Leave no bench stone unturned
There is a world of choice when it comes to benchtops, each with their own pros and cons. Here are a few of the options.
Natural stone: Granite and marble are the most common stones for benchtops. Granite is superior for strength and durability, while marble is usually pricier. Thanks to naturally occurring variations, neither are uniform in appearance.
Simon Potter from Pacific Stone says: ‘‘A slab of granite can have one end that’s got almost no colour and one end that’s got quite a lot.’’ Both require regular resealing to keep them in good shape.
Engineered stone: Those who want the durability and feel of granite but with less maintenance and a more uniform look might opt for engineered stone. A composite material, it is a mix of quartz and a resin compound formed under high pressure, making it strong and durable. ‘‘If you closed your eyes and touched both granite and engineered stone, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference,’’ says Potter.
Engineered stone is non porous and antibacterial, and comes in a wide range of colours and finishes. Lee Fenton from Benchtop Concepts says the cost varies depending on the size and thickness required. ‘‘Suppliers all have different slab sizes and thicknesses so it pays to shop around.’’
Acrylic solid surface: Fenton says acrylic solid surfaces are their most popular product. ‘‘They give a seamless finish with no visible joins and they can be repaired or buffed up again to look as good as new.’’ Made from moulded acrylic resin, these surfaces are hygienic and durable and can be made into any thickness, shape or length. Moulded sinks can be added.
Plain white acrylics are generally at the cheaper end of the scale, while those with graining or other textures are more costly.
High pressure laminate: The least expensive option of all the benchtops, high pressure laminate is another material with a wide range of brands and levels of quality. At the top end they are durable and low maintenance, and can look quite similar to engineered stone. Fenton says their customers sometimes choose stone for their main bench and then a matching laminate for the pantry or scullery to save money.
Concrete: Admired for its industrial look, concrete can be coloured and finished to suit different tastes. It can crack however and, like granite and marble, requires regular sealing to prevent stains and bacteria growth.
Stainless steel: Used in commercial kitchens thanks to its excellent antibacterial properties and ease of cleaning, stainless steel is another option that has its pros and cons. While it is durable and available in almost any size, it is prone to scratches and scuffs.
Timber: Chosen by those who love the warm aesthetic and soft touch of wood, timber is another popular choice. Timber benchtops do require regular resealing and are less resistant to scratches, dents and staining. A bit more care needs to be taken to keep them looking their best.