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A Complete Guide to Benchtops
- jasmin693
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Choosing the right benchtop for your kitchen or bathroom can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're remodeling your home or building from scratch, this guide will walk you through the most popular benchtop materials, their pros and cons, and what might work best for your space.
What are the different types of benchtops I can choose from?
Engineered Stone:
Durable: It resists scratches, stains, and general wear, so it’s perfect for busy kitchens.
Easy to Care For: No need for sealing—just wipe it down!
Looks Gorgeous: Comes in a variety of colours and textures to match any style.
Hygienic: Its non-porous surface prevents bacteria and germs from lingering.
Chipping: The edges can chip if knocked, so be careful with heavy items.
Not Heatproof: Avoid placing hot pots directly on it, as it can cause damage.
Pricey: Higher-end options can be on the more expensive side.
Porcelain:
Heat, Scratch, and Stain Resistant: Its almost like a big tile so its super easy to maintain.
Easy to Clean: Simply wipe it down to keep it spotless.
Looks Fantastic: Porcelain can mimic the look of marble, concrete, and even wood, giving you tons of design possibilities.
Fragile: It’s strong, but can crack if something heavy is dropped on it.
Limited Choices: Fewer options and fabricators than other materials.
Cold Surface: It can feel a bit chilly to the touch, especially in the winter.
Laminate:
Affordable: One of the most cost-effective options.
Variety: Tons of colors and patterns, including ones that look like stone, wood, and more.
Easy to Clean: A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes.
Prone to Scratches: Laminate can get scratched or dented if you’re not careful.
Not Heat Resistant: Always use trivets or hot pads—hot pots can cause damage.
Moisture Sensitivity: The substrate of a laminate top is not water resistant so any leaks will cause the board underneath to swell.
Shorter Lifespan: It may show signs of wear over time, especially at the edges.
Timber:
Natural Beauty: No two pieces of timber are alike, making each benchtop unique.
Customizable: Timber can be sanded and refinished to restore its look.
Eco-Friendly Options: Many timber benchtops come from sustainable sources.
Maintenance Required: Timber needs regular oiling and sealing to keep it looking its best.
Scratches Easily: Timber can show wear and tear over time.
Moisture Sensitivity: Too much water can cause swelling or warping, so it’s not the best choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
Natural Stone (e.g., Marble, Granite, and Limestone)
One-of-a-Kind: Every piece of natural stone is unique, with its own pattern and colors.
Heat Resistant: Natural stone can handle high temps, so you can place hot pots on it without worry.
Durable: Granite and marble are incredibly hard, making them scratch-resistant.
Adds Value: High-end natural stone can really elevate the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
Requires Sealing: Marble and some other stones are porous and need to be sealed to prevent stains.
Can Be Expensive: Natural stone tends to be on the pricier side.
Prone to Cracking: If not handled carefully, natural stone can crack or chip.
Other Benchtop Materials:
In addition to the popular choices mentioned, there are a few other benchtop materials that may pop up when you are looking for kitchen inspo. These aren't as common but can be done.
Stainless steel is a highly durable, heat-resistant, and hygienic option, but it can scratch easily and show fingerprints, making it ideal for industrial or commercial-style kitchens.
Concrete benchtops are fully customizable in terms of color, texture, and finish, allowing for a unique, modern look. However, they can crack over time and require sealing to prevent staining, making them great for modern, industrial designs or custom spaces.
Tile is another affordable and versatile choice, offering a wide range of styles and easy replacement if damaged. Keep in mind that grout can stain, and tiles may crack if not maintained properly, which makes tile benchtops perfect for DIY projects or retro-inspired kitchens.
Where do you source your benchtops from?
Depending on which of the above materials you choose there are a few different suppliers we can source the material from.
Engineered Stone: We source our engineered stone from a few different trusted suppliers, and while the quality across the board is consistently high, the main differences come down to price and style. Some brands offer more simple, modern looks like soft concrete finishes, while others specialise in bold, natural marble-inspired designs with dramatic veining. It really depends on the look you're after and your budget—we're here to help you find the perfect fit. Some of our main suppliers include:
Some of the above stone suppliers also stock Porcelain benchtops as well as Natural Stone.
Laminate: We source most of our laminate benchtops from Laminex and Polytec—two of the leading brands in Australia. If you're exploring options for your space, their websites are a great place to browse. You'll find a wide range of styles, from marble-look finishes to natural-looking woodgrains and everything in between.
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