Whether you want an industrial, rustic, or modern look, there’ll be a kitchen benchtop to suit. While we often think about what will look nice, other essential things such as budget and ease of cleaning shouldn’t be overlooked either.
In this post, we discuss the best benchtop for your kitchen based on function, style, and cost.
Industrial Look Benchtop Ideas
Concrete
The industrial style requires a polished concrete countertop, but this option is expensive. Many factors, like cement, aggregates, and sand, will influence the final colour of your concrete benchtop. Concrete needs to be sealed/polished to prevent staining and damage to the surface.
Things to consider with concrete benchtops include being careful not to drop or knock any concrete—especially the corners, which are prone to cracking. To avoid bubbling or scratch marks, you must also be careful when cleaning the surface.
Repolishing is recommended whenever the surface is damaged. If you leave the surface scratched, you could let stains seep through, permanently damaging the surface.
Budget Conscious Benchtop Options
Laminate
A laminate benchtop is a good option if you’re on a tight budget. Laminate (laying multiple sheets of paper over chipboard, ply or MDF) has been around for quite some time and has come a long way. You can now get a laminate benchtop to suit any style you want – wood grains, marble, and granite are all achievable with laminated surfaces. You can even create an amazing waterfall finish with seamless joints. Laminate is the leading brand when it comes to laminates.
Heat damage can also occur with laminate products. Stains are easily removed with a cleaner. Once the surface has been damaged, continued exposure to liquids and water can cause the boards beneath to swell.
Butcher Block
A butcher block countertop can give your kitchen a rustic look. It’s a less expensive alternative. Butcher block can be sealed either with oil or with polyester resin.
If you decide to have an oiled surface, remember that you’ll need to reapply the oil periodically so it doesn’t dry out and crack. Any spills should be attended to immediately with a damp cloth (if the spill is on an oiled surface), warm, soapy water, or a spray-and-wipe product if the spill is on a polyurethane surface. Harder abrasive cleaners will damage the paint’s surface and strip its gloss.
Natural Looking Benchtop Choices
Marble
Marble is a good option if you’re looking for a natural stone like granite but don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s delicate and needs to be treated carefully. Marble is more porous, so sealing and ongoing care are a must.
Marble is one of the most common materials used for countertops, but there are some things to consider carefully. It may stain or etch, which means that it may leave marks on your kitchen counters. As time passes, it may begin to show signs of aging. Your countertops could become stained or damaged if you don’t properly care for and maintain them.
You’ll eventually scratch marble by using it every day. But these won’t necessarily be noticed as you walk past them. Over time, marble develops a natural patina that enhances its unique beauty.
Porcelain
Porcelain is lightweight, so you don’t need to seal it, and it’s available in larger slab sizes. It’s versatile, too; you can use porcelain sheets for furniture, flooring, and outdoor areas.
Porcelain is a natural material that has been around for centuries. It is one of the most popular choices for countertops because it resists stains and scratches better than other materials.
Porcelain is good for kitchen and bathroom countertops because it’s durable, easy to clean, and beautiful. Durability is one of its main advantages. It lasts longer than other materials and is easier to clean.
Our experts are here to help you with the best benchtop for your kitchen. Get in touch with Stone Benchtop Direct today and let’s discuss your next project.