Kitchen Benchtops: Why Insightful Material Selection Is Essential In Remodeling

Are you planning to remodel part of your kitchen? Learn more about why hiring a remodeling contractor would streamline the process.

Kitchen Benchtops: Why Insightful Material Selection Is Essential In Remodeling

1 September 2020
 Categories: , Blog


Kitchens are core components of human homes. They are often the space in which families come together to share a meal, and children and parents can talk about their days at home or school over a snack. Kitchens are also spaces in which adults can entertain and children can settle to complete their homework. 

Therefore, your kitchen surfaces will need to be both visually pleasant and easy to clean. Benchtops are the most impactful surfaces of your kitchen's design. If you're looking to remodel your ideal kitchen, you'll want to pay extra consideration to the materials they are made from. Here is all you should know. 

Material Defines Cost 

The cost of your kitchen benchtop will depend on the market value of its primary material and the number of industrial processes it needs to be subjected to create a resistant surface. Materials such as marble and alabaster are likely to provide your kitchen benchtop with a luxurious, sophisticated edge but will be much pricier than laminate or acrylic.

Laminate benchtops are a highly affordable option and can be easily cut on-site to fit your structure. Laminate is resistant to minimal heat and surface scratches; therefore, it will not require a replacement any time soon. Granite and engineered stone countertops are higher-end options increasingly incorporated in modern kitchen design because they combine the timeless style of organic material and the resistance of industrial compounds.

Establishing How You Use Your Benchtops 

The material you select should also depend on your habits when you use your benchtops. The more meal prep you do on your benchtops, the more scratch-resistant its surface will be to accommodate daily cutting tasks and stationery movement. Materials like wood are likely to mark when subjected to high temperatures from pots, kettles, or mugs, even with a protective varnish coat to prevent fires.

Surfaces like stainless steel are resistant to high heat, scratches, or impact, and are likely to maintain a gleam for several years. They are also easy to clean, which makes them ideal options for heavy-duty, frequent cooking. Timber is also an exciting option if you're looking to combine functionality (regular lengthy cooking) with old-fashioned, rustic style.

A Final Word 

Cost and use are the primary factors that should influence your kitchen benchtop material choice. If you're going to use your kitchen benchtop to prep your meals or accommodate hot concoctions, you may want to invest in the higher-end materials. If you're looking to save on your decor without giving up on the smooth, gleaming finish of most modern kitchens, consider laminate.

For more tips on kitchen remodeling, reach out to a local remodeling contractor.