With the announcement that Australia is set to ban engineered stone kitchen worktops, we thought it would be a good opportunity to take a look at some of the fabulous alternatives out there, so sat down with Kitchens by Design managing director John Russel.
“It’s important to consider all materials, design aesthetics, and the practicality of all surfaces when making choices,” John tells Verve. “Sometimes the most timeless of kitchens or kitchen surfaces are the legacy ones like granite or marble, not the latest trends, or newest products.”
Regarding sustainability, John says that this may vary from company to company depending on where they source their materials, and how they manufacture them: “Before deciding on a product, it would be important to consult with one of our designers and research each company to ensure you choose the right benchtop that will suit your kitchen as well as being eco-friendly.”
Natural Stone
Including the likes of marble, granite, and limestone, this is a beautiful, hard-wearing option, but one that comes with higher cost. “Natural stone offers a stunning and authentic option, especially if a client wants something with a little drama,” John says. “Natural granites and marbles are highly desirable surface solutions as these unique natural stones are incredibly beautiful and eye-catching. A beautifully veined stone can be very striking and work well in both modern and traditional kitchens, significantly impacting the overall look of the kitchen.”
Solid Surface
Solid surfaces are typically made from a blend of acrylic, polyester resins, and natural minerals like aluminium trihydrate to create a non-porous surface that is resistant to stains, bacteria growth, and moisture infiltration. The handsome looks are enhanced by seamless integration, and the benchtops come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes, allowing for customisation to suit any design aesthetic – they can even be moulded for curved edges. Check out the options at Corian and Durasein.
Laminate
Forget the beige, brown and orangey 1970s incarnations, laminate worktops are having a moment. Advances in technology – and colour options – means homeowners can choose from dozens of realistic prints, textures, and hues. Laminex and Ultralaze offer scratch-resistant acrylic panels in matte and gloss finishes. “Fenix, a relatively new form of high-pressure laminate, is another interesting choice,” says John. “Since December 2021, Fenix materials are carbon neutral, driven by a long-term sustainability strategy started 10 years ago.”
“Sometimes the most timeless of kitchens or kitchen surfaces are the legacy ones like granite or marble, not the latest trends, or newest products.”
Stainless Steel
A love-it-or-hate-it option, stainless steel offers a modern, trendy, industrial-inspired look, while being durable and among the easiest to clean. On the downside, stainless steel worktops are prone to scratching and denting – so take care with those abrasive cleaning products and weighty pots and pans!
Concrete
Consider concrete countertops for another industrial-inspired aesthetic, and one that’s sure to stand out. Certainly not an option for DIYers, concrete benches have to be pre-cast or formed and poured on site and can be customised with the likes of integrated sinks, drain grooves, and chopping boards, and in a range of colours and finishes. Can also be sized to eliminate joints, and the hardwearing, heat-resistant nature of concrete makes it ideal for outdoor kitchen spaces as well. Concrete contains around 30% crystalline silica, which is comparable to granite.
Porcelain
“Porcelain products like Dekton and Florim are widely used, the textures and sophisticated patterns replicating natural granites and marbles,” says John. “Porcelain is an ultra-compact surface that is heat and fire resistant as well as highly scratch and UV resistant, making it the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor kitchens. Available in large-format slabs, because it is so strong, it can be produced in thinner profiles than other materials, making it ideal for modern designs.”
Recycled Glass
A relative newcomer to the market, recycled glass countertops are forged using repurposed glass bottles and other objects that would otherwise head for the landfill. Due to their artisanal design – they are usually handcrafted – each slab promises to be wholly unique. When properly manufactured, recycled glass worktops are highly durable and resistant to scratches, heat, and stains, and are generally easy to clean with mild soap and water. Recycled glass may also be incorporated into low silica stone benchtops.
Wood & Bamboo
Nothing adds warmth to your kitchen quite like a wood benchtop – which is why it’s also a popular choice for bathroom vanities. Among the most versatile materials on the list, the various types of timber with their own unique colours and grains means that there’s something for every kitchen design. “Recycled timber or wood certified as sustainably harvested are good choices,” says John, “but they still need to be sealed with an appropriate product.” Also growing in popularity are bamboo panel benchtops which are hard, durable, and with a beautiful grain that complements many an environment.
