There are so many different options available for kitchen countertops making it very easy to design your kitchen exactly the way you want. Whether you are considering doing a kitchen renovation or building a new custom home, in this article we’ll look at 8 different benchtop options available in the market right now.
Engineered stone
Engineered stone is a man-made mix of stone or quartz pressed together with a resin. It’s made to mimic marble and other stone surfaces but costing less than more expensive options. The surface is smooth, non-porous, looks amazing and is easy to clean.
Colors: whites, greys, veined, bold colors
Pros: Durable, low maintenance, stain & scratch resistant
Cons: Pricier than laminate, seams may be visible (the lines joining separate pieces when placing them together.
Laminate
Laminate has recently made a comeback, with many different styles propping up, and not stretching your budget too much. It’s typically particleboard with a plastic surface and can be found in many standard kitchens. It’s made to mimic wood, has the same look and feel, but you’ll notice a difference in quality compared to natural wood surfaces.
Colors: Many varieties, like natural wood or even bright colors
Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to install
Cons: Prone to scratching, burns, and swelling from moisture if not sealed properly
Timber
Timber or natural wood is another “old fashioned” style that’s making a comeback. Timber can be a warm and visually appealing, a timeless and characterful choice, but it requires periodic coatings of oil or polyurethane to protect it. The surface can be somewhat rough or very smooth. It offers a lot of custom design variation with different grains, wood colors, stains and types to work with.
Colors: Depends on the type of wood used, general brown variations or even reddish colors
Pros: Adds character, natural charm, versatile in design
Cons: Requires regular sealing, sensitive to heat and moisture
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is the surface preferred by most restaurants kitchens as it is very hygienic, easy to clean and to install. The design of stainless steel adds a sleek industrial type of atmosphere to any kitchen making it stand out.
Colors: Typical silver metal finish
Pros: Hygienic, heat and stain resistant
Cons: Very easily shows dents and scratches. It’s also a loud surface to work on.
Polished concrete
Polished concrete adds a completely different texture to a kitchen and a home. Similar to stainless steel, it stands out having a rough and raw exterior but smooth finish. This industrial look can be very durable and full of different textures, patterns and pigments of color. It’s a very popular choice in many modern sleek kitchen designs.
Colors: Natural grey, or tinted with pigments
Pros: Customizable shape and color, very durable
Cons: Must be sealed, prone to hairline cracks and is very heavy
Marble
Marble is the gold standard in kitchen countertops. It’s a showcase of style and elegance, but costs more than most other countertops. It’s smooth, luxurious, cool to the touch and is simply elegant. You can never go wrong with having marble in your home.
Colors: Whites, greys, pinks, greens, often with veins
Pros: Stunning appearance, timeless
Cons: Stains and scratches easily, high maintenance
Granite
Natural stone or granite is like marble, comes with a high gloss or honed finish but more durable and requires less maintenance than its counterpart.
Colors: Blacks, browns, creams, blues, greys
Pros: Very durable, heat and scratch resistant
Cons: Needs sealing, may have some natural
Bamboo
Bamboo is one that makes it to everyone list of top eco friendly materials. It grows extremely fast and is equally strong. It’s a naturally anti-bacterial surface and very cost effective. It also looks similar to natural wood, with a distinct fine-grained look.
Colors: Light tan / wood colors
Pros: Eco-friendly, affordable, natural appeal
Cons: Softer than hardwood, requires sealing, sensitive to moisture
IQ Construction are experts at custom home design offering clients endless design solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and more. Want us to build your new dream home? Find out more here.
Source: Bhg.com