If you are getting ready to remodel your kitchen, your attention may well be focused on the kitchen benchtop. After all, this is probably the largest flat surface in the entire room and will get a lot of attention during food preparation and social occasions alike. So, what type of benchtop should you install, and what are the pros and cons in each situation?
Studying Your Options
Of course, you will always need to work with a budget, and this may dictate your ultimate choice. Just bear in mind the cost of maintenance over the months and years ahead and take this into account as you make your decision.
Laminate Benefit
At the lower end of the scale is the laminate benchtop. You can find this in a variety of different colours, textures or patterns, and will find that individual panels are relatively easy to match together without any discernible "join." This type of material is nevertheless quite susceptible to damage and may be difficult to repair thereafter.
Engineered Ease
Engineered stone is very popular today due to its durability and relative ease of maintenance. They typically have a quartz appearance, while some can be designed to simulate the look of marble or other stones. Some of these may be relatively soft, however, so might not be the perfect choice for a busy kitchen.
Marble Beauty
If you do choose marble for your benchtop, you may love the look and feel but may once again need to budget for repeat and long-term maintenance. Marble is quite porous and may absorb spills, and it can crack if you place a particularly heavy and very hot pot on its surface. Make sure that you seal the surface as soon as you install, and you might alleviate some of these issues.
Synthetic Practicality
If you want to be purely functional and get a good, middle-of-the-road solution, then consider synthetics. These are relatively easy to design and shape and come in a variety of patterns and colours. These are quite easy to repair as well and should last for many years in your busy home.
Many Choices Available
These are just some of the options available to you when you want to install a brand-new benchtop. Work with your designer and product supplier to come up with the perfect solution for your needs so that you can match your new installation with the surrounding decor.
