Which Benchtop Material Will Take You to Kitchen Island Paradise?
Find the kitchen island benchtop material of your dreams with our buyer's guide
Jaana Bithell
24 May 2015
Pack your bags and passport, jump onboard and let me take you on a journey of material exploration, to help guide you to the paradise of kitchen islands. With so many choices out there, it’s important to assess all of your options available before making a choice for your next kitchen island dream. So read on for some inspiration from the land of benchtops with some helpful pros and cons to guide you to success.
1. Dream: Natural stone
One of the more expensive materials out there, natural stone (such as marble, granite, slate, etc.) is a material choice that generally oozes opulence and elegance, much like the bubbles in sparkling water!
Natural stone can be sourced from all corners of the globe and because of this, a type of marble quarried in Italy will be completely different to one quarried in Spain, even though it has the same name. Even batches in the same quarry can vary, so unless you’re happy to leave the final look to chance, ensure that you are asking for a sample of the current batch stock before you say yes to the product.
6 questions to ask yourself before designing your kitchen island
One of the more expensive materials out there, natural stone (such as marble, granite, slate, etc.) is a material choice that generally oozes opulence and elegance, much like the bubbles in sparkling water!
Natural stone can be sourced from all corners of the globe and because of this, a type of marble quarried in Italy will be completely different to one quarried in Spain, even though it has the same name. Even batches in the same quarry can vary, so unless you’re happy to leave the final look to chance, ensure that you are asking for a sample of the current batch stock before you say yes to the product.
6 questions to ask yourself before designing your kitchen island
PROS: Natural stone is sexy. It’s the hands-down winner in the raw beauty stakes, straight from Mother Earth with a bit of help from the good old stonemason to polish it up!
CONS: Stone is a porous surface and will need to be sealed and maintained to protect against damages like staining. Coffee, beetroot, saffron, turmeric and red wine are some of the more serious offenders! Natural stone can also be damaged by certain chemicals in some household cleaners, so make sure you’re checking what is safe to use before wiping down your benchtop, to avoid any potential damage.
There is a debate about whether it’s okay to place hot pans on marble benchtops – personally, I don’t think it’s a terrible thing if only for a short time, just be aware that the stone will absorb the heat from pans and adjacent surfaces, which could be a potential burn spot for anyone who isn’t expecting the surface to be hot. I’ll generally always suggest using a trivet or mat for hot pots, regardless of the benchtop material, as it’s better to be safe than sorry!
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? Are you a material purist at heart? Go team natural stone! Love a bit of turmeric in your curries? Stay away!
CONS: Stone is a porous surface and will need to be sealed and maintained to protect against damages like staining. Coffee, beetroot, saffron, turmeric and red wine are some of the more serious offenders! Natural stone can also be damaged by certain chemicals in some household cleaners, so make sure you’re checking what is safe to use before wiping down your benchtop, to avoid any potential damage.
There is a debate about whether it’s okay to place hot pans on marble benchtops – personally, I don’t think it’s a terrible thing if only for a short time, just be aware that the stone will absorb the heat from pans and adjacent surfaces, which could be a potential burn spot for anyone who isn’t expecting the surface to be hot. I’ll generally always suggest using a trivet or mat for hot pots, regardless of the benchtop material, as it’s better to be safe than sorry!
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? Are you a material purist at heart? Go team natural stone! Love a bit of turmeric in your curries? Stay away!
2. Dream: Engineered stone
Engineered stone is made up of real stone bits crushed up and bound with acrylic resin to create a workable surface. These products are generally supplied in sheets with varying degrees of thickness, and are adhered to a substrate. This means your kitchen can be fabricated to create a natural stone look – without being natural stone, or weighing as much as it!
There are some engineered stones made to mimic the natural material – and some do it really well. Depending on your budget, this might be appropriate, but I’ll always suggest the real deal if you can justify it.
PROS: This is a considerably lighter product than its natural counterpart, making it easier to move around and work with in the factory.
CONS: Because engineered stone is manufactured in sheet sizes, there will be size limitations to what is achievable with this product.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? This is a great budget alternative for anyone who wants the look of natural stone in their kitchen.
