This time we are talking about a kitchen benchtop. No use mentioning that this is one the most important surfaces on your kitchen, as well as most highly used. You want it to be beautiful and practical, and last really long. Health and wellbeing of your family can also depend on the benchtop, so you must keep mould and bacteria at bay.

Choosing the right benchtop is one important thing to do while designing a top-notch kitchen. Your kitchen is, in all likelihood, going to be the most used room in your home. Your benchtop will need to be sturdy and durable, as it will be used for a very wide array of purposes.

There is a variety of options for your kitchen benchtops, and choosing the right material will depend on a number of factors, including the style of your kitchen, your budget, your preferences, and the level of maintenance that you are willing to undergo.

What is There on the Market for the Right Kitchen Benchtop

Some bench top options include:

• Natural Stone – such as marble, granite, etc. This is by far the most expensive option. Note that natural stone needs to be sealed and some, like marble, can permanently stain very easily.

• Engineered Stone – such as Caesarstone. This is created from quartz aggregates, resins, and pigments. It can be crafted to look like concrete or marble, and it is very scratch, heat, and stain resistant. It is also quite expensive.

• Modern Laminates – laminate benchtops are available in a broad range of colours and finish effects, and can even mimic the appearance of natural stone. This is by far the most affordable option for benchtops and is extremely easy to clean and maintain. It is not porous like natural stone is, so it will mitigate the growth of mould and eliminate concerns of bacteria or stains setting into the surface. The high-performance Wilsonart AEON Laminate for kitchen benchtops is available in a big number of trendy décors and finishes, and the result is strong and long-wearing backed up by a 15-year warranty.

• Stainless Steel – industrial or commercial style kitchens can benefit from using stainless steel for an aesthetic effect. It does show scratches and fingerprints, but it is hygienic, easy to clean, and hot pots, pans and trays can safely be placed directly onto the surface.

• Timber – timber benchtops are enjoying a new popularity for a warm and textured effect. Like natural stone, timber is porous, so needs to be specially cleaned and sealed on a regular basis to protect the integrity of the surface.

Other options include acrylics, tile, polished concrete, bamboo, and even porcelain. Each has its own unique qualities and requirements for installation and maintenance.

Always consider the look you want, cost, and maintenance requirements before you decide on the right kitchen bench top material for you. Whichever option you choose, make sure it complements the other surfaces in your kitchen including the splashbacks, cupboard doors, and wall panels. Joins in the bench top material should be discreet and avoid having joins in the centre of any bench top as these will draw the eye.

To maximise the benefits of having a beautiful aesthetic effect within an affordable budget and with high durability, versatility, functionality, and ease of maintenance, consider modern laminate for your kitchen bench tops. It offers you the best of everything.

Disclaimer

The ideas, views and opinions expressed by the authors in this blog do not necessarily reflect the position of HVG Decorative Building Products. All data and information provided in this blog is for general reference and inspiration only and cannot be used as an official guide to any interior building jobs. The company will not hold liability for any errors or omissions in this information or any losses or damages arising from its display or use.