If you renovate or design your kitchen, the right benchtop can radically transform your space. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular design elements in any kitchen space, and for many interior designers, it’s the starting point of every kitchen design. Before you choose a benchtop, you will need to consider various benchtop materials. This can shape the entirety of your design. So, choose your colour scheme and decide which components are most important to you when choosing the right kitchen benchtop. Let’s take a look at your options.

Quartz Benchtop

You can rely on quartz if you want a solid surface; it’s an excellent solution. It’s tougher than granite, and it’s easy to clean because it’s not as porous as a natural stone. However, you need to be careful with heat as excessive exposure can damage the material. So, be sure to use potholders if you put hot pans on the counter.

Stainless Steel Benchtop

Suppose you want a modern look to speak to your kitchen designers about a stainless steel benchtop. It pairs well with raw timber if you wish for a truly contemporary style kitchen. Stainless steel is often used in commercial kitchens because it’s hygienic and durable. It can be repolished for restoration, and you can opt for fully integrated sinks, which prevent grime from getting trapped in seams and cracks. One drawback of stainless steel is that you can spot scratches immediately after scratching them. Chopping boards can help prevent much of this, but it’s entirely up to your aesthetic preference.

Timber Benchtop

If you want kitchen benchtops to soften the look, a timber benchtop is an excellent option. It’s versatile – it can work in an ultra-modern space and a traditional design. The beauty of wood is that it gains character as it ages. You can also restore it with sand and reseal.

You can choose from a wide variety of colours as there are so many species available, and some are cost-efficient.

Wood is a bit more high-maintenance than other options, however. It isn’t the most hygienic option because it’s slightly porous.

Ceramic Benchtop

If you are considering ceramic, porcelain is a hot commodity across Australia. It has everything that makes quartz popular but some extra selling points. It’s low-porosity, high-density, and perfect for food prep zones. It’s resistant to spills, easy to clean, fire and heat-resistant, and UV-resistant. It’s the perfect benchtop for your new kitchen island.

There are a few factors to consider before you make your choice. It’s a hard material, which means it is just as heavy as granite. Your cabinetry needs to be able to handle its weight, but so does your flooring. Though it’s durable, it is brittle because hard materials often are. So, when it meets heavy implements, it can crack, chip, and shatter just like glass would. You can make repairs with epoxy resin, but the only way to get a good result is by hiring a professional to carry out repairs.

Laminate Benchtop

Laminate today is not the same as when you were growing up. It used to be synonymous with cheap and tacky, but now it’s a budget-friendly powerhouse. Laminate benchtops come in various styles, designs, and colours. So, whether you want a solid colour or you would prefer an oak-style, marble look or polished concrete effect, there’s a laminate for that. Laminate offers a smooth finish, making it easy to wipe and clean. It is porous, so it will pick up stains and marks over time unless you clean them quickly. In addition, dropping something heavy on it can chip, which may damage the waterproof coating.

Natural Stone Benchtops

Natural stone is a classic, whether it’s the luxury of marble or the strength of granite. A natural stone benchtop is bespoke, which means you have a unique feature. Some stones are more porous than others, so choose carefully and opt for a protective sealant.

Alternatively, you can shop for engineered stone, which is made up of a mix of materials and pressurised. It produces a hard-wearing material that looks stunning. You can choose from various finishes, styles, and colours, and it has low-porosity versus natural stone. It is more likely to chip than natural stone. And price-wise, it runs similarly to granite.

Schmidt Kitchen & Interior Solutions Can Help

The first step to shopping for benchtops is choosing your material. Once you select the perfect material, you can shop for designs. Every material offers a variety of design options, which will dictate both appearance and price. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re on a tight budget or a luxury one. Choosing your design can be tricky because you have to think about what overall look you’re trying to achieve. The overall kitchen design will play a significant role. If you want dark cabinetry, a lighter benchtop might be more suitable – think navy blue cabinetry and white marble countertops. The reserve is true, if you opt for a dark benchtop, then lighter cabinetry is an excellent contrast.

There are many different styles and designs to choose from, whatever your aesthetic. Imagine your overall aesthetic and how your benchtop factors in if you’re struggling to narrow your options down. It’s essential to ensure it conveys your style and complements your other options. Start with the suitable material for your style and budget and how that works with your overall design.

Whether you are interested in Carrara marble, natural stone or concrete benchtops, kitchen renovating opens up possibilities. The tips above will certainly be helpful, but nothing beats seeking the advice of the experts. If you plan a kitchen renovation, reach out to Schmidt Kitchen & Interior Solutions to schedule a free showroom consultation today. We have a range of affordable benchtops, as well as luxury options as well. We can find something to meet your budget and style with plenty to choose from.