There is a bewildering choice of benchtops available to customers.

Not all are equal in cost and performance.

A benchtop can account for nearly a third of the cost of a new kitchen and is usually the single most expensive item.

Here’s a breakdown of common kitchen benchtop materials and their attributes (broadly listed in order of cost - economical to more expensive):

1. Laminate (Formica)

Pros:

  • Affordable: The most budget-friendly option.
  • Variety: Comes in many colours, patterns, and finishes.
  • Easy Installation: Lightweight and simple to work with.

Cons:

  • Less Durable: Susceptible to scratches, burns, and water damage.
  • Lower Resale Value: Seen as a less premium material.
  • Difficult to Repair: Damage often requires replacement.

2. Quartz (Engineered Stone – e.g. Caesarstone, Trendstone, Zealstone, Silestone, Multistone, Primestone)

Pros:

  • Durable: Resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
  • Low Maintenance: Non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing.
  • Wide Variety: Available in many colours and patterns.
  • Hygienic: Non-porous surface resists bacteria growth.
  • Common: The most commonly found in modern NZ homes.

Cons:

  • Cost: Some colours can be expensive compared to many other materials but standard ranges are usually well priced.
  • Not Fully Heat-Resistant: Extreme heat can damage the surface.
  • Artificial Look: Some people prefer the natural imperfections of real stone.
  • Cannot be worked on site: Silica dust from cutting or drilling must be contained in a certified factory.

3. Acrylics  (e.g., Corian, HiMacs, Acrylux )

Pros:

  • Seamless Appearance: Joints are invisible.
  • Repairable: Scratches and burns can be sanded out.
  • Non-Porous: Stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Cons:

  • Not as Heat-Resistant: Can scorch if exposed to high heat.
  • Can Scratch: Though scratches are repairable, it’s less resistant than stone.
  • Cost: Comparable to more expensive ranges of engineered stone, depending on the design.

4. Stainless Steel

Pros:

  • Hygienic: Non-porous and easy to sanitize.
  • Heat-Resistant: Won’t scorch or burn.
  • Durable: Highly resistant to water and stains.

Cons:

  • Industrial Look: Doesn’t fit all design aesthetics.
  • Prone to Scratches: Develops a patina over time.
  • Noisy: Can amplify sound in the kitchen.
  • Bubbling: Hot items placed on it can cause the stainless steel to separate from the glued substrate, causing a bubbling effect which is hard to repair, if at all

5. Ceramics (Dekton)

Pros:

  • Durable: Resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
  • Low Maintenance: Non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing.
  • Wide Variety: Available in many colours and patterns.
  • Hygienic: Non-porous surface resists bacteria growth.

Cons:

  • Vulnerable to Damage: Susceptible chipping at edges
  • Hard to repair: Repairs are more difficult to repair
  • Expensive: More expensive than Engineered Stone.

6. Granite (Natural Stone)

Pros:

  • Natural Beauty: Unique patterns and textures.
  • Durable: Highly resistant to scratches and heat.
  • Adds Value: Considered a premium option for resale purposes.

Cons:

  • Porous: Requires regular sealing to prevent stains.
  • Heavy: Needs sturdy cabinetry for support.
  • Cost: Often expensive, especially for rare colours or patterns.

7. Marble

Pros:

  • Luxury Appeal: Classic and timeless aesthetic.
  • Cool Surface: Ideal for baking and pastry work.
  • Natural Patterns: Unique veining adds character.

Cons:

  • Soft and Porous: Prone to scratches, stains, and etching.
  • High Maintenance: Needs frequent sealing and careful cleaning.
  • Cost: Expensive and cost varies by type.

8. Concrete

Pros:

  • Customizable: Can be tailored in shape, texture, and colour.
  • Durable: Strong and heat-resistant.
  • Modern Look: Fits industrial or contemporary designs.

Cons:

  • Cracking: Susceptible to hairline cracks over time.
  • Maintenance: Requires sealing to prevent staining.
  • Cost: Customization can make it expensive.

9. Timber (Wood)

Pros:

  • Warm and Inviting: Natural texture and colour.
  • Eco-Friendly: Renewable if sourced sustainably.
  • Repairable: Can be sanded and refinished.

Cons:

  • High Maintenance: Needs regular oiling or sealing.
  • Vulnerable to Damage: Susceptible to scratches, burns, and water damage.
  • Hygiene Concerns: Requires proper sealing to prevent bacteria absorption.

Considerations for Customers:

  • Lifestyle: Families with kids might prioritize durability and low maintenance (e.g., quartz or laminate), while avid cooks may prefer heat-resistant materials (e.g., ceramics, stainless steel or granite).
  • Budget: Laminate and timber are cost-effective, while marble, quartz, and granite are premium choices.
  • Aesthetic Preference: Natural materials (marble, granite, timber) offer unique beauty, while engineered stone, acrylic  and laminate options provide consistency. Acrylics remove the need for visible joins.
  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance options like engineered stone and solid surfaces are ideal for busy households, while high-maintenance choices like marble, acrylic or timber require more care and attention.