I have been meaning to write this blog for sometime now.
And when somebody suggests - “why don’t you write a blog about your expertise in Interior Design?
… well its easier said than done.
Naturally I want to research the topic to a T and ensure that I have ALL the correct information at hand for you.
Some of my Geelong clients have asked recently about wooden kitchen bench tops and if they are okay to use around a sink as well as the types of stone bench tops and how to care for them.
Whilst compiling information - I noticed it would be a great topic to delve into for everyone as it can get quite confusing to choose with all the different materials on the market - they all have their own specific qualities, uses and of course different price points.
So here it is - my well overdue blog on Bench top materials in Australia and how to use them in your home; fully researched with all the information you need.

So, you're in the market for a new benchtop, but don’t know where to start? A stylish and functional benchtop can totally transform your kitchen space and make your cooking experience a whole lot more enjoyable. Today, I will be starting from the most durable of materials to the least, now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of bench top materials.

1. Granite

Let's start with the king of durability, granite. It's a natural stone that's heat-resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. Plus, it looks absolutely stunning! The only downside is that it can be expensive.

Positives, Granite is an extremely hard wearing material formed over millions of years under extreme pressure; making it a great choice for families with kids who love to bang things around. As such it is a wide varying and beautiful material, which dependant on the variation can have many natural features.

Negatives, Granite can be a porous material, (some more than others). Granite can be sealed to limit its porous nature & helps to prevent staining.

Maintenance tip: avoid acidic spills like citrus juice and vinegar, and clean it with warm water and soap - avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Designer Decus Interiors |
Photographer Anson Smart

2. Quartz or Caesarstone®

Quartz bench tops are engineered surfaces that Caesarstone® pioneered. Yes a lot of people get confused about the name as quartz is often called ‘Ceasarstone’ instead - however this is a brand that makes the bench tops - let’s just clear that one up! Great for family homes, it is a natural stone – typically 90-95% stone powder, bound together by petrochemical resin;

Positives, It's non-porous, unlike natural stone, which means it's resistant to staining and bacteria and does not need to be sealed. It's also heat-resistant and scratch-resistant, making it a great option for busy kitchens.

Engineered bench tops come in a plethora of colours and styles which means there is something for everyones style. Some brands offer customisation in any colour by mixing quartz and pigment to obtain the desired colour. You can also get a countertop slab that mimics natural stones like marble and granite.

Negatives, Quartz seams can be noticeable and if your tight on budget it can be pricey.

Maintenance tip: To maintain its shine, wipe it down with warm water and mild soap

Designer Studio Piet Boon | Photographer Sigurd Kranendonk⁠

3. Porcelain or ceramic

A relatively new concept in Australia for bench tops porcelain bench tops are a more cost-effective solution than other materials like stone. Unlike Neolith Porcelain bench tops do not contain glass as it’s a ceramic product made from powdered clay, silica, and coloured pigments.

Positives, Porcelain is resistant to staining and heat (up to 200 degree celsius!) and comes in a range of colour and patterns. Porcelain is not pourous and therefore it does not need to be sealed It is extremely resistant to UV rays and will retain its full colour throughout its lifetime - making it a great option for outdoor areas.

Negatives, Porcelain has very visible seams and joins, when the product is mitred around the edge of a bench top or if two slabs need to be placed together to form a large bench; you will see a white line which is quite visible. Despite Porcelain’s durability it is also brittle; it can chip easily, Chips can be repaired using an epoxy resin and matched to the porcelain colour. It comes in limited thicknesses so it is recommended to use as a backsplash rather than bench top.

Maintenance tip: To maintain the appearace, wipe down with warm water and mild soap.

Designer Weststyle | Photographer Joel Barbitta

4. Betta stone

A new Australian product that is a fantastic initiative that recycles curbside plastic bottles (yes from our Yellow Bins!) into a bench top.

Positives, This sustainable material is hand crafted, easy maintenance, more durable than marble or granite, less likely to crack than engineered stone, less pourous than natural stone and a large range of colours

Negatives, like sintered stone it lacks the feel of natural stone

Maintenance tip: Betta stone can be cleaned with normal kitchen cleaning detergents; stubborn stains can be cleaned with cream Jiff cleaner using a non abrasive cloth

5. Sintered Stone or Neolith®

New brands such as Dekton® & Neolith® are bringing out this new amazing material for bench tops made out of elements of stone (Granite compounds, natural oxides, glass and silica minerals) are combined through a process of extreme heat, pressing and sintering into one of the most resilient surfaces available.

Positives, has to be its toughness, no other material is as scratch resistant as or as tough as Neolith. Neolith can withstand high temperatures from hot pans without scorching or cracking from thermal shock - seamless induction cooking systems can be installed underneath the bench and can turn into your cooktop with just the push of a button. It is also unfazed by freezing winter weather making it an ideal choice for outdoor kitchen bench tops. Available in a wide range of styles and textures, Neolith® can also be used as wall panelling, door panels & flooring, so its versatility has to be a plus point. It is also 100% eco friendly as it is all recycled.

Negatives, Neolith® and Dekton® is one of the most expensive worktop materials available making it a negative for many people. It also lacks the feel of both Granite Quartz or marble natural stone.

Designer Watts Studio and Janes Homes ID | Photographer Dylan James

6. Marble

Luxurious and striking, marble is a true beauty with its intricate veining and hand feel offering a one of a kind art piece in your kitchen. Marble is an elegant option for bench tops, but it's not as durable as granite or quartz.

Positives, Marble, on the other hand, is softer and requires a bit more TLC. But, hey, if you're willing to put in the effort, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful, luxurious benchtop.

