Many Australian homeowners want to add a touch of elegance to their kitchens but don’t know where to begin. As a trusted provider of Gold Coast knockdown rebuilds for over 25 years, we recommend choosing the best kitchen benchtop material to help you get started. Building a bespoke luxury home that combines elegance, durability, and functionality provides a high return on investment.
This blog will delve deeper into several kitchen benchtop material options, empowering you to make informed buying decisions and enjoy a vibrant, sophisticated, and functional living space along with a high quality of life.
Granite
Granite benchtops set the bar high in terms of natural visual appeal and sophistication in Australian luxury kitchens, offering shrewd homeowners a premium alternative.
These robust, eye-catching benchtops give your kitchen an earthy vibe. Each granite slab’s classic colours and patterns add a unique and timeless touch to your culinary experience. Since no two granite countertop slabs are identical, your kitchen surroundings truly stand out from the others.
The advantages of granite kitchen countertops include the following:
- Durability and cost-effectiveness: Granite is one of the most durable and cost-effective kitchen benchtop materials in Australia. Its resilience and value provide you with excellent value for money.
Granite can endure high temperatures, scratching, and staining. You can enjoy worry-free food preparation and dining while maintaining a spotless kitchen in your bespoke luxury home.
- Enhanced property value: Installing granite kitchen countertops can significantly improve property value. Their sophisticated appearance and impressive durability appeal to potential homebuyers, offering a wise investment that secures your financial future.
- Unique aesthetics: You can choose from an extensive range of colours and designs that make your luxury kitchen truly unique. Whether paired with stainless steel appliances or modern cabinetry contrasted against classic wood finishes, it delivers unparalleled quality for kitchen renovations or new builds.
If functionality and elegance are your primary considerations for the best material for kitchen benchtops, granite will exceed your expectations and provide you with excellent value for money.
Quartz
Engineered quartz kitchen benchtops seamlessly integrate elegance and practicality, offering astute Australian luxury homeowners a sophisticated and functional alternative for their kitchens.
The advantages of quartz kitchen benchtops include the following:
- Visual adaptability: Quart’s extensive range of colours and patterns provides Australian homeowners with endless possibilities for their luxury homes. This material closely mimics authentic stones, such as marble, granite, and quartzite. Quartz is the perfect choice for people who prefer classic and timeless elegance.
- Unmatched durability: Quartz stands out from other types of benchtop materials because of its impressive resilience. If you’re concerned about frequent spills and stains, there’s no need to worry because quartz can withstand them and provide you with a beautiful kitchen fixture that endures over time.
- Low maintenance: Quartz is a low-maintenance, hassle-free option. Its non-porous nature prevents bacteria and viruses from proliferating in your kitchen. Quartz takes the burden out of regular, tedious cleaning, requiring only washing with soap and water. It’s a game-changer if ease of maintenance and time constraints are your primary considerations for a kitchen benchtop.
- Adaptable design: Quartz adapts easily to diverse homeowner preferences, providing them with a versatile and elegant benchtop for their luxury homes. Whether you prefer a design with numerous shapes and patterns or a consistent configuration, quartz can meet your unique preferences and enhance the busiest area of your home.
- Enhanced property value: Similar to granite, quartz enhances your kitchen’s long-term aesthetics and functionality, improving property value, enticing potential buyers, and providing a wise financial investment—the secret lies in quartz’s timeless appeal, which resonates deeply with many Australian homeowners.
Quartz provides clients who prefer elegance and functionality with a significant return on investment, combining timeless visual appeal with resilience, low maintenance, and enduring performance.
Quartzite
Australian homeowners who prioritise natural elegance and resilience will reap the aesthetic and functional benefits of quartzite. Busy kitchens produce heat and scratches that can damage inferior-quality countertops. A quartzite countertop’s ability to withstand stains and scratches takes the stress out of food preparation and kitchen work.
The advantages of quartzite kitchen countertops include the following:
- Enduring durability: Quartzite is one of the toughest natural stone countertop materials on the market. Its ability to withstand scratching, chipping, and cracking makes it an ideal choice for busy Australian kitchens. This durability will give you peace of mind, knowing that your countertop can handle the demands of your kitchen.
Quartzite can also endure heat, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally placing hot pans and pots on your countertop. Despite its impressive durability, we recommend using heat-resistant countertop trivets to prolong the lifespan of your fixture.
- Low maintenance: Quartzite countertops require only regular cleaning with gentle dish soap, water, and a soft cloth, eliminating the stress of tedious upkeep. A reputable and experienced builder can apply a protective sealant to ensure a long lifespan. This low maintenance will give you more time to enjoy your kitchen and less time worrying about cleaning.
- Visual appeal: Quartzite is a natural stone that lends your kitchen a stunning and sophisticated look. Whether you prefer cream backgrounds with subtle veining, soft undertones, or dark, dramatic patterns, quartzite’s visual appeal will exceed your expectations.
