There are lots of popular materials available, but one may be better suited to your home than any other. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this handy guide to five of the more common and suitable benchtop materials out there, including their pros and cons.
1. Natural stone
Natural stone encompasses a wide range of materials, including marble and granite. Stone often creates a timeless and sleek look, particularly when used as a benchtop in a kitchen or bathroom. It can also be used as a splash back material.
Pros:
- Unique and stylish
- Available in a variety of colors, including veins, and sizes
- Fairly durable but can depend on the stone and the cut
Cons:
- Natural stone is porous, so it can have the tendency to soak up stains. It needs to be sealed regularly to avoid damaging its overall appearance
- Requires regular maintenance and can be chipped and scratched
- Can be expensive, particularly in-demand stones like certain types of marble
2. Timber
Timber benchtops look great in a traditional kitchen but can also be the perfect finishing touch in a modern space as well. You can create a fusion of natural and man-made materials, bringing a little of the outside world inside. They contrast well with stainless steel and glass.
Pros:
- More affordable than other options
- Come in a wide range of colors and shades, including lighter shades of ash to darker walnut tones
Cons:
- If not oiled regularly or correctly, timber can absorb spills. It should be coated with a food-safe oil or polyurethane
- Needs oiling every year and sanding may be necessary before applying a fresh coat
3. Engineered stone
Engineered stone is a man made version of stone, often made from mixing quartz with resin. They can achieve a wide range of colors and designs, made to mimic naturally occurring stone. There are many brands of engineered stone available, including Caesar stone benchtops.
Pros:
- Variety of colors, designs and finishes
- Stain and scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Cheaper than natural stone
Cons:
- While less expensive than natural stone, can still be expensive
- Edges can still be chipped
- Can only be made to a certain size, so you may need to join multiple slabs together. The joins between these slabs can be visible
- Should not be used outside as not UV stable
- Patterns repeat and are not as unique as that of natural stone
4. Polished concrete
Alternatively, rather than a natural or engineered stone benchtop, polished concrete is also a popular choice. Like timber it can create a strong contrast between other materials, like stainless steel and glass. It also balances well with timber and other natural materials.
Pros:
- Range of finishes and colors
- Can build in heating
- More affordable than some other options
Cons:
- Can be heavy so may need to reinforce areas of home
- Needs to be sealed
- Not a practical option for splash backs
5. Laminate benchtops
If you have a small budget for your kitchen but don’t want to compromise on looks, then laminate is a great choice. Made from a melamine layer and a low-cost construction material, MDF or chipboard, they are durable without the big price tag of other benchtop materials.
Pros:
- The most budget-friendly option
- Range of colors, designs and finishes
- Can mimic other the look and style of other materials
- Stain resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Easily scratched
- Can be scorched
Final thoughts..
As you can see, there are a range of benchtop materials available, in a variety of colors and finishes. Many will need regular maintenance and care, while others are bettered suited to a high-traffic kitchen space.
To decide what material is best for you, think about how you use your current benchtop. What does your new benchtop need to handle and how would you like it to look? Do your research and take the time to make the right choice.
