Creating a paradise away from the city

New kitchen benchtops can be a costly investment, but one that can quickly and easily update your kitchen, giving it a fresh and modern look. New benchtops can also be more hygienic for food prep, as older surfaces may have more cracks, scratches and other nooks and crannies where germs and bacteria settle.

Since benchtops can be costly, you might note some mistakes to avoid when choosing these for your kitchen. This will ensure you're happy with your choice, and that you won't be thinking of replacing your home's new benchtops again, soon after they're installed!

Choosing something too upscale

If you plan on staying in your home indefinitely, you can obviously choose whatever surface materials appeal to you personally. However, many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that high-end, expensive materials will automatically increase the resale value of their home. This isn't always the case, as not all potential homebuyers will want to pay extra for very expensive stone or other such materials.

You also don't want to assume that high-end materials are always going to be the most durable and easiest to clean. In truth, some stone benchtop materials can be quite brittle and prone to cracking. They may also be somewhat porous, so that they absorb food stains. In many cases, a more affordable glass or ceramic tile can be the most durable choice, and the easiest to keep clean.

Going with popular trends

You might want a polished concrete benchtop, not necessarily because you like the look and its durability, but because it's a hot trend in your neighbourhood. A clean and simple, stark white benchtop with no decorative edging or other such features might also be a trend for modern homes, or your benchtop supplier may say that granite or another stone in a natural green or brown hue is their best seller.

Trends in benchtop materials and colours can be become popular for good reasons; certain materials may be eco-friendly, affordable, and lightweight or certain colours of stone may be very neutral, so they allow you to easily change the colours of the kitchen without changing the benchtops. However, some trends may come and go quickly, and you may find that the benchtops you selected because they look just like all the other benchtops on the block are now boring, or even an eyesore. Don't select any material for your home based on trends alone, but carefully consider your own tastes, needs for durability and budget when choosing new kitchen benchtops.