A Little Word On The Hardworking Benchtop

The benchtop is a hardworking surface often the centrepiece of the kitchen or bathroom. With many materials available, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision. In this post, we’ll explore the various options for kitchen benchtops and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

Engineered Stone

(Caesarstone, Smartstone, Quantum Quartz, Talostone)

• Strong surface like natural stone ,without the maintenance.
• Stain and scratch-resistant, no sealing required.
• Popular marble look-alike options, customisable edge profiles and shapes.
• Expensive, chipping and discolouration can occur over time due to UV exposure.
• “Heat resistant,” but caution advised; not suitable for red hot pans.
• Most brands do not warrant use outdoors.

Why is engineered stone in the news? Because of crystalline silica and the link to the lung disease silicosis. For example, engineered stone has been found to release harmful silica particles when cut. Fabricators should always use proper safety equipment and follow safe-cutting practices.

“Silica is silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring and widely abundant mineral that forms the major component of most rocks and soils. There are non-crystalline and crystalline forms of silicon dioxide. The most common type of crystalline silica is quartz (CAS 14808-60-7),” states Safe Work Australia. “Different types of rock and rock products can contain different amounts of silica, for example:”

Note that not all engineered stone has 97% silica. Some can have much lower levels like Smartstone’s Ibrido (Italian for ‘hybrid’). No doubt other manufactures of engineered stone will be assessing how they can attain lower percentages of silica and therefore reduce risk.

Marble Benchtop

• Luxurious natural beauty, unique colour and veining.
• Durable, “heat resistant” but can scorch.
• Sensitivity to acidic and citrus foods that can cause etching.
• Red wine spills need to be wiped up immediately.
• Expensive and regular sealing required.

Concrete Benchtop

• Custom options with a wide range of design possibilities.
• Cost, weight, curing time, and repair and maintenance requirements should be considered.

All stone, whether natural or engineered, can chip. However, there are clever folks that can repair, rejuvenate, and seal your benchtops, and it’s important to research their capabilities prior to making a decision. Site access and installation are also to be considered. These slabs are very heavy and, in some cases, can be very fragile.

Porcelain/Hybrid slabs

(Dekton, Silestone, Neolith, Maximus)

• Super durable, scratch, abrasion, stain, and heat proof.
• Different thickness options (some as thin as 4mm) which makes their application potential limitless.
• Potential for chipping and cracking due to impact.
• Can be used outdoors but assess your location and potential hazards.
• Fabrication cost can be expensive as not all stonemasons have the necessary equipment.
• It’s important to research each brand for limitations.

When it comes to selecting benchtop materials for your kitchen or workspace, it’s essential to consider factors like durability, hygiene, and maintenance.

Solid Surfaces

(Corian, Staron)

• A synthetic material that can be moulded into virtually any shape, profile or size.
• Seamless finish with no joins, perfect for extra-long runs.
• Non-porous, resistant to stains and bacteria, and can withstand daily wear and tear.
• Expensive with limited colour choices.

Stainless Steel

• Sleek, modern look that complements various design styles.
• Durable, can withstand heavy use and high temperatures.
• Non-porous and easy to clean, hygienic for food preparation.
• Noisy when objects are placed on it, shows fingerprints and smudges.

No matter which material you choose for your benchtop, it’s essential to use the correct sealing and cleaning products as advised by the supplier. By taking care of your benchtops, you can ensure they remain beautiful, functional, and safe for years to come.