#Benchtop Materials

A dated kitchen can often lower the value of your home and hamper your enjoyment when using this important room in the home.

Purchasing new benchtops can have a significant visual impact, whether it is part of a complete kitchen redesign or a one-off home improvement.

There is a huge variety in benchtop materials, your The Good Guys Kitchens designer will be able to take you through the different types and colours and help you select the right benchtop for your kitchen.

Stone

Stone surfaces are stunning to look at and provide a touch of luxury to your cooking areas. The two most popular options are granite and marble.

Both are porous and will require regular sealing to prevent moisture and liquids penetrating your benchtops. However, by simply cleaning any spills as they happen and using only natural cleaning products, caring for your stone surfaces can be done with ease.

Granite: Tough and scratch resistant, this material is considered one of the best for kitchen surfaces. However, it is also extremely heavy, meaning cabinets underneath may need reinforcing.

Marble: No two pieces of marble are the same adding instant timeless and uniqueness to your kitchen.

It is worth noting that there is usually a delay of up to 10 day between kitchen installation and stone benchtop fitting as detailed measurements are required once the kitchen has been installed.

Engineered stone

Engineered stone is a mixture of quartz and resin, and it is an excellent alternative to natural stone, as it is cost-effective and easier to maintain.

Silestone® is composed of 94% natural quartz, and is the first and only quartz benchtop with Bacteriostatic Protection, giving it unique features.

Timber

Timber is a favourite for households hoping to achieve a traditional, homely appearance. It is also available in a variety of grain patterns and colours.

While it is easy to clean and maintain, you will need to seal it regularly to ensure water does not seep in and blacken the wood.

Solid surface

Solid surface benchtops are acrylic options that offer the visual appeal of natural stone with inconspicuous joins.

Hygienic, non-porous and renewable, they are also great for people who want an environmentally friendly kitchen.

Solid surface benchtops will be installed the same day or the day following your kitchen installation.

Laminates

Laminate benchtops consist of layers of paper with a decorative overlay that provides the desired pattern and added durability.

Textured laminates are among the hardest-wearing and most affordable benchtop materials, with a wide range of colours and designs. However, gloss laminates can scratch easily.

Laminates vary significantly in quality, so consider searching for a product that is specifically designed for benchtops, such as Streamline or Quadra.