Engineered stone is made up of real stone bits crushed up and bound with acrylic resin to create a workable surface. These products are generally supplied in sheets with varying degrees of thickness, and are adhered to a substrate. This means your kitchen can be fabricated to create a natural stone look – without being natural stone, or weighing as much as it!
There are some engineered stones made to mimic the natural material – and some do it really well. Depending on your budget, this might be appropriate, but I’ll always suggest the real deal if you can justify it.
PROS: This is a considerably lighter product than its natural counterpart, making it easier to move around and work with in the factory.
CONS: Because engineered stone is manufactured in sheet sizes, there will be size limitations to what is achievable with this product.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? This is a great budget alternative for anyone who wants the look of natural stone in their kitchen.
3. Dream: Acrylic solid surface
There are a range of acrylic solid surface resin products available for island benchtops – Corian is a good example – which come in a plethora of different colours, textures, special effects, and translucency levels.
If you’re wanting to be brave with colour in the kitchen, a solid surface is your go-to! As this benchtop material is made up of acrylic resin, it’s possible to custom formulate your favourite colour.
PROS: The appeal of this product lies in the ability to create seamless surfaces, as panels can be joined together with speciality glues to create the appearance of one solid mass. Hot pots are a no-go zone on this guy, but it is great for cleaning. Scratching can be a minor issue, but can be buffed out with a Scotch-Brite, some gritty cleaner and a little bit of elbow grease! Another great thing about acrylic solid surface is that it can be used to create amorphous curve, so you can get creative with your forms if that kind of thing floats your boat!
CONS: They don’t typically deal well with heat. Over time, if exposed to ongoing heat, such as the elements on the bottom of some older model slow cookers, the resins can turn yellow.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
This can work well for pretty much any kitchen design. With a range of colours, opacities and effects, you’ll be sure to find something you love in acrylic solid surface. Keen cooks, watch out, you may want to go for a more durable work surface.
There are a range of acrylic solid surface resin products available for island benchtops – Corian is a good example – which come in a plethora of different colours, textures, special effects, and translucency levels.
If you’re wanting to be brave with colour in the kitchen, a solid surface is your go-to! As this benchtop material is made up of acrylic resin, it’s possible to custom formulate your favourite colour.
PROS: The appeal of this product lies in the ability to create seamless surfaces, as panels can be joined together with speciality glues to create the appearance of one solid mass. Hot pots are a no-go zone on this guy, but it is great for cleaning. Scratching can be a minor issue, but can be buffed out with a Scotch-Brite, some gritty cleaner and a little bit of elbow grease! Another great thing about acrylic solid surface is that it can be used to create amorphous curve, so you can get creative with your forms if that kind of thing floats your boat!
CONS: They don’t typically deal well with heat. Over time, if exposed to ongoing heat, such as the elements on the bottom of some older model slow cookers, the resins can turn yellow.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
This can work well for pretty much any kitchen design. With a range of colours, opacities and effects, you’ll be sure to find something you love in acrylic solid surface. Keen cooks, watch out, you may want to go for a more durable work surface.
4. Dream: Concrete
As an industrial, typically cold material, I’m always amazed, when used correctly, how much warmth concrete can add to a kitchen scheme.
It’s worth mentioning that concrete benches will generally always need to be made in place due to its weight, which means your joiner will need to work with a specialist concrete fabricator to make this in your kitchen once the base cabinetry is in – that is, unless you know the Hulk – which will add to the cost.
10 new design features to work out of concrete
As an industrial, typically cold material, I’m always amazed, when used correctly, how much warmth concrete can add to a kitchen scheme.
It’s worth mentioning that concrete benches will generally always need to be made in place due to its weight, which means your joiner will need to work with a specialist concrete fabricator to make this in your kitchen once the base cabinetry is in – that is, unless you know the Hulk – which will add to the cost.
10 new design features to work out of concrete
PROS: If you’re after something completely unique, concrete is your friend! The final look of the concrete depends on the exact mix of aggregate – the sand, rocks and other bits and bobs – so you can guarantee that your kitchen island bench will be one of a kind. You can also get on your fancy pants and add things like oxide powder (which add colour to the mix) to really push the boundaries of possibility!
