Benchtops are essential for any kitchen. They are vital not just for functionality but also for bestowing the kitchen with looks. Even if your kitchen space isn’t big enough, installing befitting countertops can make your culinary space look chic and elegant.
Choosing the right kind of material for your kitchen benchtop can make or break your kitchen. If it’s not durable you will not be able to get things done smoothly, and if it’s too gaudy then it can set you off every time you work in there.
Homeowners tend to consider the current trends when undertaking a kitchen remodeling project. However trends are never constant, they come and go. Let’s go through the most commonly installed kitchen benchtops in Melbourne.
Here is a list of the top 10 bench-top trends for kitchens in Melbourne.
Engineered Stone Benchtops
These counter slabs give the perfect blend of natural elegance and manmade durability. Engineered benchtops are made with naturally occurring components such as quartz with synthetic polymer resins.
Man-made benchtops are wallet friendly compared to natural compounds, and do not wear out too easily. Engineered slabs are non-porous, and hence, they are resistant to stains and scratches along with mold and mildew. You get a wide range of colors to choose from ranging from dark hues to pastel shades flecked with metallic veins.
One of the hottest trends when it comes to installing engineered benchtops is getting a slab that resembles granite. Granite is one of the most popular benchtop materials among kitchen renovators. But since it can be quite costly, homeowners can get a countertop mimicking granite without draining your savings.
Engineered White Benchtops
White benchtops are extremely popular among homeowners who wish to create a minimalistic kitchen look. The popularity of white benchtops has long sparked a debate. If you have been on the internet for a while looking for countertop trends, chances are that you have come across conflicting views on white slabs. Some say it’s in fashion while others believes it’s outdated now.
Whatever you want to believe is up to you; all we can suggest is that if you like spacious interiors then you might want to consider engineered white countertops.
Natural Granite Stone Benchtops
Granite is probably the hardest natural stone used in benchtops. It’s grainy and that gives granite its unique pattern and texturing. And that is the unique selling point which draws in homeowners.
It’s pretty resistant to heat and pressure. However, sudden change in temperature or cataclysmic pressure may damage the stone.
One drawback of natural granite is that it’s hard on your pocket. So if you have financial constraints then you might want to go for a reconstituted engineered stone.
Natural Marble Benchtops
Marble has been one of the most popular high-end options for kitchen countertops since people started paying attention to benchtops. Its unique veining makes marble supremely pretty to look at adding just the right amount of elegance in any kitchen.
Marble is an upscale and durable option, but it’s still softer than other natural stones. Therefore, it’s sensitive to acidic foods and solutions such as vinegar. Due to its sensitive nature, marble needs to be maintained properly. You must reseal your marbled kitchen countertop annually to keep it protected.
Concrete Benchtops
Concrete is the newest member of the benchtop community. It’s gaining popularity day by day because of its durability and resilience. Concrete surfaces can take up the appearance of natural stones or glass finish with polish.
Concrete makes for a heavy-wearing countertop at reasonable prices. However, it is still not preferred over engineered stones.
Metal Tops
Metal benchtops have made their way into residential homes fairly recently. Metal tops have been a staple in commercial kitchens for a while due to its supremely resilient nature. Metal benchtops are low maintenance and great for rough use. Usually metal tops are the go-to surfaces in bachelor pads, as they appeal to younger men.
Steel is the most frequently installed metal countertop. However, steel can be easily stained and damaged if it’s not cleaned when the need arises.
Laminate Benchtops
Laminate tops have recently gone big. Initially they were installed as economic surfaces but with time laminate has become a top-tier countertop. Inexpensive yet long lasting, laminate tops were not installed as benchtops because of its lack of aesthetic appeal. But now laminate surfaces can mimic high end natural stones which is why they have gained popularity.
The main reason behind this newfound popularity is laminate’s low cost. Many homeowners are attracted towards laminate tops for its unbelievably low prices.
Wood/Timber Tops
You might think that wood is so 20thcentury but its making a comeback now. People have started installing wood as benchtops because of their natural and warm nature. Wood adds class with a quaint touch.
Wood is ideal for you if you are an environmentalist. However, if you are bit lazy then you might want to reconsider because wood requires some care. Since wood is sensitive to water, it can get swelled up if came in contact with water for longer periods.
Soapstone
Soapstone is quite unknown in the realm of benchtops. But homeowners who are inclined towards an antique look often times come across soapstone. Soapstone is getting popular now because people have started to develop a liking for vintage looking kitchens.
For those art lovers, this stone is the best material to use for benchtops. It has a deep rich color but it can lose its shine over time if not maintained properly.
Porcelain Benchtops
Porcelain is a feasible option for countertops because porcelain comes in large slabs. Porcelain is water proof, heat and scratch resistant and non-porous. Large slabs make the installation of porcelain much easier as no cutting is required.
The most attractive trait of porcelain slabs is their light weight. It makes the installation of porcelain tops even easier.
All these benchtops form the list of the most popular kitchen benchtops in Melbourne. Some of the options such as quartz and granite top the list more often than others, but all the options remain in fashion on rotation. If you need more guidance on the top kitchen countertop trends in Doncaster, Melbourne then contact us at One Team Renovations today.