Perth Kitchens: Choosing the Perfect Benchtop: A Guide to Different Materials



Today, I want to chat about something close to my heart - benchtops. After 38 years in the renovation game, I've seen my fair share of materials come and go. Let's dive into some of the most popular options out there.

1. Engineered Stone: This man-made wonder has really grown on me since it hit the scene in the late 80s. I was a bit sceptical at first, being a natural granite lover. But the uniformity and light colour options have won me over. It's a great alternative to marble, which I wouldn't recommend for kitchens due to its porous nature. There's been a bit of a kerfuffle in the media about engineered stone lately, but don't worry - it hasn't been banned. It's like a banana cake recipe - even if you tweak it, it's still a banana cake! With all the new colours coming out, it's my top pick for Aussie kitchens right now.

2. Granite: If engineered stone is man-made, granite is nature's masterpiece. I absolutely love visiting my local supplier and seeing granites from all over the world. Here's a fun fact - granite isn't always the priciest option. It really depends on where it's sourced from. Granite from some Baltic countries can be quite affordable to ship here. Every block is unique, and I'll never forget seeing the quarries in Italy. Watching those massive blocks being cut and shaped was truly eye-opening.

3. Porcelain: This material is gaining popularity in Australia, and for good reason. While it costs a bit more to manufacture, it's incredibly heat and stain resistant. The only downside? It can chip, and those chips are tricky to fix. But if you're after durability, porcelain is a solid choice.

4. Wood: There's something so warm and inviting about a wooden benchtop. It does require a bit more TLC though. You'll need to oil it regularly with Danish oil (you can grab this from places like Bunnings). Just remember, don't use linseed oil! Oh, and here's a pro tip - pop a micro ban sheet under your dishwasher. The heat from the dishwasher can warp your wooden benchtop if you're not careful. After all, it still remembers being a tree!

So, there you have it - a quick rundown of some popular benchtop materials. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Which one would you choose for your kitchen? Give me a bell on 0414 302 054 or drop a comment below. Let's chat benchtops! - Andrea Vaughan

You can find out more at Designs by Andrea

#KitchenReno #BenchtopDesign #EngineeredStone #NaturalGranite #PorcelainBenchtops #WoodWorktops #PerthRenovations #KitchenInspo #BenchtopMaterials #DesignsByAndrea #kitchenrenovationsperth #bathroomrenovationsperth #kitchendesignerperth #kitchensperth 

Location: Perth WA, Australia

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