Kitchen Bench-top Materials – Pro’s and Con’s

When it’s time for new kitchen bench-tops, you have a lot of choices at your disposal. Whether you are building a brand-new home or renovating an existing property, you cannot afford to make a costly mistake.

The ultimate kitchen benchtops should be stylish, beautiful and practical, and that is not always an easy combination. No matter which kitchen benchtop material you choose, there are bound to be a few trade-offs along the way. Here are some of the pros and cons of various kitchen benchtop materials, so you can make a wise investment in the future of your home.

Granite – The Beauty of Natural Stone

It is hard to beat the beauty of the great outdoors, and granite benchtops let you bring that stunning beauty indoors. Granite is certainly striking to look at with its natural colours and patterns.

Granite benchtops may be an indulgence, but they can also be a wise investment. When properly cared for, granite kitchen benchtops can last as long as your home.

The biggest downside of granite is probably the cost. Compared to other kitchen benchtop materials, granite is quite costly, and it may not be the best choice for a budget-minded renovator.

Granite also needs proper care, and it is important to use the right cleaning supplies. Granite benchtops can suffer scratches and other damage, and repairs can be very expensive.

Marble – The Ultimate Luxury

If you are looking for the ultimate luxury in your new kitchen, you cannot go wrong with marble. Nothing beats the stunning look of a marble benchtop, and the natural veining just adds to the appeal.

Marble is also a natural choice for your kitchen benchtops, and marble can be an environmentally friendly alternative to other types of materials. If you crave a beautiful kitchen and a greener planet, marble could be a smart choice.

Like granite, the biggest downside of marble is the cost. Marble may be the ultimate luxury, but the price tag is equally luxurious. Marble benchtops are also extremely heavy, and that can make the material difficult to work with.

The complexity of the installation can drive up the cost even further, and it is important to hire a contractor who has experience working with marble. But once those marble benchtops are in place, their durability could last a lifetime.

Butcher Block – the Natural Choice for the Serious Chef

For serious chefs and home cooks, a butcher block kitchen benchtop could be the perfect choice. Butcher block has a warm and welcoming look and feel, and these benchtops would be right at home in a professional restaurant kitchen.

Butcher block surfaces are also naturally antimicrobial, and that can make meal preparation and clean-up easier. If you love to cook, a butcher block benchtop is the natural choice.

One of the biggest problems with butcher block kitchen benchtops is their extensive maintenance needs. Butcher block requires regular oiling to maintain their good looks and antimicrobial properties, and many homeowners underestimate the amount of care their new benchtops will need. If you plan to choose a butcher block benchtop, you need to do your homework and be prepared for the annual maintenance requirements.

Laminate – An Affordable Alternative

If you are looking for an affordable alternative for your new kitchen, you cannot go wrong with laminate. These benchtops are not as costly as marble, granite or butcher block, but when properly cared for they can be just as durable.

You can find laminate that looks just like granite, all for a fraction of the cost. If you crave the beauty of granite benchtops but hate the cost, laminate could be the perfect choice.

Laminate benchtops do have their downsides, including the fact that they are made from artificial materials. Laminate may not be the most environmentally friendly choice, and that could be a major consideration for some homeowners.

Putting new kitchen benchtop’s in your home is a major project, and it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the various material options carefully. Knowing your requirements and your options will make your life a lot easier and stop you from making a costly mistake.