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April 16, 2023

The complete guide to kitchen benchtops

 

When selecting your new kitchen or bathroom benchtops, there are a few options to consider, such as Caesarstone, Granite, Quartzite, Dekton and Laminex. Each material offers different advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when selecting the right countertop for your needs.

Caesarstone

Caesarstone is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops due to its superior strength, durability and colour availability. A synthetic stone, Caesarstone is non-porous, so it doesn’t need to be sealed and rarely, if ever, stains.

Granite

Granite is the second hardest material in the world (diamonds come first!). An extremely durable natural stone, Granite is able to withstand heat and is resistant to stains and scratches. With all those attributes it’s no wonder granite is one of the most popular types of benchtops in Australia. However, whether a pro or con, granite is unique, so there isn’t a huge selection of colours. And since the slabs are unique they also come in unique sizes which can make it an expensive choice.

Quartzite

Another natural stone like granite, Quartzite, has a unique colour palette making it an attractive choice for custom kitchen benchtops. Popular for the modern kitchen look, the disadvantage of Quartzite is it’s prone to scratches and needs to be sealed often to keep it in shape.

Dekton

A newcomer to the market is Dekton. An ultra-compact material made from a blend of quartz, glass and porcelain, Dekton is virtually indestructible and easy to maintain. Unlike Quartzite and granite, Dekton doesn’t stain or crack and can withstand extreme temperatures making it perfect for any climate. The one downside? Dekton is relatively new to the benchtop market, so only a few kitchen renovation companies in Melbourne are installing it yet (lucky for you Direct Kitchens is one of them!).

Laminex

Finally, the most affordable benchtop option in Australia, Laminex, is made from compressed composite wood, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets and kids. Coming in a broad range of colours, and textures, Laminex’s main downfall is that it does not tolerate heat. So, don’t set down a pan directly on your Laminex countertop as it will burn!

Choosing a kitchen benchtop type

With careful consideration, you can select the right countertop that suits your lifestyle and decor.

See the different types of benchtops we offer in person in our showrooms in Moonee Ponds or Bayswater or take a virtual tour of our showrooms to decide which countertop is right for you. Whether you choose, Quartzite, Laminex, Dekton, Caeserstone or granite, your custom kitchen will wow your guests.

Contact us directly to speak to our kitchen designers about your custom kitchen renovation.