If you are in the process to plan a design of your new home or are even renovating your existing one, make sure to give enough time with a lot of effort to the kitchen bench top.
This tends to be a prominent feature that is required for the preparation of meals. You can think of the bench top as a focal point of your kitchen. There are multiple types, styles, and designs besides the materials that are available for these bench tops. As said there are different materials to choose from, out of which some are listed below.
7 Types of Kitchen Bench Tops
1.Timber.
Using timber for a kitchen bench top can add a country side charm to the whole setup. If paired with marble, they can give the perfect look. Using timber, you need to be aware that this is not resistant to scratching and also requires regular sealing. The cost of this depends on the type of timber that you opt for.
2. Engineered Stone.
This is one popular material for kitchen bench tops as this material is scratch and heat resistant and it is non-porous, besides being free of much maintenance. These stones are composed of resin and natural quartz.
3.Stainless Steel.
For those who prefer a commercial or an industrial styled kitchen this is a best choice for them. Besides giving your kitchen a sleek look you need to be aware that this material is impervious to bacteria and heat.
4.Synthetic Solid Surface.
Bench tops of a solid surface can be molded and shaped with ease. Besides this, they are able to hide the joins in the slab and are available in a wide range of patterns and colors. These are considered as one of the most hygienic options available. You need not worry about the scratches and cuts as they can be easily repaired. Though these might work out a wee bit expensive but since they tend to last long, work out a sensible investment.
5.Marble.
Undoubtedly, marble offers a luxurious look to any space but requires more of maintenance and care. As this is a porous material that is soft, it tends to crack, stain and scratch easily. Sealing and maintenance of this might avoid staining. Though this material might work out cheaper as compared to the other options but you need to add the cost of maintenance to this, if you want it to last long.
6.Laminate.
With due course of time, you have a wide range of options available in laminate, with different colors, styles and designs. Although this might work out beneficial it can be easily scratched and you find it tough to get this repaired. This does provide a stylish solution to the kitchen as the joins are not visible.
7.Granite.
Though considered as the toughest material for kitchen bench tops, it requires maintenance on a regular basis. If you make an effort to maintain this, it can last for a long span of time. It is considered a premium material as it is long lasting and does not cost as much as engineered stone or laminate bench tops.
Before making a decision for the kitchen bench top, you need to make sure about the budget as there are a number of options available which can work well within your budget.
Once you know how much you can spend on a bench top you can go to the next step of making a choice between the different materials, colors, styles within the budget. Make sure the bench top can blend well with the cabinets and also the splash backs and the color scheme of your kitchen.
Disclosure: This is a guest post. Pictures and text are provided by contributor.