There are a number of kitchen countertop types that you can install in your kitchen. We recommend that you choose either granite or engineered stone.
When choosing a kitchen countertop type, compare your functional requirements with the durability of each of the countertop types. This will identify the options which are most suitable for your kitchen.
Functional considerations:
The stone durability comparison table below will help you select the right stone options.
To compare the durability, look & feel, and pricing of the different kitchen countertops types in more detail go to Step 1: Choosing a Stone Type
Stone durability comparison table
| DURABILITY | Granite (sealed) | Engineered Stone | Marble (sealed) | Synthetic Surfac | |
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Stain Resistance | |
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Chemical Resistance | |
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Hygiene Rating | |
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Kitchen Countertop Types |
Granite Kitchen Countertops |
Granite gives a kitchen a natural modern beauty.
It is durable enough to withstand the everyday life of a modern kitchen, easy to clean, hygienic, and will look as good today as it will years from now.
Normal kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware can all be used on granite kitchen countertops without the worry of scratching the surface.
Granite kitchen countertops have a high heat resistance, so hot pots can be placed directly onto the surface straight from the stove or oven.
For a visually stunning and extremely low maintenance kitchen, granite is one of the best countertop materials available.
For more information about granite, got to Granite Information Page
To view available granite colours and patterns, go to Granite Gallery
Engineered Stone Kitchen Countertops |
Engineered Stone gives a kitchen a clean modern look.
Like granite, engineered stone kitchen countertops are durable enough to withstand the everyday life of a modern kitchen and will look as good as it does today years from now.
Normal kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware can all be used on engineered stone kitchen countertops without the worry of scratching the surface.
It's non-porous surface makes engineered stone highly stain resistant and very easy to clean. It's also ultra hygienic, rated one of the top surfaces for hygiene and cleanability (see above).
Unfortunately, engineered stone is not as heat resistant as granite and you will need to avoid placing hot cookware directly on the surface.
The following limitations need to be considered:
Marble Kitchen Countertops |
Marble gives a kitchen a smooth, soft, luxurious look.
Like granite, marble kitchen countertops have a high heat resistance, so hot pots can be placed directly on the surface, straight from the stove or oven.
Marble, like granite and engineered stone, is also rated one of the most hygienic surfaces for countertops.
Unfortunately, due to the soft nature of the stone, marble can scratch. The stone is also porous and will stain if spills are not wiped up quickly.
The following limitations need to be considered:
Many people insist on installing marble in their kitchens, if you do, be prepared to look after them carefully.
Tips:
Before installing marble in your kitchen, see what colour options are available in granite and engineered stone first. The scratch and stain resistance of these stone types makes them far superior for use in the kitchen.
If you are determined to have the smooth luxurious look of marble in your home, then rather consider installing marble in the bathroom and granite or engineered stone in the kitchen. This will create a harmonious interesting balance in your home.
For more information about Marble, go to Marble Information Page
To view available marble colours and patterns, go to Marble Gallery
Synthetic Surface Kitchen Countertops |
Synthetic surfaces give a kitchen a modern plastic look.
The countertops are seamless, and a selection of integrated sinks and backsplashes are available, making the surface easy to clean. The non-porous surface also makes it highly stain resistant.
Unfortunately, due to the material being composed of plastic it can scratch very easily and can be damaged by heat.
The following limitations needs to be considered:
We do not recommend installing synthetic surfaces in your kitchen. Granite and engineered stone are far superior for use in the kitchen. Synthetic surfaces are better suited for use in the bathroom.
For more information about Synthetic Surfaces, go to Synthetic Surfaces Information Page
To view available synthetic surface colours and patterns, go to Synthetic Surfaces Gallery
Kitchen Countertop Backsplashes |
Backsplashes are installed along the wall area above the countertops to enhance the
overall appeal of your kitchen area. Generally backsplashes are cut from the same slab
as the countertops and sealed to the countertop surface with an epoxy, eliminating the
problem of the grout or caulk line being required.
Note: Backsplashes need to be specified if you want them to be installed with your countertops.
Benefits of backsplashes
Backsplashes height and thicknes
Backsplashes are usually specified in one of the following heights:
Kitchen Sinks |
Choosing the right kitchen sink is essential, because the sink you choose is one you are going to have to live with for a while. Sink cut-out dimensions are unique to each sink and it is impossible to make a cut-out smaller later! So if you ever need to change your sink in the future, you are going to need to find an identical or larger sink to fit in the hole.
There are two primary options for your sink type:
Water splashes can easily be swept back into the sink.
Under-mounted sink draining grooves:
Note: Virtually all drop-in sinks have a larger cut-out than an under-mounted sink. It will be impossible to make the cut smaller and upgrade to an under-mounted sink.
After you have reviewed the information on this page please navigate back to Step 1: Choosing a Stone Type to read more detailed information about the different kitchen countertop types.
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Step 1: Choosing a Stone Type
By the end of this step you should have a clear idea on which stone countertop type will be most suitable for your project.
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