Transform Your Home with Stylish Kitchen Benchtop Design in Sydney
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of kitchen benchtop design in Sydney, from materials to costs and colour, to help you make the best decision for your home.
As arguably the most-used and highest-traffic area in the home, the kitchen puts up with a lot of daily wear and tear. So, the materials we choose not only need to create a cohesive design style as part of our kitchen’s aesthetic; but they also need to be durable in order to withstand the heat, spills, stains, scratches and general use that comes with every kitchen.
Benchtops are no exception, but with so many options for materials on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. To then coordinate this with the rest of your kitchen is a big task for the best of us!
We recently assisted James Treble in transforming his kitchen benchtops. James has been documenting his renovation and will be taking us behind the curtain later in 2023 when his show ‘Beyond the Build’ will broadcast on Channel 9. In the meantime, keep up with James on Instagram.
Why are benches so important in the kitchen?
The humble benchtop fulfils a number of important roles in the kitchen.
First and foremost, it’s one of the most practical elements in the space – providing a literal foundation for many of the tasks you’ll carry out each day.
From preparing ingredients for cooking to serving meals or entertaining guests to unloading the groceries to housing appliances, we use kitchen benchtops in Sydney in a myriad of ways, so they’re expected to be versatile and hardy.
Secondly, as they carry out so many functions of the kitchen, benchtops are a large element visually, too. For this reason, they play a large role in defining the overall design style of your space.
Placed in the same kitchen with otherwise identical design elements, a timber benchtop and a marble benchtop will create two very different end results.
What are the best kitchen benchtop materials?
We’ll break down the top bench material choices below, along with some pros and cons of each option.
For a more in-depth analysis of these materials, check out our blog on Choosing a Benchtop Material.
Stone (engineered or natural)
Stone is as hardy as it is stunning, providing a centrepiece to any kitchen.
Pros:
- Will last for decades with the proper maintenance and care
- Wide variety of colours and veining options are available
- Striking finish – will be your space’s design hero
Cons:
- Porous material – can be damaged or stained, especially near cooking zones
- Heavy – may need reinforcements to your floor to prevent damage
Pricing:
- Expect to pay upwards of $500 per square metre for engineered stone
- Natural stone can easily exceed $1000 per square metre
- With this in mind, your investment should last for decades and is popular with homebuyers
Timber
This flexible material adds warmth and character to any space and pairs well with a range of design styles.
Pros:
- Adapts to multiple design styles, meaning you can change your look over time
- Variety of shades and stains are available
- Can be sanded back if damaged
- Recyclable material
Cons:
- Prone to scratching and water damage if not properly sealed
- It’s in short supply, so prices are inflated
Pricing:
- Quality timber benchtops will retail between $600-$1200 per square metre
- If using a timber finish for your joinery, you may be able to minimise offcuts and conserve the budget overall
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Polished concrete
Surging in popularity in recent years, polished concrete has evolved far beyond a plain grey slab.
Pros:
- Can have aggregates mixed in if you’re after a specific look, like terrazzo
- Colour can be customised to your preference
- Hygienic and heat resistant
Cons:
- As with stone, it is heavy and can require floor reinforcement
- Requires professional installation, which may increase costs
- Can be susceptible to chipping
Pricing:
- Expect to pay approximately $1000 per square metre for polished concrete
- You will also need to factor in the installation
- Over time, minimal damage makes this material a solid investment
- Consider that leaning too far into trends like terrazzo may date your space or make it harder to sell down the track
Laminate
A cost-effective and versatile option, laminate can replicate many of the above materials without the price tag.
Pros:
- The most cost-effective option for kitchen benchtops in Sydney
- Water, stain and scuff resistant
- Can be manufactured to mimic many other materials
Cons:
- Is more often replaced than repaired
- Not heat resistant
Pricing:
- Can start from as little as $150 per square metre
- Over time, if damaged, you may need to replace entire panels, which can add up
We’ve helped to create countless kitchens in Sydney and would love to help you find the right benchtops for your dream space. Get in touch with us or visit a showroom to learn how we can help you.
