Types of Kitchen Benchtops
Benchtops are a key component of any kitchen. Almost every cooking activity takes place on countertops, including placing your appliances, cutting, and preparing ingredients. Choosing the right benchtop is crucial if you’re planning a kitchen renovation. You don’t want any regrets down the line. It can be pretty expensive, and replacing it can double your expenses. To avoid such an incident, consult our industry experts—we can provide valuable tips that save you time and money.
KIND Kitchens is a reputed renovation company in Melbourne. We specialise in providing state-of-the-art kitchen designs. You’ll find our solutions innovative and future-proof. This applies to our kitchen benchtops as well.
A good benchtop must be functional, practical, durable, and aesthetically pleasing to get value for your money. To find the ideal piece, it’s best to understand the different kitchen benchtop materials and styles we offer:
Solid Timber
Widely regarded as one of the best options, you can’t go wrong with solid timber. Nothing’s better than the natural aesthetics of wood. It imparts a warm, cosy vibe and adds a touch of elegance. However, they aren’t very common nowadays as they are comparatively more expensive than other options.
One of the main advantages of solid timber benchtops is their longevity. They can outlive most benchtop materials. And though they are softer and have a lower density compared to other materials, you can sand and stain them to maintain their look.
There are a few aspects to consider when you choose solid timber for your benchtops. Solid wood doesn’t go well with steam & moisture. Avoid them as much as possible. And if you’re a person who prefers a smooth and sleek benchtop, then solid timber might not be for you. Due to its low density, it can leave scratch marks easily and would need to be sanded often.
Laminate Benchtops
Another type of countertop we offer is a laminate benchtop. It is a good alternative to solid timber. Laminate perfectly mimics the appearance of more expensive finishes, making it a great low-budget option.
Laminate benchtops are resistant to wear, scratches, boiling water, stains and moderate heat. We have an extensive range of colours, patterns and finishes, making them an ideal benchtop material. A simple wipe-down will remove stains and dirt, and a mild detergent for tougher stains.
Don’t use steel wool or abrasive cleaners as they’ll damage the surface in no time. Extreme heat can also deform a laminate countertop and sharp objects can cause unsightly lines or pockmarks. However, if your kitchen routine prevents these from happening, it’s a great value for your investment. If you’re not sure, you can speak with our designer about it.