E38 - Benchtop Criteria and Materials – Part 2 - Kitchen Design Essentials

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In this episode, Frances continues the benchtop discussion outlining an additional 10 benchtop materials to consider. She also outlines the criteria to assist in deciding what benchtop material is going to be the best for your kitchen. SHOWNOTES In the last episode of the Kitchen Design Essential (episode 36), 3 key materials were discussed with Laura from Cosentino; Dekton Reconstituted Stone Natural Stone In this episode, Frances cover other benchtop materials including Recycled glass, porcelain, Paperock, Timber, Solid acrylic surface (Corian), Concrete, stainless steel, laminate. Key criteria for choosing your benchtop;- Budget Product Cost Laminate Low Porcelain High Low Paper Rock Low Timber Medium Low Stainless steel High Medium Solid acrylic surface (Corian) High Polished Concrete High 100% recycled glass High 85% Recycled glass Medium High Durability Type of cook and you are How else you use your kitchen – Type of entertaining Homework Casual eating Aesthetic How it fits in the home How aesthetic will reflect the kitchen you have Details that are important to you – no joins, thickness – 40mm or more Maintenance Durability Material size - Standard slab size: 2800-3200mm x 1000-1200mm Overhang Overhang on island bench – 300-400mm – not all materials allow for overhang more than 300mm (eg, Dekton), so check. Waterfall edges Good for durability – hardier material as gets knocked into a lot with kids. How thick do you want the benchtop? May like thinner and have shadow lines Solid acrylic surface can be as thick as you like it – no limit Laminate – difference thicknesses with square or rolled edge (bullnosed) Concrete – no limit and cast to suit requirements like solid acrylic Reconstituted stone – 20mm and then thicker is achieved with a piece added to the face. Benchtop materials – Part 2 100% recycled glass– Newish Product available in the market. Heat-treated Compacted and looks like stone Sustainable  More expensive than a reconstituted stone Only available in limited colors 85% Recycled glass– It is bound with bio-resin so the glass particles are visible – like a terrazzo. Can be mixed with different colored glass or one colour, and you can make it a big feature. Porcelain– a ceramic material made by heating materials Can have a thin profile - 6mm thick Very durable and resistant to wear and tear Stronger than granite – can be compared to Dekton – but not made of minerals. Not made of minerals but a porcelain product They come in big slabs so they can be tricky onsite Paperock– layer upon layer of renewable paper sources and bonded with resin and heat/pressure cured. It is a remarkably strong composite building material suitable for wet areas Sustainable Most cost effective than stone Timber –  Sustainable Natural product Needs maintenance- sanding, and sealing. Special sealer available via Ecotimber than makes suitable for wet areas. Solid acrylic surface -It is made with a mold, can make any shape or thickness. Great for curved benchtops and illuminating Has technology to create charger in benchtop No joins Repairable Non -porous and hygienic The darker color are more susceptible to the scratches being visible compared to a lighter color. A little bit more expensive than a reconstituted stone. Concrete- freeform concrete is often made on site. It is made with a mold so it can be any color or shape any shape or colour no joints Very durable Will chip and crack – can be fixed Not completely stain resistant Stainless steel- Anti-bacterial Stain resistant Heat and fire resistantsurface Easy to clean Timeless Can scratch and smear when cleaned Not a cost -effective option Laminate Cost effective – lots of different finishes mimic stone, concrete Different edged finishes Not heat resistance and can stain Not water resistant if water gets into particle board under surface - it will expand Can’t have undermount sink with it.   There are so many choices for your benchtops. We encourage that you do your research and ensure you have the right benchtop to suit all your needs. Look at your objectives, the things that are important to you, and any sustainable criteria.   Engaging with an interior designer might help you determine what’s best for you, when there is so much choice available.     Available Resources: Overwhelmed by the number of decisions that need to be made when creating a stylish, functional, and durable Kitchen? What materials to select, what colours will co-ordinate together, what design is going to best suit the space, and your requirements. We offer several kitchen design packages to assist with your kitchen design – be it a makeover, renovation or new kitchen. Click the link here to find more:  If you’re thinking about renovating or building your own “Forever Home”, get in touch with Frances directly, by booking a chat with her. Events We have a full calendar of Webinars throughout the year, so be sure to view our Events page to find out about upcoming events. Related Resources: Episode 36: Kitchen Design Essentials – Benchtops part 1 Episode 14: Forever Home LIVE- Joinery Drawings and Why Do Them Early On Episode 30: Kitchen Design Essentials -Kitchen Design Layouts and Location Episode 32: Kitchen Design Essentials – The Builder’s Insight  How to Choose the Right Bench Top Top 5 tips for selecting benchtops