“A kitchen provides physical and spiritual nourishment, and for many homes is now the heart and soul of family life” – Terence Conran. These words of Conran truly sum up the importance of a kitchen in a home. Knowingly or unknowingly, you spend most of your time in the kitchen than any other part of the house wood planer. So it is crucial that you organize it well to make it as functional and comfortable as possible. When it comes to styling or remodeling your kitchen, there are a number of themes you can choose from, like classic, vintage, modern, rustic, architectural, earthy, colorful etc. Benchtops and laminates do the excellent job of adding that finishing touch to your kitchen. There are a variety of benchtops and laminates available and you can pick one that best suits the theme of your kitchen. Some of the most common ones are listed below.
Acrylic
Acrylic benchtops are made of acrylic resin. Their advantage is that they can be colored and shaped as required. Usually formed in one piece, they are seamless. They come in various colors and are very strong and durable. In case of any damage, they can be repaired and repolished. Hi-Macs, Corian and Borelli are some of the well known acrylic brands.
Timber
Timber tops are made of narrow strips of timber bonded together. They add a warm and natural look to the kitchen. They are ideal to create a rustic setting. Soft timbers are prone to dents and scratches. Whereas hardwood timber can be used as a cutting board, where you can chop fruits and veggies and also cut fish and poultry products. Just make sure the surface is properly cleaned and maintained. Timber benchtops are expensive compared to other alternatives. The higher the quality of the timber, the more the price.
Laminates
Laminate benchtops are the most popular among other options available and they come in various patterns, colors and textures. Due to these qualities, they can look almost like stainless steel, timber or granite and it is difficult to tell the difference. They are cheaper in comparison and are very easy to maintain. Being tough and scratch-resistant, they last for a longer time. Laminex and Formica are the top laminate brands available.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel adds a very modern and sleek look to the kitchen. These benchtops are heat resistant, seamless and easy to clean. They are suitable for both flat and vertical surfaces. However they are prone to dents and once the surface is scratched, it tends to show as steel is highly reflective. They are mostly used in commercial places
Concrete
Concrete benchtops are usually manufactured in the factory and installed on the site. They are unique and industrial in appearance. They come in various colors too. These benchtops are very strong but tend to chip on the edges and are also prone to scratches on the surface.
While picking a benchtop as per the needs of your kitchen, remember to single out the one which is tough, long lasting, easy to maintain and economical at the same time..