Another great thing about concrete is that you won’t need to worry as much about those hot pots touching the surface because the concrete can handle the heat. And the only thing you’re going to do by cutting on the surface without a chopping board is damage your knife.
CONS: As a porous surface, concrete will need to be sealed and protected to ensure nothing seeps into it and damages it forever … I’m looking at you, oily bottles!
Also, be careful if using concrete in a waterfall scenario, where the edges are also concrete (see above), as the corners and edges can be susceptible to chipping if knocked with something hard, like a bar stool.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? Naturally, if you’re planning an industrial-style kitchen, this is for you.
Another great thing about concrete is that you won’t need to worry as much about those hot pots touching the surface because the concrete can handle the heat. And the only thing you’re going to do by cutting on the surface without a chopping board is damage your knife.
CONS: As a porous surface, concrete will need to be sealed and protected to ensure nothing seeps into it and damages it forever … I’m looking at you, oily bottles!
Also, be careful if using concrete in a waterfall scenario, where the edges are also concrete (see above), as the corners and edges can be susceptible to chipping if knocked with something hard, like a bar stool.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? Naturally, if you’re planning an industrial-style kitchen, this is for you.
5. Dream: Tiles
This is an unusual benchtop choice, but a great one. You can create interesting patterns and textures by being clever about the tile formats used, and the way they are laid. Tiles can also give you a ‘seamless’ finish, as there are multiple edges to break up the surface of the top.
PROS: If you don’t have a straight substrate (the layer below the tiles), there’s a chance that your tiling can be uneven. This can be a charming attribute, but might prove difficult if you’re trying to cut those cookies on the benchtop!
CONS: Although tough against heat and general wear and tear, tiles can be tricky to clean, as the grout between the tiles are a potential spot for getting food stuck. If you’re looking for tiles, go for larger format tiles with glazed surfaces – the less grout you need, the easier they will be to clean.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
I like the texture that a tiled surface can bring to a kitchen. This option is also quite cost effective and one that avid DIYers can try themselves at home.
This is an unusual benchtop choice, but a great one. You can create interesting patterns and textures by being clever about the tile formats used, and the way they are laid. Tiles can also give you a ‘seamless’ finish, as there are multiple edges to break up the surface of the top.
PROS: If you don’t have a straight substrate (the layer below the tiles), there’s a chance that your tiling can be uneven. This can be a charming attribute, but might prove difficult if you’re trying to cut those cookies on the benchtop!
CONS: Although tough against heat and general wear and tear, tiles can be tricky to clean, as the grout between the tiles are a potential spot for getting food stuck. If you’re looking for tiles, go for larger format tiles with glazed surfaces – the less grout you need, the easier they will be to clean.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
I like the texture that a tiled surface can bring to a kitchen. This option is also quite cost effective and one that avid DIYers can try themselves at home.
6. Dream: Solid timber
Solid timber surfaces allow you to take full advantage of the natural beauty of a once living product. If you’re choosing a timber, be it veneer or solid, ask if the source of the timber is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which ensures that it comes from a responsibly managed forest, and protects our natural environment.
It’s important to remember that the product will need to be finished to protect the natural material. There are a few types of finish products, like timber oils and polyurethane sealers, which vary in gloss level. I always tread with caution when using polyurethane. While it is more durable than oil, it can be really easy to apply, so much that it can turn a beautiful natural material into a shiny blob. If you’re going down the poly path, ask for the finish to be minimal, so you can still see the grain underneath the sealer.
PROS: If you do manage to scratch the surface, the top can be sanded and refinished to look as new! This is difficult to do in small pieces, and generally better done as an entire surface.
CONS: As timber seasons, the moisture content diminishes. Because of this, sometimes timber can warp and bend once made because the product is still seasoning and reacting to changes in its moisture content.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
Timber is always a good, safe choice, great for country kitchens and family kitchens.
10 kitchen islands for families
Solid timber surfaces allow you to take full advantage of the natural beauty of a once living product. If you’re choosing a timber, be it veneer or solid, ask if the source of the timber is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which ensures that it comes from a responsibly managed forest, and protects our natural environment.
