For many years, slate has been used popularly as kitchen benchtop. Quartz cultured stone or slate is widely used for this purpose. This material is resistant to scratches and stains and is virtually maintenance free and along with these features, it is also very inexpensive and great to use outdoors like benches, tables and countertop for outdoor kitchen.

Kitchen Benchtop

Here are some Slate Countertops’ Advantages and Disadvantages

Slate Countertops Advantages

• It gives a classy look.
• It is inexpensive.
• It comes in different colors to match your taste and style.
• Slates are highly resistant to chemicals.
• Scratches of any kind can be mended easily.
• Slates are extremely durable.
• Slates are heat resistant.

Slate Countertops Disadvantages

• Slate does not render a glossy finish to the countertops.
• Color enhancers are needed if you want to bring out deeper tones of the slate.
• Gaps and splits give rise to uneven surface hence it easily chips and break off.
• Slates are brittle that’s why it cracks easily.
• It has limited color choices compared to other stones such as granite or limestone.

There are more advantages than disadvantages in relation to slate being your choice of material for your kitchen benchtop. This is a very reasonably priced choice as it doesn’t require much attention and cleaning however, abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals can cause damage on the surface that is why it is recommended that countertop sealant should be applied.

The price of slate countertops varies depending on the quality and color. Black is priced higher followed by red colored slates. The cheaper type of slates needs additional coating of color enhancers to bring out richer and more intense tones. You can choose from topcoat finishes that you think would look best and complement your kitchen ideas. For those who want to sustain the natural color of their slate kitchen benchtop they can opt for a matte finish. Although they are priced lesser compared to its counterparts, slate kitchen countertops looks fantastic and gives a warm and cozy feel to your kitchen. The impressive and excellent natural texture of the slate countertops render exciting quality and definitely add beauty to your kitchen.

To achieve that ultimate functional and decorative kitchen benchtop, take time to choose and weigh the pros and cons before you decide. Aside from the aesthetic appeal that it promises, ensure that you have examined the quality of each material. Check durability and its value for the money that you would be spending on it. Once you have decided on the material that you would like to use, choosing the design will be easy. You can create your own benchtop design and combine it with other materials to achieve the look that you wanted to get. Make sure that other materials, fixtures and furnishings should match or at least be in sync with the other components to achieve beauty and balance. With a plethora of materials available in the market, it is quite difficult to choose and decide what to use. The right way to go about it is by choosing the best that will surely suit your and your family’s needs as well as your budget.

A kitchen benchtop has a dramatic and significant impact on the overall look and ambience of your kitchen. It can be the centerpiece of your kitchen and can often be the focal point of the room where socializing takes place and can be the busiest place in your kitchen.

In the kitchen your bench top is one of the most utilized spaces in the kitchen, it should be designed keeping in mind the functional value it can offer, it must be sturdy, durable and strong enough to withstand daily and constant usage. Remember also to consider other factors such as heat, water resistance, maintenance costs and ease of cleaning as well as the installation cost and warranty.

Kitchen Benchtop

In the past, Formica and plastic laminates were the favorite choice because it was easy to maintain. Today you can find a lot of options and materials to choose from for you kitchen benchtop.

Solid Surface

Solid surface kitchen benchtops can be the best option if you are looking for something affordable. It is made out of cast plastics like polyester, acrylic and mineral fillers and is highly resistant to scratches and markings. They are durable and non- porous but are prone to cracking and get damaged by hot pans. You can choose from a wide array of colors and designs.

Granite

Granite is the most elegant looking benchtops.  Granite is made out of natural stone so it is scratch, dent proof and is heat and water resistant. However, it is advisable to use cleaning solutions meant for granite to keep it looking like new so, if you want to have a granite benchtop installed ensure you are provided information on proper care and maintenance.

Quartz

Quartz benchtops are made from a combination of natural quartz, resin pigments and binders which makes it strong and maintains the look of the natural stone. These are non porous and is very hygienic, easy to maintain and clean. Quartz benchtops are heat, crack, dent and scratch resistant and are available in a variety of patterns and colors. This type of benchtop should be installed by a professional.

Laminates

Laminated benchtops are made of plywood or fiberboard and coated with plastic. It is very inexpensive but can crack, scratch or damaged by heat. These laminated benchtops are easy to clean with soap and water. It comes in a variety of colors and textures.

Concrete

Concrete kitchen benchtop is a great do-it-yourself material. Be ready to experiment if you want to make the benchtop yourself. You may use colored pigments, chemical stains and different types of aggregates and if properly done it can look like granite, limestone or marble. There are a lot of options that you can choose from and it can be very economical. Should you decide to just purchase one that’s ready to install, there are manufacturers who make polished concrete kitchen countertops that are very attractive and are also affordably priced.

Make a wise decision. Choose the kitchen benchtop that blends and fits well with the design of your kitchen and apart from the looks, consider its durability and functionality.

Kitchen Benchtop

Kitchen benchtops have a major impact on a kitchen’s overall look.

A benchtop can be your kitchen’s centerpiece, especially if you are going to install an island in your design.

The type of material you will choose for your benchtop along with the color and style is what will give your kitchen a classy look. The properties and the type of material you pick for you new kitchen benchtop should also be a top priority in making your choice.

If you have children in the home, materials like granite are not advisable, as granite can smash and may be very dangerous.

If you are the type of cook who frequently whips up delicious meals and desserts for your family, you’re better off choosing a family-safe benchtop that’s heat and scratch resistant.

The bottom line is to look for materials that have the durability to endure heavy use, but are functional enough to suit your lifestyle.

According to most experts, the best possible depth for kitchen benchtops is between 600mm and 900mm.

The width of your benchtop will be a bit more dependent on the space you have available, and how you will use the bench. Material functionality should be considered, especially when you are faced with lots of binding choices; bevel, bull or round nose, half round nose and wood.

The following are popular types of bench tops available on the market:

• Laminate

Laminate kitchen bench tops are the most economical and most adaptable of all choices. Laminates have a variety of finishes and looks to match your home or kitchen theme, and come in a wide array of colors and finishes.

The downside for laminate benchtops is that they are prone to scratching, and you also have to be careful not to place hot pots or pans on them.

• Timber

Timber kitchen bench tops could be the perfect choice for a rustic styled kitchen. TImber is a natural material, and has durability and is a sturdy material.

It won’t blunt your knives and is virtually maintenance free, however it’s a much more expensive choice.

• Granite

A granite benchtop gives a modern look to the kitchen. Whatever your style, the elegance of granite will always shine, and has countless and versatile advantages compared to other materials.

Granite is stain and scratch resistant, strong, and heat resistant as well.

• Marble

Marble kitchen bench tops will always look fantastic.

Marble is still considered a luxurious choice, although it cannot match the toughness of granite or the durability of timber. However, to most people it just has a wonderful look.

• Stone

Stone kitchen bench tops usually come with a lifetime warranty. Stone benchtops are another wise choice, being stain, heat and scratch resistant – an ideal choice for all tastes and lifestyles.

Stone as a material has remarkable toughness, long lasting durability, and comes in a wide variety of colors and range of patterns.

Having excellent endurance properties, stone benchtops have become a popular choice for homeowners wanting to build their dream kitchen. Stone has for a long time been the favorite recommended by professional kitchen planners and builders around the world.

Stone is a very good choice for kitchen countertops and other work surfaces because of its longevity and toughness.

Always seek the advice of a planner or an architect if you are considering undertaking some kitchen improvement or putting in a new kitchen benchtop.