Choosing the ideal kitchen benchtop is the most important part of a kitchen renovation. It constitutes a functional component of one's kitchen, as stone benchtops can effectively function as conversation starters if you carefully choose your benchtop material. Nowadays, kitchen benchtops are available in wide-ranging colours and patterns under pigmentation and advanced production techniques.
With manufacturers such as Ceasarstone coming to the fore in Australia, premium-grade quartz surfaces that suit the needs of one's kitchen can be purchased at an affordable price point. However, certain factors such as the choice of material, flatness of edges, size etc. determine the longevity and quality of the kitchen benchtop.
Read further to find out more about them in detail.
- DURABILITY
No one wants to compromise on the longevity of the stone benchtop that one chooses. Engineered stone is an excellent option that lasts for a long period owing to the nuanced technology behind its production process. Its ability to resist heat and scratches has made the material a popular choice in recent years across Australia and worldwide. Additionally, quartz (engineered stone) does not need to be sealed as it is relatively less porous when compared with marble or granite, and it is also resistant to water. Hence, quartz can be an ideal pick for areas like the kitchen that are often occupied.
- KNOW THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES
Engineered Stone
Quartz surfaces, as mentioned earlier, offer durability, visual appeal and ease of maintenance. The combination of natural stone with resins make them even sturdier. The standard thickness in which quartz surfaces come is 20mm. They are also available in classical as well as modern colours. One of the major reasons for its enduring popularity is the natural touch they add to the surface. Click here to know more about artificial stones.
Laminate
Though laminate is also widely preferred in manufacturing benchtops, they are susceptible to scratch and excessive heat. Once they are damaged, it isn't easy to repair them. However, its economical pricing and functionality make them a popular option.
Timber
Warmth and nostalgia are two factors that sustain the popularity of timber in benchtop manufacturing. They add a country-vibe to one's kitchen, and hence people prefer combining timber with engineered stone. However, they demand a lot of maintenance and are also prone to scratch. It is needless to say that timber is not durable when compared with quartz or laminate.
Granite
Granite is another popular stone used in the manufacturing of kitchen benchtops. They are visually pleasing and require very little maintenance. They are as durable as engineered wood though they are regarded as a premium material.
- STYLE
The material that one chooses must match the overall aesthetics of the home. For instance, choosing a polished surface would suit a modern and minimalist home, whereas it may not be pleasing for a heritage home. If it matches one's budget, it is ideal to use the same material for every wet surface (kitchen and bathroom). This will impart uniformity to the overall colour scheme.
- HEIGHT
The height or depth of the benchtop is one factor that demands cautious consideration. The height usually varies from 650 mm to 950 mm. Make sure that you choose a benchtop of the ideal height to have no difficulties while cooking.
