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Kitchen Benchtops

Kitchen benchtops truly add the finishing touch to a kitchen, so it makes sense to choose one that suits your style, adds functionality and is aesthetically pleasing. There is a myriad of choices out there, so we’ve gotten the lowdown on some of the more common benchtop types to try and make things a bit easier.

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Considerations

When selecting your benchtops, it is not only the material that you need to consider. Benchtops need to be at least 600mm wide (or deep), with the recommended range being 600mm to 900mm. If they are too wide, it becomes too hard to reach all items on the benchtop. Don’t forget to allow sufficient room for food preparation. Benches should be 600mm long at the absolute minimum if only one person is preparing food. Obviously, the longer the benchtop, the better, with a length of 900mm plus being recommended. If two or more people are involved in food preparation, consider a benchtop with a length of 1200mm to 1500mm or more.

Design

Two major factors will influence the design of your benchtop and those are personal choice and your budget, with different materials varying in price. The kitchen benches are the first thing that you see when you enter a kitchen and are the most visually dominating element so it is important that you choose a material that matches your existing décor and that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you are a serious cook, you may be better off with a heat and scratch resistant material such as granite, rather than a laminate which cannot take heat at all.

If you want to overhaul your kitchen without doing a complete renovation, then it is possible to replace just the benchtops for a whole new look. However, you will need to consider the structural soundness of your existing kitchen, especially if you will be laying a heavier benchtop than originally existed. You will be limited to the existing layout so this is an option that works best when you simply want to update the finish. Always get professional advice when replacing benchtops as they will be able to advise you on any hidden expenses.

Types of Benchtops

There are several different types of benchtops, meaning that there is an option to suit any style of kitchen. The most common styles are outlined below:

Granite – very durable and is scratch and chip resistant. You are able to place hot items directly on the benchtop as well as use the benchtop itself for food preparation. However, because granite is porous, it will need to be sealed regularly, usually around once a year.
Corian – is a patented blend of acrylic and natural minerals. It allows for a seamless finish and is hygienic, non-porous, and resistant to stains and heat. It comes in many different colours and is available in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes.
Marble – has many of the same qualities as granite and because it is such a smooth surface, it is favoured for the preparation of dough and pastries. However, because it is so porous, it will require sealants to be applied more often than granite does.
Quartz Surfacing – is the most durable stone benchtop. It has the look of natural stone and is highly resistant to staining. Quartz surfacing is low maintenance, non-porous and very hygienic.
Concrete – concrete benchtops can be pre-cast in a mould or cast on site. It is rapidly rising in popularity but it needs to be sealed in order to resist stains and water damage.
Laminate – the most traditional and common of all benchtops. It is an economical alternative and is made up of several layers that have been pressed together. It does not have the durability of stone but it is highly versatile in that it is available in a wide range of colours, finishes and textures.
Tile – while more commonly used in a splashback or as trim, stronger tiles can be used as a benchtop. Tiles may have raised, inset or painted designs and are commonly made from materials such as ceramic, porcelain, glass or natural stone. If unglazed tiles are used, they must be sealed.
Hardwood – commonly known as a “butcher block”, these benchtops are made from maple pieces that have been stacked and glued together. Hardwood benchtops are generally between 1 ¼ and 6 inches thick and are highly favoured by chefs and serious cooks.

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