Kitchen Benchtops have a major impact on Kitchen Looks

A benchtop can be your kitchen's centerpiece, especially if you are going to install an island in your design. The type of material you will choose for your benchtop along with the color and style is what will give your kitchen a classy look.

The properties and the type of material you pick for you new kitchen benchtop should also be a top priority in making your choice. If you have children in the home, materials like granite are not advisable, as granite can smash and may be very dangerous. If you are the type of cook who frequently whips up delicious meals and desserts for your family, you're better off choosing a family-safe benchtop that's heat and scratch resistant. The bottom line is to look for materials that have the durability to endure heavy use, but are functional enough to suit your lifestyle.

According to most experts, the best possible depth for kitchen benchtops is between 600mm and 900mm. The width of your benchtop will be a bit more dependent on the space you have available, and how you will use the bench. Material functionality should be considered, especially when you are faced with lots of binding choices; bevel, bull or round nose, half round nose and wood. The following are popular types of bench tops available on the market:

• Laminate

Laminate kitchen bench tops are the most economical and most adaptable of all choices. Laminates have a variety of finishes and looks to match your home or kitchen theme, and come in a wide array of colors and finishes. The downside for laminate benchtops is that they are prone to scratching, and you also have to be careful not to place hot pots or pans on them.

• Timber

Timber kitchen bench tops could be the perfect choice for a rustic styled kitchen. TImber is a natural material, and has durability and is a sturdy material. It won't blunt your knives and is virtually maintenance free, however it's a much more expensive choice.

• Granite

A granite bench top gives a modern look to the kitchen. Whatever your style, the elegance of granite will always shine, and has countless and versatile advantages compared to other materials. Granite is stain and scratch resistant, strong, and heat resistant as well.

• Marble

Marble kitchen bench tops will always look fantastic. Marble is still considered a luxurious choice, although it cannot match the toughness of granite or the durability of timber. However, to most people it just has a wonderful look.

• Stone

Stone kitchen bench tops usually come with a lifetime warranty. Stone benchtops are another wise choice, being stain, heat and scratch resistant - an ideal choice for all tastes and lifestyles. Stone as a material has remarkable toughness, long lasting durability, and comes in a wide variety of colors and range of patterns.

Having excellent endurance properties, stone benchtops have become a popular choice for homeowners wanting to build their dream kitchen. Stone has for a long time been the favorite recommended by professional kitchen planners and builders around the world. Stone is a very good choice for kitchen countertops and other work surfaces because of its longevity and toughness. Always seek the advice of a planner or an architect if you are considering undertaking some kitchen improvement or putting in a new kitchen bench top.

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