Kitchen bench tops or countertops encounter heavy use and abuse. As such, they have to have the ability to weather wear and tear for as long as you can. Contemporary countertop materials are plenty whether it’s a metallic end or something more ornamental you want. And, each material can deliver less or more in the means of durability. Have a look.
Ceramic
Ceramic tile is very affordable even for consumers who have a tight budget. There are a few higher-priced varieties as well. What’s best is they serve perfectly as backsplashes also so you may have a matching pair of essentials.
That is a bit of a problem with ceramic tile is dirt buildup in grout. It may look unsightly and keeping it pristine means routine cleaning. However, maintenance is minimal or at least, does not require a good deal of elbow grease so even users averse to cleaning won’t have a problem keeping it.
The price of ceramic tiles can go as low as $10 for a square foot, affordable even for consumers with very tight budgets.
Laminate
Laminate is made from paper treated with resin and fused under high temperature. It’s comparable to laminates used in flooring. It’s trendy, highly customizable with a vast selection of colours and patterns, able to endure everyday use, and is easy and cheap to replace.
Laminate benchtops also mimic natural stone though, of course, not to the exact same standard. Still, if ceramic isn’t to your taste, give it a thought the next time you go benchtop shopping.
The downside is they can’t be cleaned with abrasive materials as they aren’t hard as tiles. They likewise don’t resist heat and scratches well.
Laminates cost around $40 per square foot, significantly more than ceramic.
Timber
Timber was the material of choice for centuries and still is for some people. Butcher block countertops or slimmer wooden tops can be built to your specification. Wood is warm, elegant and long lasting so long as it’s treated and coated with sealant. Wiping off spillage and leaving the wood to dry will protect against water damage further.
Wood can cost between $35 and over $100 per square foot.
Recycled glass
Glass is often recycled to produce countertops. Unlike other options, it can be quite decorative so in the event that you’ve got a muted kitchen design in need of some spark, this is the choice to decide on.
Glass by itself is quite tough and recycled or crushed glass even more so. It doesn’t chip easily and the non-porous surface means water doesn’t sleep in. However, as strong as it is, glass can’t bear very heavy weights and acidic spillage can leave some stain.
The price of a square foot of crushed glass slab is between $50 and $100.
Natural stone
Natural stone is the top option for countertops but it’s expensive whether it’s granite, slate or marble you decide on. The 1 drawback it has is porosity which means regular sealing is needed. Options like granite have natural antibacterial properties so sanitation isn’t an issue. And since natural stone is formed by pressure and heat, it can take the heat of a pan quite well, at least for short periods.
Natural stone costs around $100 to over $200 for a square foot.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel has good hygienic properties as it’s so easily cleaned. It also looks great when paired with wood, tile or laminate.
Contrary to popular belief, stainless steel does stain and corrode albeit at a significantly slower pace than other metals. Its cost is just like natural stone.