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Acrylic surfaces are made of acrylic resin and are able to be coloured and shaped as desired, the are formed in one piece. They are extremely stain resistant and very strong, and can be produced in virtually any colour. For effect strips and flecks of other colours can be added.
The nature of the acrylic surfaces allows them to be shaped to any design. Fancy edges, incorporated sinks and splashbacks in one continuous line with the benchtops are all able to be easily achieved. The advantage of running the benchtop material in one line up through the splashback area is not only ease of cleaning, but it avoids the cracks that can appear when surfaces differ from benchtop to splashback. Similarly, sinks incorporated into the benchtop material give a clean line and are easy to maintain.
Laminates are the most popular material for benchtops. Householders choose laminates for their affordability, durability, colour and pattern range. Nowadays the colour range includes patterns that mimic granite, timbers, stainless steel and other more expensive finishes. Often it is difficult to visually tell the difference and thus these laminates can be an economical alternative.
Edges can be straight or post formed to create a round edge of 90 or 180 degrees. Alternatively laminate benchtops can be edged with a strip of timber laminate or solid timber. Laminates are hard wearing and easy to maintain. An extra effect can be created by using stainless steel look laminate on the kickboard in the kitchen.
Often, your kitchen renovator will be able to advise on benchtops & arrange suitable installers. Please click here to visit our section on Kitchen Renovations.
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Timber benchtops provide a rich looking surface and fit well with a country theme. Hardwoods are more suited to such use and for wet areas the timbers need to be sealed. Timbers can be sealed with an oil finish or polyurethane in high gloss or satin. Most timber benchtops are constructed from timber strips bonded or laminated together but broader pieces of recycled timber can also be used. Timber benchtops can be self edged in square or rounded profile or can be edged with decorative timber moldings. Suggested timbers for benchtops:
- Tasmanian oak - pinkish in colour
- Jarrah - deep red tones
- Brushbox - soft brown reds
- American oak - yellow tones
- Blue gum - red tones
- Blackwood -gold tones
A popular look is achieved by integrating the sink into the stainless steel surface to produce one clean line.
Stainless steel benchtops look best in kitchens where other appliances and finishes are also stainless steel or chrome and where cupboard styles are simple, with clean lines. Many industrial kitchens feature stainless steel benchtops as they are easy to work with and to keep clean.
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