Moreover, the material’s cost and installation are cheaper than stones. But wood needs more care and maintenance to keep its optimum function and classic aesthetics. Concrete Benchtops Another budget benchtop to consider is concrete.
Can you use concrete as a benchtop?
Add raw contrast to timber or glossy joinery by using concrete on benchtops, over a wall as a cool backdrop to open shelves or as an island bench and top in one. Like stone, concrete requires sealing and is not practical for splashbacks. 7. Marble benchtops
How much does a benchtop cost per square metre?
Starting from approx. $300 per square metre, this trusted surface type is a perennially popular choice when on a budget. For further inspiration, take a look at this Laminex benchtop. If you are seeking the warmth of a timber finish for your kitchen, why not opt for a bamboo benchtop?
Is concrete the only option for kitchen countertops?
While concrete isn't the only option for kitchen countertops, it offers a number of advantages that other materials can't match, particularly when it comes to versatility. Here, we compare concrete with some of the most popular alternatives. CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS VS. QUARTZ One of the most popular countertop materials is quartz.
Is granite a good material for a benchtop?
Granite makes for an exquisite and enduring surface for your kitchen benchtop. However you'll need a significant budget – it's considered the second most expensive material after marble. On the plus side, there is a stunning variety of styles and colours to choose and it can withstand anything you throw at it.
How much cheaper are concrete countertops?
Concrete countertops are hand crafted, which requires a lot of labor, so these countertops are not cheap. The average cost per square foot is $65 to $135. (For comparison, marble countertops cost about $110 to $250 per square foot.)
How much does a concrete bench top cost?
CONCRETE COUNTERTOP COST COMPARISONLaminate$20 - $50Granite$40 - $175CONCRETE$65 - $135Engineered Quartz$80 - $140Marble$110 - $2502 more rows•Apr 20, 2021
Are concrete counters expensive?
Installing a concrete countertop yourself may cost an average of $8 to $15 per square foot, which includes the basic materials. You might pay more to buy tools and sealants that make installation easier and the material more durable. A concrete countertop is a bit more expensive than granite, marble, or quartz.
What are the disadvantages of concrete countertops?
Con: Concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches. That's because the porous substance can absorb liquids and even bacterial growth, which is why it's incredibly important to seal the surface upon installation. In theory, sealing will make your counters stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant.
Is concrete countertop cheaper than granite?
Generally, concrete countertops are not cheaper than granite. Concrete starts at around $65 per square foot, while basic granite can be as low as $40 a square foot. Concrete counters are an artisan product that come with higher labor costs.
Are concrete kitchen benchtops expensive?
Concrete countertops made and installed by professionals cost about $1,000 - $1,800 for the whole kitchen. Is a DIY concrete benchtop an option? Installation of polished concrete benchtops is a complex job, involving heavy materials, as well as precise mixing, finishing, and curing processes.
What is the cheapest countertop?
Laminate Countertops Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in a limited range of colors and patterns.
Do concrete counters crack?
A: Yes. Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline cracks. The cracks tend to be non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. However, some countertop cracks can be prevented.
Are concrete Benchtops practical?
Why use concrete for benchtops? Concrete is an extraordinary material that is practical, expressive, and aesthetic all at once. It's evolving nature allows concrete to slowly patina and express its beauty even further as the years go by. Designers prefer concrete because of its highly workable characteristic.
Can you put hot pots on concrete countertops?
Heat Resistant - As long as the proper sealer is used, concrete countertops are heat resistant. As a result, they can withstand heat from warm pots and pans. Easy Cleaning and Maintenance - For cleaning, a gentle commercial product, or just plain soap and water is all you need.
Do white concrete countertops stain?
Concrete countertops scratch & stain easily. This is especially true for white concrete countertops! Cement is actually a pretty fragile surface that stains and cracks easily. It is also highly absorbent and must be sealed before you can use it in your kitchen.
Are concrete countertops still in style?
While quartz, granite, and marble countertops are popular with designers, concrete remains a desirable option on the periphery, offering flexibility and a creative potential that other materials simply cannot provide.
Are concrete benchtops cheaper than granite?
Depends on the finish required, if you are looking at a highly polished gloss finish they are more expensive as there is a lot of work that goes in...
Can you build your own concrete benchtop.
If you have handymen skills than yes you can DIY. Advice should be sought on supports and finishing.
Do concrete benchtops crack?
There are many issues that will make concrete crack and these are no different when building a benchtop. Some areas to watch are reinforcing, concr...
Are concrete benchtops high maintenance
One of the benefits of a concrete benchtop is that they are usually poured in one pour. Therefore no joins which is usually where more traditional...
Do concrete benchtops suck in moisture?
If they are sealed or highly polished they are basically water resistant.
Unlimited Options for Concrete Benchtops
Concrete, both steel reinforced and glass fibre reinforced (GFRC) are setting designer trends in many areas, such as
Unique Designs can be Achieved with Concrete Benchtops
The reason benchtops constructed in concrete are increasing in popularity is because of the incredible designs and finishes that can now be achieved with concrete.
What Finishes can be Achieved on Concrete Benchtops
Concrete has become popular as an inside product and how it is finished has a huge effect on the end result.
How are Concrete Kitchen Benchtops Supported
Kitchen concrete benchtops are obviously heavy and depending on their size can be supported by the cabinet work of the kitchen.
