Types of Material to Consider for Your Kitchen Benchtop

The kitchen benchtop is among the most hardworking surfaces in your home. From entertaining to family needs and homework, the many activities done on this surface require it to be strong and sturdy. The kitchen benchtop needs to be practical and good-looking. Here is a rundown of the material you can consider for your kitchen benchtop. 

Engineered Stone Benchtop Made with natural aggregates like quartz mixed with resins, this benchtop comes in a variety of colours and finishes. From ominous greys to bright white, choose from a solid colour or one with specks of different coloured stone. 

One of its advantages is the ease of cleaning. Because it is nonporous, it resistant to staining and scratching. It does not need ongoing maintenance. 

Timber Benchtops Timber has definitely made a comeback. Timber helps add warmth to your kitchen, especially if the rest of your kitchen uses materials like stainless steel and glass.  There is a wide variety of tree species to choose from. Therefore, you can opt for lighter yellowish colours of ash, or contrast the light-coloured doors with darker tones. 

To protect your timber benchtop, you need to coat it in a polyurethane or food-safe oil. You need to reapply the oil repeatedly every year. Even though polyurethane lasts longer, you will need to sand the entire surface before applying a fresh coat. 

Stainless Steel Benchtops This chef's favourite benchtop is heat resistant and hardy. It is hygienic and hard-wearing, making it a popular choice for busy kitchens like restaurant kitchens. Stainless steel allows for integrating sinks and splashbacks to ensure there are no cracks for nasty particles and gather in. Polishing it every five to ten years will have your benchtop feeling and looking as good as new.

Polished Concrete Benchtops If you choose this option, your contractor will form and pour it on site. Because concrete can be heavy, this benchtop may require sub-floor structural work to provide support.  

A polished concrete benchtop has a raw finish which, other materials are now looking to emulate. You can also have heating built into it. With sealing and finishing, this is a more refined option. If you want it coloured, your contractor will tint the mix to give it some colour. 

Marble Benchtop This natural stone is a timeless and sophisticated option. However, it comes with an eye-watering bill and quite the upkeep. While it doesn't look porous, it soaks up spills, which could damage the look of your hefty investment. Whether you choose a honed or polished marble surface, it needs a quality purpose-made sealant, a process which professionals should repeat every few years. 

Depending on your rate of use, design and budget, choose one of these materials for your kitchen benchtop. Speak to a professional for more information about kitchen benchtops. 

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