We all know the kitchen is the heart and soul of your home. It’s the easiest way to add value to your property – but it’s also one of the easiest rooms to blow your budget on.
Deciding between all the different fixtures and fittings is where you can lose track of what you’re spending. And one big factor to consider is what type of bench top to use. Do you go for the quality and durability of a stone bench top, or its more affordable counterpart?
Your bench top is arguably the most used surface in your home, it can set the tone for the entire area, so choosing the right one for you is an important decision. According to the Housing Industry Association, the average replacement age for bench tops is 14 years so you’re investing in something that will not need replacing for quite a while.
Though, you have to consider certain things such as budget, aesthetics, durability and of course, the ways in which you are planning to use it. Are you renovating for profit or are you renovating to enjoy the space? How much is your home worth? Will choosing stone be consistent with the quality of the rest of your home? There are many questions to ask, but first, let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons to each style.
Stone Bench Tops
Stone bench tops are naturally stunning, they add style and a touch of glamour as a statement piece in your kitchen. They’re easy to look after and if maintained with sealing every 2 years (only for certain types of stone), can last a lifetime. They are heat resistant, tough and resilient so they can endure the most use and abuse in a kitchen.
Stone bench tops have a timeless appeal coming in a variety of styles, shades and types including sandstone, granite, marble, limestone, slate and more. Though they are all scratch resistant, some types are susceptible to stains if not maintained and if either of those occur, they can be very difficult to repair.
With their high price, if you have limited space for a bench top, it might be more financially viable to opt for stone but cost is definitely something you need to consider as stone can cost over 4 times as much as laminate.
To break it down:
Pros
– Naturally stunning
– Highly resistant to scratches and stains
– Durable
Cons
– Significantly more expensive
– Difficult to repair/replace
– Can crack if hit with a heavy object
Laminate Bench Tops
Laminate bench tops are made using plastic-coated synthetics and are attractive, versatile and inexpensive. They are your low maintenance option and come in an unlimited number of colours, textures and designs, making it great value for money. They’re hard wearing and can easily be custom fitted, depending on your style and preferences.
One great thing about laminate bench tops is they can easily mimic the look of stone which is obviously a cost-effective alternative. Laminate is made by fusing together plastic with pressure, heat and adhesive which creates a nice shine. They’re not as scratch resistant though and their life is capped, in general, at a maximum of 20 years. They’re also susceptible to burns/scorches and water damage but they are easily maintained and are softer than stone.
To break it down:
Pros
– Unlimited colour and pattern choices
– Easily maintained, repaired/replaced
– Cost-effective alternative
Cons
– Susceptible to burns/scorches and water damage
– Not as scratch resistant
– Surfaces can dull with cleaning
At the end of the day, it comes down to your budget and how you plan to use your kitchen. If you plan to enjoy your home for years to come and wish to spend lots of time in the kitchen, then stone may be the way to go. But if you plan on selling your home in the near future and your kitchen is simply a functional space to whip up meals in, then laminate is better suited to your situation.
Either way, for all of your kitchen needs, ZJ Building takes the stress out of renovating and leaves you with all the fun stuff like selections! Call us now on 0403671291 for a free on-site consultation with our Master Builder, Zak, to discuss your dreams for a brand-new kitchen.