Kitchen Benchtops: Types, Pros, and Cons

When building your dream kitchen, the benchtop is one of the parts that requires a lot of thinking. You have to carefully consider the aesthetic value, its cohesiveness to the overall design, and its functionality. With a lot of choices to choose from, it can prove to be a challenge to decide which material to use to suit your taps and spouts.

To make it easier for you to make up your mind, we have compiled some of the most popular benchtop materials in the market, as well as their perks and quirks.

Stone

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Arguably, stone is among one of the most sought-after material for kitchen benchtops. The sophisticated texture and elegant look is a surefire appeal for those who wish to have a luxurious masterpiece. Some of the commonly-used natural stones are granite and marble.

• Pros
• Gives a classy look to your kitchen
• Natural and engineered variants provide more choices in colour and shape
• Cons
• Considered to be more expensive than other alternatives
• Soft and porous, making it prone to stains and markings

Metal

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This material is seen in most commercial establishments, but it is recently moving to residential kitchen designs as well. Stainless steel, copper, and aluminum are some of the common variants of metal used for kitchen benchtops. The industrial finish gives off a strong vibe with minimal need for touch-ups.

• Pros
• Low maintenance compared to other materials
• Can easily be cleaned by simply wiping the surface
• Stain-proof and durable
• Cons
• The surface can easily be scratched
• Markings such as fingerprints are visible

Concrete

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For those who seek to inject a bit more creativity into their benchtops, the concrete is the best choice. The material provides a lot of legroom, allowing different ideas to be brought into fruition as long as it is moulded perfectly.

• Pros
• Resistant to scratches and heat
• Customisable in terms of shape and colour
• Cons
• Can easily chip and crack
• Installation requires skilled professionals, which is where the cost goes

Timber

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If you are looking for an economical yet stylish option, timber is the material for you. The use can range from sleek and modern to rustic and country-ish. Like stone, it is a natural material that can be crafted into an image that you would like for your kitchen.

• Pros
• More affordable than most options
• Can be cut and conjoined together to form the desired shapes easily
• Simply applying oil gives an elegant finish
• Cons
• Prone to damage when there is too much moisture
• Scratched easily, although it can be remedied with sandpaper and reapplying oil

Postformed/ Laminex

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Considered the cheapest material, it is a great alternative for those who are working with a limited budget. It is also versatile for as long as you pick the right colour and design for your kitchen area.

• Pros
• The most affordable option
• Versatile in terms of design
• Cons
• Usually has straight edges, so it is not ideal if you want curved ends
• Material is as is when purchased

At the end of the day, you need to be wise in choosing a benchtop. Are you after the cost, the style, or its level of maintenance? Figure that out, and you should be able to decide properly.