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Bench Top Mania
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Engineered Marble (above)
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For most families, the kitchen is very much the hub of the home, with New Zealand home owners typically spending between up to 15% of the total value of their new homes on the kitchen. Besides the layout of the kitchen, there are many choices to be made, from various cabinet colours to splash-backs, appliances, handles, taps, sinks and of course bench tops.
This gallery features images of bench tops in Signature Homes around the country
NATURAL STONE
Near the top end we find natural stone. The prices vary widely throughout the range, with the rarer stones being more expensive than the readily available ones. The most popular stone choices are granite and marble and both come in a wide range of colours and finishes. Granite is 100% natural and quarried from all over the world. It comes in a wide range of colours depending on its chemistry and mineralogy. If you are looking for a deep black bench top, Absolute Black would be your choice.
Marble is also 100% natural, the colours are many and varied, and it is recognisable by dark 'veins' running through the surface. Most recently Basalt has made its entrance from the European markets, where the natural look of honed (unpolished) bench tops in combination with wooden cabinetry is very polular. Basalt is exceptionally hard, however it does require sealing.
Pro's:
Your bench top will be a timeless asset, and will more than likely outlast anything else in your kitchen. Because it's 100% natural, your bench top will be one of a kind, with no repeat in pattern. It also resists heat well.
Con's:
Because stone is porous, it requires more care than any other bench top. You will have to regularly maintain your bench with PH neutral products, such as natural stone sealers, cleaners and stain removers in order to maintain its pristine looks.
ENGINEERED STONE, QUARTZ AND MARBLE
Otherwise referred to as Engineered Stone, this is a man-made surface produced with approximately 95% Quartz and 5% resin. It is long lasting, high impact proof and more consistent in patterning when compared with granite. Quartz is a particularly popular choice for those seeking white or light coloured surfaces.
Pro's:
Extremely hard-wearing and generally scratch resistant, Quartz is the third hardest stone in the world, and withstands heat well.
ACRYLIC
Acrylic is available as either 100% commercial grade, anti-bacterial acrylic or modified acrylic, and looks like natural stone. It is completely non-porous, stain resistant, smooth and has invisible joins making it completely seamless no matter what the shape. This can be particularly beneficial for long islands in a domestic setting. The design versatility allows a variety of customised options including heat rails, drainage channels, decorative edges and inlays.
Pro's:
Ideal for a large or unusually shaped bench. Stain resistant.
Con's:
Acrylic is not scratch-resistant, however it is more easily repairable than stone and can be repaired by the homeowner.
LAMINATE
Laminate is the most traditional and common of all bench tops. It comes in a variety of finishes to suit the decor and is an economical alternative. Laminate is made up of several layers that have been pressed together; it does not have the durability of stone, but it is highly versatile in that it is available in a wide range of colours, finishes and textures.
Pro's:
Low cost, extensive range of colours and surfaces. Can be formed to a wide range of profiles.
Con's:
Slight chance of scratching. Difficult to repair. Cannot take direct heat e.g. pots.
CONCRETE
Concrete bench tops can be pre-cast in a mould or cast on site and are available in a variety of colours. Concrete can be polished or ground to expose the aggregate. For a natural or rustic look, there is a trowel finish or a smooth mold finish. Other options available are acid-washing or decorative staining.
Pro's:
You can create your personal touch by adding different aggregates and shells, nails or other decorative objects can be added to the concrete or worked into the top layer.
Con's:
It needs to be sealed in order to resist stains and water damage, and concrete bench tops can develop hairline cracks. If the concrete does crack, it tends to be non-structural and a result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. Hairline cracks or minor imperfections help make each bench top unique and are part of the appeal and character of the bench top.
STAINLESS STEEL
Fabulous, functional and timeless, stainless steel bench tops need no introduction. There are a variety of finishes available for stainless steel, with the most economical being the classic polish. While satin finish bench top will show marks very easily, linen and checker tops will show scratches less than a non-textured top.
Pro's:
The sink will be integrated into the bench top, so there is no need to replace any seals, and little other maintenance needs performing.
Con's:
Depending on the choice of finish it can show scratches easily.
WOOD
No other surface offers the elegance, style and practicality of a solid timber bench top. You can either leave the edge in its natural curve or choose another edge. A single plank of wood can be prone to movement (warping) with climate change. The best option is to use an engineered slab, made of many lengths of carefully prepared timber that are glued together under pressure.
You can choose from deeper, coloured timbers such as Macrocarpa, Kwila, Jarrah, Rimu or use one of the lighter European trees such as Beech, Pine, Oak etc. Durability depends on the finish, which can either be oil or lacquer.
Pro's:
If you have a modern or classic interior, wood creates a warm look.
Con's:
Wood is a soft product and will dent and scratch easily, however it is easy to repair by sanding and revarnishing the surface. The bench will also need regular treatment to repel water.
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