It’s important to remember that the product will need to be finished to protect the natural material. There are a few types of finish products, like timber oils and polyurethane sealers, which vary in gloss level. I always tread with caution when using polyurethane. While it is more durable than oil, it can be really easy to apply, so much that it can turn a beautiful natural material into a shiny blob. If you’re going down the poly path, ask for the finish to be minimal, so you can still see the grain underneath the sealer.
PROS: If you do manage to scratch the surface, the top can be sanded and refinished to look as new! This is difficult to do in small pieces, and generally better done as an entire surface.
CONS: As timber seasons, the moisture content diminishes. Because of this, sometimes timber can warp and bend once made because the product is still seasoning and reacting to changes in its moisture content.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
Timber is always a good, safe choice, great for country kitchens and family kitchens.
10 kitchen islands for families
7. Dream: Timber veneer
To bust any myths about timber veneers, yes, they are real timber! Think of timber veneer like the shaved parmesan of the timber world.
There are a range of different natural timber veeners, which are sliced from real trees, as well as reconstituted veneers – these are also real trees, chopped up and glued back together.
Natural timber veneers give you the varying look and charm of a natural tree, as you get the veneer from the same tree. Sometimes they have ‘imperfections’ such as knots and figure lines, which add to the beauty of the product. With reconstituted veneers, you can get a more ‘perfect’ product, because someone controls the way the final product is produced to the way the grain runs and can eliminate those unknowns of using a natural veneer. No option is less worthy than the other, it’s just a matter of preference.
PROS: Massive range of choice, colour, species, cuts, stains … you name it – in timber veneer, it’s possible. By using this on a high moisture-resistant substrate, it can also be used in areas like kitchens and bathrooms with ease.
CONS: The downside to veneers is that if they scratch, you certainly can’t sand out the imperfection like you would with solid timber, as you’ll reveal the substrate underneath, so be super certain you’re not accidentally mistaking your veneer bench for the chopping board. They are also susceptible to damage by heat, so pots on trivets at all costs, please!
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
Those wanting to bring some natural tones and warmth into a plain white kitchen.
To bust any myths about timber veneers, yes, they are real timber! Think of timber veneer like the shaved parmesan of the timber world.
There are a range of different natural timber veeners, which are sliced from real trees, as well as reconstituted veneers – these are also real trees, chopped up and glued back together.
Natural timber veneers give you the varying look and charm of a natural tree, as you get the veneer from the same tree. Sometimes they have ‘imperfections’ such as knots and figure lines, which add to the beauty of the product. With reconstituted veneers, you can get a more ‘perfect’ product, because someone controls the way the final product is produced to the way the grain runs and can eliminate those unknowns of using a natural veneer. No option is less worthy than the other, it’s just a matter of preference.
PROS: Massive range of choice, colour, species, cuts, stains … you name it – in timber veneer, it’s possible. By using this on a high moisture-resistant substrate, it can also be used in areas like kitchens and bathrooms with ease.
CONS: The downside to veneers is that if they scratch, you certainly can’t sand out the imperfection like you would with solid timber, as you’ll reveal the substrate underneath, so be super certain you’re not accidentally mistaking your veneer bench for the chopping board. They are also susceptible to damage by heat, so pots on trivets at all costs, please!
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
Those wanting to bring some natural tones and warmth into a plain white kitchen.
8. Dream: Laminate
You may associate this material with the word Laminex or Formica, which are brands of laminate. Laminates are one of the most commonly used benchtop materials around as they are relatively easy to source and easy to work with.
This material is, quite simply, layers of compressed paper, which is why it comes in such a great variety of colours and textures. The paper is then pressed together and bound with resin and then applied to a board (such as MDF) to create your benchtop.
If you’re wanting to use this as benchtop, think about the size of your island because as a panel product, you are limited to board sizes, which could limit you with what you can do with your design. Anything that extends beyond the size of the board will mean having to deal with a (potentially) nasty join!
You may associate this material with the word Laminex or Formica, which are brands of laminate. Laminates are one of the most commonly used benchtop materials around as they are relatively easy to source and easy to work with.
