Benchtops

A surface in your home which will be subject to much use, it is important to choose a top to suit your needs. Listed below are a selection of surfaces available today and a description of each.

Laminate

Economical, decorative and versatile, laminate is available in a large colour range and pattern style, from classic plain colours to textured and patterned finishes. Laminate can be applied to a shaped top with a square edged finish or with a rolled (postformed) edge to straight runs of benchtop. Laminate is non-porous, reducing the risk that bacteria will be trapped in the surface.

Cleaning is usually done with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent.

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Timber

The appeal of a solid timber top is the character, charm and warmth it adds to the room. With many species of timber available, durability and look can vary greatly. Generally, a timber benchtop will be made of several pieces of timber joined together, although it is possible to use large slabs of timber, giving a very different look to the finished project.

Finishes on a timber top include polyurethane lacquer (matt, satin or gloss) and oiled (burnished to various levels of gloss). A lacquer finish is durable and creates a non-porous surface. An oiled timber top has a more natural look and will require re-oiling approximately every 6 to 12 months.

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Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is a popular choice for a contemporary look in benches and splashbacks. In addition to an entire stainless steel benchtop, it is possible to combine panels of steel with other benchtop materials such as solid surface or granite.

A sink can be integrating into the stainless steel surface to produce one clean line. Many commercial kitchens feature stainless steel benchtops as they are easy to work with and to keep clean. Stainless steel, while being a hygienic choice, can show scratches easily.

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Solid Surface

Solid surface is a man-made product composed of minerals, acrylic resins and colours that combine for an uniform look in a broad range of colours and designs from fun and colourful to the look of natural stone. It is water-resistant and features inconspicuous seams, making it ideal to fabricate into integrated splashbacks, sinks and draining boards. Its surfaces are renewable and repairable. Solid surface can be routed, shaped and thermoformed, offering scope for great versatility in design.

Cleaning is the same process as for laminate.

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Granite

Granite is an attractive option due to its variation in colour and texture. Composition and pattern can vary from slab to slab and the quality of the granite is equally diverse - varying in hardness, stain resistance and strength.

All granite is porous, so it must be properly and routinely sealed. It is important to be sure that your sealer is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. Most experts agree that a granite countertop should be resealed every one to two years.

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