Renovating your kitchen can turn into an expensive exercise. Can you just replace your kitchen benchtop instead?
Updating your benchtop
Refreshing the aesthetics of your kitchen can be as simple as replacing the benchtops.
“If people want to revitalise their kitchen affordably they should consider a benchtop replacement and create a whole new look,” says Sean Blood, owner of Geelong’s Newgrove Benchtops.
When choosing a new benchtop, it’s important to consider what type of benchtop is best for your lifestyle. With so many materials available, it can be hard to figure out which will best suit your needs and budget.
Are you looking for a durable workspace that is low maintenance such as laminate or would you rather make a statement in style with Carrara marble?
Can you extend the budget to include the solid stone waterfall ends, or are you hoping to cut down costs by opting for a laminate top in a stone look?
There is significant difference between what is included in the most affordable options on the market and the most expensive. Natural stone, such as marble and granite need to be shipped, cut to size and installed. When dealing with stone it’s best to leave it to the experts.
Benchtop options:
Laminate Benchtops
By far laminate is the most inexpensive surface on the market. From imitation stone (think marble and terrazzo), timber and even concrete, in high gloss or sleek matt finishes, laminates offer something to suit every interior.
More and more kitchens are embracing a touch of colour and laminate comes in a wide range of colours.
While white tones remain the most popular colour choice for upgraded benchtops in kitchen revamps, multicoloured benchtops are the second pick, while grey is in third place, recent Houzz data reveals.
Benchtops are also taking on darker shades with navy benchtops on trend.
Laminex has taken the navy trend a step further with their, ‘Reclaimed Denim Fibre’ which looks as it sounds. Made with offcuts from clothing production and capturing the classic indigo look of denim jeans, this innovative new Laminex decor is turning heads.
Black kitchens are still having their moment and there are a range of non-scratch surfaces such as Fenix NTM on the market.
Fenix NTM uses nanotech innovative material: a smart, extremely matt, anti-fingerprint, very resistant, soft touch surface.
The surface has an incredibly high resistance to scratches and abrasions; they tend to just wipe away.
With a thickness of only 12mm, Fenix NTM offers a thin benchtop option and is a popular choice with designers.
Engineered Stone Benchtops
A man made product, engineered stone benchtops are generally created from a combination of naturally forming quartz aggregates mixed with polyester or resins. Engineered stone benchtops are more durable and stain resistant than natural stone. They are particularly well wearing option for young families.
Solid Surface Benchtops
If you want a long-lasting surface that will withstand conditions in even the busiest family kitchen, you might want to consider a solid surface benchtop such as Corian.
Solid surface benches were originally designed for commercial use and are made from a blend of acrylic polymer and natural minerals. Some brands offer marble or granite look options.
Corian benches can be shaped to suit the needs of your kitchen using a heat-based process called thermoforming. Sinks and hand basins can be seamlessly integrated into the benchtops, unlike any other product on offer, joins appear inconspicuous. Acrylic surfaces are hygienic, stain resistant and easy to repair. Major damage such as heat scorching can be fixed by the manufacturer without the need to replace the whole benchtop.
Timber Benchtops
Timber tops can give your kitchen a touch of country charm and are also easy to work in with other finishes, including marble stone or stainless steel. Bamboo Benchtops offer an eco-friendly 
option.
Though a timber benchtop can add warmth to the space, it is often not the most practical option and depending on the style of the timber you choose, it can be a pricey option too.
Polished Concrete Benchtops
At first it was all about floors, but polished concrete is an option for kitchen and laundries. This hard surface is great for kitchens with an industrial look. You can also personalise your concrete by adding aggregates, such as pebbles or other materials into the mould for a personalised touch.
Stainless Steel Benchtops
Stainless Steel’s hard wearing, heat resistant and virtually indestructible nature has made it a popular choice with young families. A chef’s favourite, it’s versatile, easy to clean and extremely hygienic and sinks can be welded directly into the counter, giving the benchtop a completely seamless look. Also keep in mind that if not softened with warm cabinetry, fixtures and flooring, stainless steel can look cold and clinical.
A bit about Newgrove
Owner, Sean Blood has 40 years’ experience in the joinery industry. He’s proud of his company’s custom-made benchtops, designed specifically to meet customers’ requirements.
Newgrove manufactures its benchtops on site in a purpose-built Geelong factory. The highly skilled team has a sound knowledge of the industry and produce the quality that Newgrove is renowned for.
Where to from here?
- Find out more about choosing the right kitchen benchtop and finish types at Newgrove’s website.
- Visit the Showroom! So many samples to choose from – colours, patterns and finishes – and good advice too.
Visit Newgrove Benchtops, 68 Leather Street, Breakwater. Tel: 03 5248 7101
