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.
A laminate benchtop is used in this contemporary kitchen. Picture: Laminex Australia
Laminate Benchtop
Affordable option.
A range of finishes including marble and granite look-alikes.
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.
This benchtop depicts the unique patterns found in granite. Credit: Tom Blachford
Granite
Unique and striking colour palettes.
More durable than marble, but still has similar limitations.
Heat resistance requires caution, not suitable for red hot pans.
Usually suitable for outdoor applications.
Limestone
Natural, elegant option.
Unique pieces, but similar to marble and granite regarding heat and care.
Generally, less expensive than other natural stone options, fewer colour options.
Concrete Benchtop
Custom options with a wide range of design possibilities.
Cost, weight, curing time, and repair and maintenance requirements should be considered.
Concrete benchtop
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.
Conrad Architects, porcelain slabs
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.
Stainless steel benchtop
Timber benchtop. Image credit: Jorge De Jorge, Unsplash
Timber Benchtop
Warm, natural beauty and durability.
Can be sanded and refinished.
Environmentally friendly and easy to work with during installation.
Regular maintenance required (oiling or sealing) to protect from water damage and staining.
Heat and hygiene limitations should be considered.
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.
Richelle Langdon is the founder and Creative Director of Oliver Myles Interiors, a boutique interior design studio renowned for its striking yet functional spaces. Since establishing the studio in 2014, Richelle has brought her distinctive design approach to a diverse range of projects, from bespoke residential interiors to dynamic commercial environments.
A graduate of Sydney Design School, Richelle has honed her craft through years of hands-on experience, developing a signature style that seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with practical functionality. She believes that great design is not just about visual impact but also about creating spaces that enhance the way people live and work.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Richelle and her team at Oliver Myles Interiors are dedicated to transforming interiors into thoughtfully curated, highly livable spaces that reflect each client’s unique personality and lifestyle.
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Are you considering a home renovation or new build and weighing up the costs involved? Every project is costly no matter what the size, but the value of investing in an interior designer and documented design shouldn’t be underestimated. It always pays off. While interior designers aren’t builders or architects, our role in making sure …
Well, unlike The Block, nothing, and I mean nothing, ever gets done in a week or even a month for that matter. Designing a kitchen requires planning and then more planning. Attention to detail is paramount and when these things are rushed, minor details can become major problems. Things need to be millimetre perfect. Yes, …
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.
Laminate Benchtop
Engineered Stone
(Caesarstone, Smartstone, Quantum Quartz, Talostone)
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
Granite
Limestone
Concrete Benchtop
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)
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)
Stainless Steel
Timber Benchtop
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.
Richelle Langdon is the founder and Creative Director of Oliver Myles Interiors, a boutique interior design studio renowned for its striking yet functional spaces. Since establishing the studio in 2014, Richelle has brought her distinctive design approach to a diverse range of projects, from bespoke residential interiors to dynamic commercial environments.
A graduate of Sydney Design School, Richelle has honed her craft through years of hands-on experience, developing a signature style that seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with practical functionality. She believes that great design is not just about visual impact but also about creating spaces that enhance the way people live and work.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for pushing creative boundaries, Richelle and her team at Oliver Myles Interiors are dedicated to transforming interiors into thoughtfully curated, highly livable spaces that reflect each client’s unique personality and lifestyle.
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