Carrying Out Construction Work

Posted on: 25 March 2020

When coordinating the components for a new kitchen, the cabinetry, splashback and benchtop, for instance, you need to consider how all the various materials marry up with one another. Fortunately, benchtops come in a wide range of options, making your task that much easier.

Laminate

If you decide to install a laminate benchtop, your choice of colours is virtually unlimited. The laminates on benchtops consist of multiple layers of decorative papers and resins that bond together to create hundreds of finishes, including relatively realistic renditions of natural marble and granite. 

Though extremely durable, laminate benchtops can damage under certain conditions, such as if you put a hot pan directly on their surface or cut vegetables without using a cutting board. Make sure also not to leave water spills sitting around joins near the sink, which can infiltrate through to the particle board or MDF within. Once this happens, these boards tend to swell with moisture.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone combines the beauty of organic rock, typically crushed quartz, with the practicality of resins and organic pigments. While these benchtops incorporate stone into your kitchen, they're more practical and durable than a purely natural version, which isn't as non-porous and stain-resistant. An engineered slab won't need the constant resealing that a real stone one will because of ingredients within. 

You may notice the consistency between engineered benchtops, where one can look very much like another within the same range. This predictability will help you to match several counters across your kitchen area, including islands. Natural stone, on the other hand, tends to vary organically, depending on its origin and specific mineral content. 

Stainless Steel

The hygienic properties of stainless steel benchtops are largely why they populate many commercial kitchens. Steel evokes a seamless, clean aesthetic, particularly with a welded-in sink. However, their beautifully smooth, shiny finish is also their Achilles heel in that dents, dings and scratches tend to stand out. Such a patina can add to their character, however, giving your kitchen a more lived-in feeling.

Timber

Timber benchtops use various wood species that offer a wide range of grains and wood tones in numerous shades of blonde, red and brown. Your custom home builders can advise on specific local timbers available. Being relatively porous, wood demands attentive care—you'll need to wipe spills promptly and to seal the benchtop regularly to maintain its beauty. You should expect, though, some wear and tear over time. However, a benefit of timber benches is that you can sand the top to reveal a pristine surface below, thus virtually enjoying a new benchtop without going through all the expense and inconvenience that this would otherwise entail. 

If you are interested in a new benchtop for your updated kitchen design, contact a custom home builder today.