Concrete
Concrete is the ideal countertop kitchen material for Australian homeowners who prefer a durable, industrial touch. Some experts consider concrete a better alternative than engineered quartz, laminate, and tile.
The advantages of concrete kitchen countertops include the following:
- Customisable: Whether you prefer a plain design, a fixture embedded with ceramic, glass, fossils, stone, or seashells, or a rustic, elegant, or industrial countertop, you can choose a design that aligns with your unique aesthetic preferences.
- Robust: Concrete’s resiliency has been proven over time. It can resist chipping, scratching, staining, and heating, especially when contractors add a protective coating.
- Easy maintenance: Concrete kitchen countertops require only regular cleaning with gentle soap and water. We recommend resealing this fixture every two or three years to preserve its long-term structural integrity.
Marble
Marble is arguably the gold standard for modern Australian kitchen countertops. Their elegant veining and aesthetics transform kitchens into stunning visual spectacles. Marble’s natural beauty has resonated deeply with many homeowners for centuries, adding a timeless appeal to your culinary space.
The advantages of marble kitchen countertops include the following:
- Adaptable: Each marble slab’s distinct patterns create a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic. Whether you prefer Statuario marble, Crema Marfil, or Arabescato, you can customise this stone to match your unique lifestyle preferences.
- Functional sophistication: Marble is both functional and eye-catching. Australian homeowners love marble because of its robust and heat-resistant properties, which allow them to cook and bake in custom kitchens. Its cool surface appeals to DIY bakers and chefs who manipulate dough to create culinary masterpieces.
- Enhanced property value: Marble is a game-changer for many Australian kitchens, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and property value. This natural stone can transform dull, lifeless kitchens into a feast for the eyes. Marble’s beauty, durability, and functionality entice potential buyers to purchase your home at competitive prices, providing you with a wise, long-term financial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which kitchen benchtop materials are best?
The best kitchen benchtop materials depend on your preferences for durability, aesthetic, and budget.
In terms of durability, we recommend the following:
- Engineered stone/quartz: This is a resilient kitchen benchtop material that complements any colour scheme seamlessly. Engineered stone or quartz countertops can withstand heat, cuts, stains, and abrasion.
- Corian: Many Australian homeowners love the eye-catching, cutting-edge designs of Corian benchtops, which can endure cuts, stains, impacts, and heat.
- Marble or granite: Sealed natural stone is a high-end fixture with alluring, intricate slab veinings. It can withstand stains, impacts, abrasions, cuts, and heat.
On the other hand, these benchtops add visual appeal to your kitchen:
- Marble: Marble’s timeless aesthetic dates back centuries and appeals to many homeowners in Australia.
- Quartz: Quartz’s versatility, numerous colours, and styles allow you to create a unique kitchen theme. Whether you prefer a modern, traditional, or eclectic look, a reputable builder can tailor quartz countertops to your design preferences.
- Solid timber: Conventional wooden aesthetics add warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
Finally, these budget-friendly kitchen benchtops are worth considering:
- Laminate: If you’re on a budget, laminate kitchen benchtops are the most cost-effective option on the Australian market, available in numerous colours, patterns, and textures that align with affordable home renovations.
- Timber/bamboo/wood: Although these alternatives are slightly more expensive than laminate benchtops, they still fit most Australian homeowners’ budgets.
What is the standard thickness of a benchtop?
The standard thickness of a kitchen benchtop depends on the material. However, most stone and engineered stone kitchen countertops measure 20 mm to 40 mm thick, while laminate versions typically measure 33 mm thick.
Porcelain (12 mm) is a good option for homeowners who prefer thinner materials. On the other hand, you can ask a reputable contractor to laminate your benchtop slabs to make them thicker.
What is the longest-lasting benchtop material?
We recommend quartz kitchen benchtops if durability is your primary consideration. However, if you prefer a different aesthetic, resilient engineered quartz and granite benchtops endure over time with proper upkeep.
Many homeowners love quartzite’s unmatched durability and heat resistance. On the other hand, engineered quartz’s non-porous surface, robust construction, and low-maintenance features provide clients with a high return on investment.
Which is better, quartz or ceramic benchtops?
The answer depends on your unique preferences. Quartz is the better choice for homeowners who prioritise durability and low upkeep. On the other hand, ceramics’ cost-effectiveness, adaptability to outdoor environments, and heat resistance make a strong impression on others.
Although quartz is durable, non-porous, and stain-resistant, it is vulnerable to heat. While ceramic is prone to chipping with high-maintenance grout lines, its flexible design options and budget-friendly price compensate for these shortcomings.
What cleaners can be used on quartz benchtops?
Please avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, and oven or drain cleaners, on quartz kitchen benchtops, as they can harm the resins and discolour the fixture.
Abrasive cleaning tools, including scouring pads or steel wool, can compromise the finish. On the other hand, strong acidic or alkaline products, such as vinegar or nail polish remover, can deteriorate the resin and compromise visual appeal.
