There are many decisions to be made when it comes to designing a kitchen, but none are as important as the kitchen benchtop. A benchtop needs to be as durable as it is beautiful, and it has the power to pull the entire room together.
Farquhar Design Kitchens takes great pride in designing, manufacturing and installing kitchen benchtops across Tauranga, Te Puke and Papamoa. Here’s our guide to choosing which bench material will best suit your kitchen’s style.
Achieve a Classic Look with Natural Stone
When we are asked to build timeless, sophisticated kitchens, natural stone is an excellent choice. The most popular stones are granite – which is extremely strong and durable – and marble, which is more expensive and porous, but undeniably elegant.
Drawback: stone benchtops requires regular maintenance and resealing.
Elegantly Modern with Engineered Stone
If you aren’t a traditionalist but like the look of stone in your new or renovated kitchen, engineered stone is a great alternative. It will give you the same overall look and feel, but is non-porous which makes it easier to clean and maintain, and is stain, scratch and impact-resistant. Engineered stone benchtops are a great finishing touch to a chic, modern kitchen.
Drawback: there’s some snobbery around engineered stone, with purists preferring the real deal.
Choose Stainless Steel for Commercial or Industrial-Style Kitchens
Anyone who has worked in a commercial kitchen will appreciate the low-fuss, uncomplicated hardiness and antibacterial properties of a stainless steel kitchen benchtop. It’s not for everyone, but if you like the industrial look – think exposed shelves and gas hobs – stainless benchtops can certainly work in the home kitchen as well.
Drawbacks: stainless steel show scratches and scuffs – although this often adds to the look.
European Country Kitchens Love Timber Benchtops
Timber kitchen benchtops bring an unrivaled warmth and earthiness to the home and are especially fitting for European-inspired kitchen renovations. A timber benchtop matched with cream-coloured cabinetry will feel very reminiscent of the French countryside, an influence sure to make its way into your cooking.
Drawbacks: timber needs resealing and will show scratches and stains.
Keep the Bank Balance Happy with Laminate Benches
Laminate benchtops give you a variety of style choices while helping you stick to your budget. Laminate comes in different finishes and colours, it is very durable and these days it can look quite similar to engineered stone.
Drawbacks: it can be missing the ‘wow factor’ that other kitchen benchtop options bring.
Talk to FD Kitchens about choosing the best benchtop for your new or renovated kitchen in Tauranga, Te Puke or Papamoa. You can check out some of our benchtops on our gallery page.