Deciding On A Kitchen Benchtop
Marble
A long-established symbol of luxury living, marble makes for an excellent benchtop material. Its distinctive and elegant look attracts many and it can easily be made to complement a room’s furnishings. The major drawback is the softness of the stone, which leaves it vulnerable to staining and other damage - maintenance costs, such as regular sealing, can be quite high. Installation can also be pricey, since the stone is heavy and needs to sit comfortably on the cabinet.
High Pressure Laminate
A popular budget choice, laminate is usually ordered by square metre and cut during installation to fit your needs. Many styles exist, including ones which imitate timber or stone. Laminate lacks a little in the durability stakes - you have to be vigilant about protecting the surface from hot pots, for instance, and it scratches easily.
Wood
Although they may require semi-regular polishing, timber benchtops can look stunning in a more period home. Harder varieties of wood are sealed, or even compiled with cross-laminate layers. Price can vary widely depending on the wood in question.
Metal
Stainless steel is a staple in commercial kitchens and is slowly rearing its head in domestic design as well. With its sleek, modern look, metal surfaces are very low-maintenance but, depending on the specifics, may be quite prone to scratching and dents.
Granite
Lucky last, and certainly a popular choice, granite is famed for its strength and longevity. Though it may offer less colour and grain variety than marble, and similarly requires sealant to prevent staining, granite will usually come in cheaper.
Ready to take your kitchen renovation to the next level? Service Central can connect you with top-quality tradespeople and services in your local area. Just post your job to receive three free no-obligation quotes from qualified professionals today!