This material is, quite simply, layers of compressed paper, which is why it comes in such a great variety of colours and textures. The paper is then pressed together and bound with resin and then applied to a board (such as MDF) to create your benchtop.
If you’re wanting to use this as benchtop, think about the size of your island because as a panel product, you are limited to board sizes, which could limit you with what you can do with your design. Anything that extends beyond the size of the board will mean having to deal with a (potentially) nasty join!
PROS: As well as allowing for a wide range of looks, laminate is generally pretty durable to the elements your kitchen can throw at it. It’s also easily accessible and readily available, so it’s great for those short time-framed projects.
CONS: This material is relatively easy to scratch; more so for dark colours. If exposed to direct heat or steam, the laminate can peel away from the substrate, and sometimes water can soak underneath and swell the board underneath.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
Kitchen renos on a tight budget or time frame.
CONS: This material is relatively easy to scratch; more so for dark colours. If exposed to direct heat or steam, the laminate can peel away from the substrate, and sometimes water can soak underneath and swell the board underneath.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR?
Kitchen renos on a tight budget or time frame.
9. Dream: Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a fantastic choice for a kitchen island bench; after all, there’s a reason why they use it in commercial kitchens – it’s easy to maintain and a really durable surface for your kitchen. It performs great against kitchen nasties like heat from pots, water and steam. Don’t go down the steel route if scratches freak you out, stainless steel will most definitely scratch over time, and there is nothing you can really do to avoid it.
PROS: You can buff out minor scratches with a Scotch-Brite, rubbing in the direction of the grain of the steel. But, unless you enjoy spending your time doing that more than using your benchtop for, y’know, kitchen things … there’s not much point. So embrace the scratches as one of the factors that add to the charm of using the material!
Stainless steel is pretty much the only material that you can place a pot or pan off the stove straight onto the surface of, without adverse affects to the benchtop.
As an added bonus, you can make your kitchen sink out of your stainless steel benchtop, which can be fabricated as one piece, so you won’t even have any joins anywhere in your bench surface. Very cool.
Stainless steel is a fantastic choice for a kitchen island bench; after all, there’s a reason why they use it in commercial kitchens – it’s easy to maintain and a really durable surface for your kitchen. It performs great against kitchen nasties like heat from pots, water and steam. Don’t go down the steel route if scratches freak you out, stainless steel will most definitely scratch over time, and there is nothing you can really do to avoid it.
PROS: You can buff out minor scratches with a Scotch-Brite, rubbing in the direction of the grain of the steel. But, unless you enjoy spending your time doing that more than using your benchtop for, y’know, kitchen things … there’s not much point. So embrace the scratches as one of the factors that add to the charm of using the material!
Stainless steel is pretty much the only material that you can place a pot or pan off the stove straight onto the surface of, without adverse affects to the benchtop.
As an added bonus, you can make your kitchen sink out of your stainless steel benchtop, which can be fabricated as one piece, so you won’t even have any joins anywhere in your bench surface. Very cool.
CONS: I struggle to find downsides to stainless steel. It does have its limitations in terms of sizes and having to join pieces on site, but like laminate, will generally work in most kitchens.
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? Cook’s kitchens.
YOUR SAY
Which material would you sail your kitchen island dream boat to? Tell us in the Comments!
MORE
How to Choose the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
Kitchen Inspiration: 10 Creative Kitchen Islands to Escape To
WHO DOES IT WORK FOR? Cook’s kitchens.
YOUR SAY
Which material would you sail your kitchen island dream boat to? Tell us in the Comments!
MORE
How to Choose the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
Kitchen Inspiration: 10 Creative Kitchen Islands to Escape To
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I don't recommend Caesarstone (quartz surface). It chips very easily. We never had this sort of problem with other bench tops. My husband and I don't recall making these chips, which demonstrates how sensitive the stone is. I do have to say it is an easy stone to clean.
Prev house Caesarstone - very easy, zero chipping.
currently have corian on the island (faint marks/scratches, can buff out), stainless on the back bench - awesome, love the patina- looks softer and more matt, love that it can take hot things, love the integrated sink.
in a future house i think that i would like stainless back bench with natural stone island.
the only thing i don’t like is when the man made surfaces pretend to be natural stone - no fakes!