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Hot pots, spilled sauces and the odd dropped knife – it’s fair to say our kitchen surfaces take a beating. So what is the best kitchen benchtop material to cater to you and your lifestyle? Whichever kitchen benchtop material you choose, you’ll want to know they’re up to the task. From cost and upkeep to ease of installation, here’s everything you need to know about the types of kitchen benchtops out there.
A timber benchtop is a great option to achieve a country or Scandi-style look, and is also versatile. You can customise the finish to suit your style, says John Harrison of Kaboodle Kitchen. “Stain the timber or simply seal the wood to highlight its grain and natural tones,” he says. For an on-trend look, try contrasting a timber benchtop with another natural material. As a natural product, timber is susceptible to scratches and marks, says Bunnings national buyer for kitchen and appliances Liam Gregory. “However, this can give it a certain patina that adds charm to a kitchen,” he says. “Timber does require more attention to avoid water ingress and damage, especially around wet areas.” You’ll need to reseal it as required, and minor damage can be sanded out.
Non-porous and practically indestructible, porcelain is a popular option for those wanting a high-end look and minimal upkeep. There’s a vast array of colours and designs to choose from in matt, gloss or textured finishes. “Porcelain elevates the look of a kitchen and suits any style, from classic to contemporary,” says Jasmine McClelland. “It is also highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains and heat, making it an excellent choice for busy kitchens.” You can order porcelain in extra-large slabs to create expansive surfaces without a join in sight, and it doesn’t need sealing. It also works outside, so you can match your indoor and outdoor kitchens. Price wise, porcelain is mid- to high-end, but installation can be expensive as specialist tools are required.
If you’re looking for kitchen benchtop materials that are affordable and D.I.Y. friendly, and a breeze to maintain, laminate is hard to beat. “Laminate technology has come a long way, with new fingerprint- and scuff-resistant options and styles that mimic concrete, wood and marble,” says John. “You’ll need a double take to tell the difference from real stone or timber products.”
The huge choice of laminate colours and patterns also allows you to get really creative, says Jasmine McClelland of Jasmine McClelland Design. “Bold colours are currently trending, including contrasting tones and monochrome palettes,” she says. And, although more susceptible to scratches and heat damage than porcelain and stone, a laminate benchtop can last a lifetime with proper care.
When it comes to the best kitchen benchtop materials, a marble benchtop is the ultimate luxury – with a price tag to match. Being a natural stone, it comes in an incredible range of unique colours and patterns, which are sure to add wow factor to your kitchen. On the downside, marble is soft and porous, so it stains and etches easily, and benefits from annual sealing. No two pieces are exactly alike, so it pays to visit the showroom or stonemason to check for any faults or imperfections. Want something more robust? Consider granite – while it won’t give you the same luxe aesthetic as marble, it is less porous and only needs sealing every one to three years. Both materials are heavy and can be costly to install.
Bunnings’ new NexGen Stone benchtops are made from an innovative combination of recycled glass, resin and pigment. This groundbreaking vitrified stone material contains zero crystalline silica, so it’s safe for manufacture and installation, and better for your home and the environment.
“NexGen Store is stain, scratch and heat resistant - although we always advise not to put hot pots or pans directly on the surface,” says Liam. “There are 14 contemporary colours, ranging from crisp white to marble - and concrete-look designs. With a 10-year guarantee, it’s a beautiful and sustainable option for your kitchen.
Tip: Professional installation by NexGen is required.
Among the many types of kitchen benchtop materials, solid surface benchtops stand out because they are smooth and seamless, adding a modern edge to your kitchen. They are also non-porous, easy to clean and can be thermoformed to just about any shape, so you can integrate a sink or splashback in one. Ryan Clarke of Think Benchtops says solid surface benchtops are versatile, aesthetically appealing and practical. “One key advantage is their repairability. Unlike stone, scratches or accidental damage can be sanded and repaired. This ensures the benchtop looks as good as new for years,” he says. Solid surface is moderately priced, but there aren’t as many colour options as laminate and porcelain. It’s also not as heat- or scratch-resistant as porcelain.
Good enough for professional cooks, you know stainless steel will cope with any challenge your home kitchen dishes out. “Stainless steel creates a sleek, professional and industrial look that suits modern, minimalist aesthetics,” says Jasmine. “It’s incredibly practical and hygienic, too – cleaning it is a breeze and hot pans won’t be an issue.” With stainless steel, you can integrate the benchtops, splashbacks and sink in one, eliminating any joins where food or dirt can accumulate. “But be aware that it scratches easily,” advises Jasmine. “If you’re not willing to embrace this characteristic, stainless steel may not be for you.” Stainless steel benchtops can get pricey, particularly if you integrate features like a sink.
If you love kitchens with a raw, earthy vibe, a concrete benchtop could be just the ticket, says Jasmine. “Concrete adds texture and a sense of authenticity, giving it visual interest and a tactile quality,” she says. Concrete benchtops are either poured onsite or precast, and can be customised to almost any shape or size, with texture and colour added upon request. While concrete is incredibly strong, cracks can develop over time. It’s also important to reseal it every six to 12 months to prevent staining. “It’s heavy, too, so your kitchen cabinetry or flooring may need reinforcing to support the weight,” says Jasmine.
For a kitchen that’s packed with personality, try tiling your benchtop, says Adriana Sabulis, a Sydney-based kitchen consultant. “Tiled benchtops add a lot of character and, if done well, the end result can be stunning,” she says. “But they’re not for everyone. Many people prefer the seamless look of stone or laminate, plus grout lines can be tricky to clean and maintain. A tiled benchtop also requires skilled installation to ensure an even surface – crucial for avoiding cracks and chips and to avoid accidents – which can add to the cost. Porcelain tiles are denser and harder than ceramic, so they are more resistant to chipping. Like many surfaces, they can be damaged under heavy impact.” For easier maintenance of tiled benchtops, Jasmine suggests using a modern epoxy or resin grout that is more durable, non-porous and stain-resistant.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for accurate dilution of strong cleaning solutions when maintaining your kitchen benchtop. Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks. Store out of reach of children and pets.
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores but products can be ordered.
With your benchtop chosen, we can help you get your kitchen clean in under 20 minutes with these hacks.
Photo credit: Kaboodle Kitchen.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
