In this article, Bernie suggests treating your kitchen to an affordable facelift by simply installing a new benchtop and/or splashback. It will revitalise a tired room and won’t break the bank.Indeed a stylish benchtop is the first thing that will catch a person’s eye when they walk into a kitchen. With many benchtop options to choose from, the team at Ferrari Interiors are on hand to offer expert advice and give you access to the best suppliers.
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An increasingly popular benchtop material is engineered stone, a man-made product that was created in the late 1980’s. The main component is quartz (one of nature’s strongest minerals) which is mixed with resin or polyester base.
• Stylish
• Low in maintenance
• Ultra hygienic
• Non-porous
• High resistance to scratching & chipping
• High abrasion resistance
• High resistance to acids & oils
• Strong resistance to staining
• High flexural strength
• Heat resistant
• Affordable
Compared to natural stone, engineered stone is generally denser, more resilient and durable. It also requires less maintenance. It should be pointed out natural stone can be used outdoors, while engineered stone cannot.Engineered stone is also often selected over marble as marble is more porous and must be sealed and extremely well maintained if you wish it to last your lifetime. In saying that, marble is smooth and cool to touch - a traditional favourite for rolling dough and making pastries especially amongst Italians and Greeks.
Granite is also a popular benchtop material. Polished granite is particularly elegant, durable, and less prone to stains and scratches than other natural stones. As granite is a natural product, colour and grain variations should be expected, so it is preferable to choose your exact slab for your project.
Granite is costly, but sculptured slabs can give your kitchen the appearance of museum-quality artwork. Granite comes in two basic types: consistent and variegated. Except for occasional blotches of mica or feldspar, consistent granite exhibits a uniform pattern throughout the slab. Variegated granite, on the other hand, features swirling patterns and colours that can vary dramatically from slab to slab.
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For many years, laminate has been one of the most in-demand benchtop surfaces, as it is more affordable than stone—though not as long-lasting. It is easy to clean and available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, from satin-smooth and pebbled to textured matte and high gloss. There are also various edge details to enhance your designer laminate benchtop.
The latest development in laminate benchtops is square edges created through the post-forming process. This results in no visible joins between the top of the bench and the sides—a seamless finish where the laminate flows over the edge, reducing the risk of peeling.
To extend the lifespan of your laminate benchtop, avoid placing hot items directly on the surface or cutting on it. It is also best to steer clear of abrasive cream cleansers, as these can cause scratches. With proper care, a laminate benchtop can last around 10 years.
“High-pressure” laminates, such as Laminex, are among the most popular choices for benchtops.
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Installing a splashback is also a great way to rejuvenate a kitchen. Splashbacks are constructed for the wall areas around benchtops and are normally 400-500mm high. They need to be made from a sturdy material that is easy to clean such as:
• Tiles
• Stainless Steel
• Same Material as Benchtop (e.g., Corian, Granite)
• Glass
Glass splash backs are the most popular. They make a big impact in a room and come in a range of hues and patterns.
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For a complimentary interior design consultation and to enjoy cost savings on benchtops and splashbacks please contact Ferrari Interiors on 0417088602.