How Thick does a Benchtop need to be?
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What is the cheapest countertop material?
Ceramic tile countertops are one of the cheapest options you can find. Part of the reason the surfaces are so inexpensive is that you can install the material on your own. Keep in mind that, while there are many stylish tiles you can choose from, you will have to deal with grout lines.
What is the best countertop for a kitchen?
Granite. Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices among homeowners – and for good reason. These natural stone surfaces can be found in a variety of colors and styles, are very durable and are low maintenance. Granite countertops are heat resistant, stain resistant and scratch resistant.
How much does a cultured marble countertop cost?
Cultured marble countertops typically cost somewhere between $30 to $100 per square foot.
What is natural stone used for?
The natural stone has been used to create everything from kitchen countertops to some of the most famous statues in the world. No matter if you are looking for something that is solid in color or contains significant veining, you will find a marble countertop to suit your needs.
What is butcher block countertop?
Butcher block countertops are another popular choice in kitchen design. These surfaces are made from strips of wood that are formed together into a slab. The major appeal of these countertops is their appearance; many homeowners like butcher block because of the ‘warm’ feel it brings to the room.
What is a countertop?
Countertops are a significant addition to any home. Whether stone countertops, solid surface or any other countertop material, the surfaces can make a statement. New countertops can have a particularly noteworthy presence in the kitchen, as kitchen countertops are often the focal point of the room. Considering that the modern kitchen is not only designed for preparing meals, but rather for socializing and eating as well, it is important to have a kitchen countertop that you are proud to show off.
How much does slate cost per square foot?
Slate countertops are usually somewhere in the range of $50 to $200 per square foot.
What is marble bench top?
Marble benchtops. Home Beautiful / Simon Whitbread. Marble is a gorgeous, natural stone that is commonly used in kitchens as a benchtop and splashback material. It's a timeless and sophisticated option but it comes with an eye watering bill and substantial upkeep.
What is a solid surface benchtop?
Solid surface benchtops are an acrylic resin with a filler of alumina. The joins between each piece of benchtop are invisible after installation, so it seems like one big slab of stone. You can also have the sink moulded into the benchtop so there’s nowhere for dirt to collect, making it easier to keep clean.
What is the best benchtop for a kitchen reno?
The non-porous surface resists staining, scratching and doesn’t need any ongoing maintenance. Quartz is a common engineered stone benchtop. 2. Laminate benchtops. Laminex. If your kitchen reno is on a tight budget then laminate should be your go-to, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on looks.
Why are porcelain bench tops so popular?
Porcelain benchtops are growing in popularity thanks to their durability, versatility and affordability. They can withstand high heats, scratches and stains and their low porosity makes them a very hygienic option.
What is the best material for a kitchen bench?
Smart Stone. This is the most popular choice of benchtop material for kitchen renovators. Made using natural aggregates mixed with resins, it comes in a wide range of colours, from bright whites to dark greys. You can choose either a solid colour or have flecks of different-coloured stone through it to add interest.
What is ultra compact countertop?
Ultra compact surfaces are made of natural materials found in glass, porcelain and quartz, which are put under extreme heat and pressure to create an incredibly durable product. Basically, it uses a high tech process to copy what Mother Nature does to natural stone over thousands of years, in a much shorter time frame. It's strong, stain resistant, scratch resistant, heat resistant and non-porous, making it a reliable choice for your kitchen countertops.
Is bamboo a good bench top?
Bamboo is an eco-friendly and less expensive benchtop material that can suit any style kitchen from country to contemporary. They're often sealed with oil (which will need to be regularly reapplied) or with polyurethane (which is more resistant to staining).
What is a wood bench top?
Timber benchtops. Timber benchtops, such as American Oak top, are formed from one solid length or pieces that have been laminated together (butcher's block style). The surface of wooden/timber benchtops needs to be finished before using and, if oiled, will absorb spills.
How much does marble cost?
Pricing depends on where the stone is from, what type it is and the thickness of the slab. Marble ranges from $800 to $2200 per square metre and granite from about $700 to $1700 per square metre, including installation, but will attract additional costs for cuts for undermount sinks, where edges need to be carefully finished.
What is the best material for a kitchen counter?
Here's our pick of the tough but terrific materials that will give you kitchen counter bliss. 1. Natural stone benchtops. The beauty of stone – such as Statuarietto marble or Juparana granite – is as a natural material, each slab is unique. Marble is popular with enthusiastic cooks as it's perfect for rolling out pastry, ...
What is engineered stone made of?
Appearing under brand names including Caesarstone, Silestone, Quantum Quartz in Gobi Black and Essastone, engineered stone is made from mostly crushed quartz held together with resin, and is available in a variety of colours and finishes.
What is marble used for?
Marble is popular with enthusiastic cooks as it's perfect for rolling out pastry, but it's easily stained by things such as red wine, vinegar, coffee, spices (we're looking at you, turmeric!) and even water.
Is marble hard or soft?
Most materials are durable and hard-wearing, but some require a little more care than others. Marble has been having a moment recently, but it's actually fairly soft and absorbent, meaning you're constantly on the lookout for spills, or need to accept it will show its history. 2.
Can concrete be poured on site?
Concrete benchtops are formed and poured on site, and considering their weight, you may require additional sub-floor structural work for support. However, they have a wonderfully raw finish (that's now being imitated by other materials) and can even have heating built into them.