Which is better, 2cm or 3cm granite?
Three-centimetre granite’s durability, stability, and aesthetic appeal make it a better choice for kitchen benchtops, especially for heavy, daily use.
For less rigorous use, such as backsplashes, 2cm granite is a suitable choice. However, it may require extra lamination support to strengthen or thicken it. If you’re unsure, consult a trusted and experienced service provider who can guide you through this process.
What countertops don’t need sealing?
Synthetic materials (such as quartz), solid surfaces (like Corian), engineered stone (like porcelain slabs or sintered stone), stainless steel, and decorative laminate do not require sealing.
On the other hand, natural stone benchtops, including granite, marble, and quartzite, have permeable surfaces that require periodic sealing. Concrete and tile kitchen benchtops may also require occasional resealing. Consult a reputable local builder who can extend the lifespan and durability of your kitchen fixtures.
What is the latest countertop material?
Quartz is the newest benchtop material on the Australian market. Its durability, non-permeable surface, low upkeep, and versatile design options appeal to many homeowners. Quartz is an excellent choice for clients who prefer a stylish kitchen fixture that mimics natural stone without requiring tedious maintenance.
What is the best all-around kitchen countertop material?
Quartz’s resilience, stain resistance, and low maintenance features make it the most versatile kitchen countertop in Australia. Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are non-permeable, relieving you of the burden and stress of periodic resealing.
Whether you prefer grey, beige, deep brown, or blue granite, quartz benchtops’ adaptability to various colours and finishes makes them a popular choice among Australian homeowners.
We also recommend granite benchtops because of their visual appeal and durability. However, these fixtures require occasional sealing to prevent stains and maintain their long-term aesthetic appeal.
Can I put a hot cup of coffee on my quartz countertop?
Please avoid putting a hot cup of coffee on your quartz kitchen countertop. Please note that this fixture is heat-resistant, not heatproof. Hence, sudden or prolonged heat can damage quartz kitchen countertops.
A single, warm cup of coffee is unlikely to harm your quartz countertop. However, a boiling cup placed on this fixture for a long time can crack, discolour, or scald the fixture due to thermal shock. We recommend using a coaster or trivet to prevent long-term damage and ensure peace of mind.
Is Dawn dish soap okay for granite?
You can use Dawn dish soap diluted with water to clean your kitchen benchtop. It’s a non-abrasive solution that eliminates grease and ensures a sparkling finish. Avoid solutions with acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, lemon juice, citrus, or harsh moisturizers, as they can create a chemical reaction that deteriorates the fixture’s glossy finish.
To clean your granite benchtop with Dawn dish soap, follow these steps:
- Prepare the cleaning solution: Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add two to three drops of Dawn dish soap, mixing the solution gently.
- Wipe the surface: Dip a microfibre cloth or sponge into the solution and wipe the benchtop surface with gentle, circular motions.
- Rinse with clean water: Soak another cloth or sponge in plain warm water without soap. Wipe the surface again to remove soapy residue.
- Dry and polish: Buff the surface with a dry microfibre towel, ensuring a shiny finish.
Can you put a hot pan on quartz?
Placing a hot pan directly on a quartz benchtop can cause thermal shock, leading to cracking, discolouration or damage to the quartz. Although quartz is heat-resistant, its resin component can only endure temperatures of up to 65°C.
Please note that even repetitive use of hot objects with lower temperatures can also cause permanent damage. For this reason, using trivets or hot pads can prevent this scenario and ensure a longer benchtop lifespan.
What is the downside to quartz countertops?
Quartz countertops’ vulnerability to heat and UV damage can cause them to discolour or warp over time. The considerable price tag of these fixtures can be a cause for concern for homeowners on limited budgets.
Finally, quartz countertops can be challenging to install because of their weight. For this reason, they require installation by a highly experienced and trusted contractor.
What is the hardest-wearing worktop?
Sintered stone and quartz are the hardest-wearing worktops. Their durability, scratch resistance, and non-permeable surfaces appeal to many Australian homeowners.
Granite countertops’ toughness and resistance to heat, scratches, and stains make it another popular alternative. On the other hand, sintered stone benchtops are the most resilient among heat-resistant options, enduring extremely high temperatures and providing homeowners with a sense of security.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate kitchen benchtop material can be challenging and confusing. However, prioritising aesthetics, durability, and functionality, and consulting a highly skilled home builder can transform your kitchen into the heart of luxury living. Whether you prefer granite, quartz, quartzite, concrete, or marble, you will reap their proven, long-term benefits and enjoy a kitchen countertop that meets your long-term aesthetic and functional needs.
Unique Built is a Brisbane custom home builder that specialises in custom home designs, knockdown rebuilds, duplex homes, and multi-residential projects. Since 1996, we have designed and constructed kitchens for numerous bespoke luxury homeowners in Australia. Our unwavering commitment to 100% customer satisfaction and safety has earned the trust and respect of our diverse clientele.
