable to choose a material for your benchtops that complements your home’s overall style. Having a polished benchtop surface may look excellent in a minimalist, modern home, but it might not go well in a heritage house. If you have the budget, it would be ideal to use the same material for all wet surfaces (bathroom, kitchen and laundry). This allows you to have a uniform colour pallet in your home.

Size

One of the major factors you have to consider when choosing a material for your benchtop surface is the size of your kitchen. It is worth noting that marble and granite benchtops are typically produced in standard sizes of 3000 x 1400 millimetres. So, if you have anything longer than that, it would require a join. If you’re aiming for a seamless look, then you might want to opt for a solid surface as it can be inconspicuously joined.

Materials Typically Used for Benchtops

You can choose from a wide range of materials for your benchtops. In general, the following are the most popular options:

Laminate

Over the last decades, laminate has become a popular choice for benchtops. They are offered in a range of colours, as well as finishes, textures and patterns. It is true that laminate offers several benefits, including affordability and functionality. However, it is important to note that it can be easily scratched and more difficult to repair.

Synthetic Solid Surface

Solid surface benchtops are quite popular because they can easily be moulded and shaped. Moreover, the joins in the slab are not too visible and you can find a range of patterns and colours available in the market. Solid surface benchtops were initially created for laboratories since they are hygienic and easy to clean. On the other hand, they can get cut and scratched easily. So, naturally, this material has a shorter lifespan than other benchtop surfaces.

Timber

If you want to add warmth and country feel to your kitchen, timber would be the ideal benchtop material for you. It is perfect for breakfast benchtops and it complements marble or engineered stone. However, you have to remember that a timber surface requires tedious maintenance. It is also not scratch resistance so it can be affected by the daily wear and tear. It goes without saying that it has a shorter lifespan as compared to other surface materials.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that is popularly used for kitchen benchtops. It is one of the hardest materials used for heavy traffic surface as it is durable enough to take daily abuse. Not only is it strong and functional, granite is aesthetically pleasing and adds character to any space it is used. It requires little maintenance but if properly taken care of, it will continue to look stunning for many years. The great thing about granite is it cost less than synthetic solid surface, but it is still considered as a premium material.

Marble

Marble offers a luxurious and soft look to your kitchen space. It also allows you to be more creative. This material is softer as compared to other natural stones. So, it is easier to manipulate which means that you can explore other kitchen benchtop shapes. Marble also has a timeless appeal so it will give your kitchen an elegant look for many years.

Engineered Stone

These days, you will find a wide variety of engineered stones and each of these materials is made from natural stone aggregates combined with resins or polyesters. Quartz based engineered stone materials are popularly used in kitchens. They are perfect for kitchens because of the durability, ease of maintenance and aesthetic appeal they offer. Engineered stone products are available in a wide selection of modern and classical colours. They can also simulate the timeless look of natural stone.

Turn to Aurora Stone for Natural and Engineered Stone Kitchen Benchtops

When you decide to remodel your kitchen, remember to contact Aurora Stone. You can choose from a range of natural and engineered stone design options. This means that you will find one that will suit the style and theme of your home. As one of the largest stone production companies in Western Australia, we assure you that you will get the best quality products at reasonable rates.

If you want to learn more about our kitchen benchtops Perth supplies, give us a call at (08) 9258 8800. You can also fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.