Choosing a bench top for your kitchen renovation?

• When designing your kitchen, allow about 40 cm of benchtop on each side of a cooktop and refrigerator. ‘Landing’ space is also important near the microwave.
• You can extend your workspace by using decorative corbels, or shelving supports – adding extra storage in the process.  
• If you are giving your kitchen a total makeover, avoid choosing your appliances last. It will be much easier to choose bench tops to fit appliances, such as your dishwasher, rather than the other way around.

Consider how your bench tops will be used and how often

• If you love to cook, you’ll require more bench space -- ideally between the cooker and sink.  
• Incorporating two countertop heights makes it easy for kids to help with meal prep and baking.
• Are you planning an island bench, and will it be multipurpose – such as the kids using it to do their homework?

What will it be made of?

It is essential to do your research, so you choose to suit your needs and budget.

• Most natural stone is porous, whereas engineered stone has been developed to withstand everyday elements like spilled sauces and drinks.
• Acrylic and laminate products don’t react well to having hot pans placed on top.
• Timber and polished concrete will need to be treated periodically to make sure that they maintain their resistance to moisture, heat, or scratching.

Your local, professional kitchen renovator will be able to give you some help and advice about what would best suit your needs and your budget.

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