Negatives, It can stain easily, especially from acidic spills like citrus juice and vinegar. It's also susceptible to scratches and chips; but if your willing to put in the maintenance, it’s worth it for the aesthetic.

Maintenance tip: Care must be taken to clean spills immediately and it is suggested that marble is sealed every 6 months

Designer Arent & Pyke | Photographer
Anson Smart

7. Solid surface or Corian®

Solid surface bench tops are a combination of natural minerals and various resins and pigments, making them durable and easy to clean. They're non-porous, which means they're resistant to bacteria, but they're not heat-resistant, so use trivets for hot pots and pans.

The beauty of this product is that it can be shaped and moulded - and can have that seamless appearance as you can mould your sink in some matching colours. The surface has almost a transluscent milky look and some designers are even applying lighting affects whilst using thinner sheets of the product.

Although I’m labelling as Corian®, this surface is actually a composite & Corian® is the leading brand. .

Positives, Corian is a very versatile material, it can be produced as one seamless top and can be heated & Shaped, so when we think of curves we have to consider Corian.

Negatives, for as many positives Corian has there are just as many negatives, cost wise it can be more expensive than Granite and Quartz, and it can scratch quite easily.

Maintenance tip: To keep your solid surface bench top looking like new, wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. An, avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads as they can scratch the surface.

Designer Smart Design Studio | Photography Romello Pereira

8. laminate

Next up is laminate. Laminate benchtops are a cost-effective option that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. If going for laminate - the best option is to go bold, there are striking colours you can use to really amp up your kitchen look. They're also easy to clean and maintain, which is great news for busy families. However, laminate isn't the most durable material out there, It can chip and scratch easily, so be careful with your sharp knives! Be prepared to replace it after a few years.

Positives, Laminate bench tops are a budget friendly bench top option and have come a long way from the bench tops you remember when growing up

Negatives, Laminate bench tops can scratch and chip easily and if water seep in underneath - can cause the chip board underneath to swell and expand.

Maintenance tip: To keep your laminate bench top looking its best, wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth and avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface.

Designer Ortolan | Photographer Derek Swalwell

9. Wooden / Timber

Now we come to wooden timber bench tops, a classic and warm option that's perfect for those cozy kitchen vibes. It's durable, but it needs to be sealed to prevent staining and warping. Plus, it's not heat-resistant, so watch out for those hot pans! When it comes to timber veneer be sure to keep this to your vertical surfaces as the construction of timber veneers are too thin to withstand the pressures of a modern kitchen.

Positives, being a natural product, timber has a lovely warm finish, it is durable and can be sanded back if damaged or scratched to restore its good looks.

Negatives, timber bench tops are not a very common material as they are susceptible to staining, warping and moisture retention - this is why Kitchen sinks need to be over mount rather than under-mount - so if you desire the clean lines of an under-mount sink, this one wont be for you.

Maintenance tip: To keep your wood bench like new ensure you use the recommended wax cleaner and not an off the shelf cleaning spray. Wax with an oil wax cleaner every 3 months.

Designer Bombora Cutom Furniture | Photographer Stephanie Rooney

10. Concrete

Concrete bench tops are a popular option to provide that crisp, industrial modern Australian aesthetic. They’re incredibly durable, but they require some maintenance. They need to be sealed to prevent staining and chipping. Plus, they're prone to scratching. But take it from a home owner who has concrete bench tops (yes that would be me!) they add a minimalistic touch to your kitchen and I feel scratches and stains simply add to it’s character. Oh - and they are a great material for outdoor bench tops for the BBQ.

Positives, Concrete can be poured to any size needed. Benches can be any shape, size, texture or colour tone you would like - yes you are not bound to grey!

Negatives, Citrus fruits can stain concrete bench tops, they are also prone to chipping and scratching - however they can be easily sanded back and re-sealed

Maintenance tip: avoid using abrasive cleaners, cut any fruit on a chopping board & wipe up any spills within 10 minutes

Designer Literatrotta | Photograher Tom Ferguson I TERATROTTA

11. Stainless steel

Stainless steel bench tops are a sleek and modern option that's perfect for minimalist kitchens. They're incredibly durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. Plus, they're non-porous, which means they're resistant to bacteria.

However, they can be a bit high maintenance, they can scratch easily, so avoid using abrasive cleaners and pads.

Positives, Stainless steel is easy to clean and biologically neutral making it the ideal material for hygiene. The material doesn’t react with any food or flavour - making it the perfect cooking surface. Stainless steel bench tops can be re-stored by being re-polished and it is also an eco-friendly product that is 100% recyclable

Negatives, Stainless steel bench tops as much as we would love to keep them shiny and new; they are quite hard to keep them looking clean without streaking and the reality is that they will scratch - so you have to be comfortable to live with this.

Maintenance tip: To keep your stainless steel bench top looking shiny and new, wipeit down with a mixture of water and vinegar. And, avoid using abrasive cleaners or pads as they can scratch the surface.

Designer AP Design House | Photographer Rory Gardiner Matteo Dal Vera

In Summary

Your work surface is often a reflection of your design and your personal taste. Whether it is natural beauty, sleek even tones, quirky curves or ultra-modernist industrial. None of the above are ever a wrong decision & that is the reason we use all of them for individual merits.

Key things to ask yourself:

What overall look are you going for?
Do you cook often?
Is your bench likely to get stained and if so are you willing to put in the maintenance?
Are people likely to put hot dishes directly on the surface?
What overall look do you want?
Is it being installed to compliment other features in the room?
Are you looking for a statement piece?
Is hand feel important to you? (Ensure you feel the difference between each of the materials - it will be on your bench top for quite a while!).
What is the next potential buyer of your home considering?

There you have it - The 11 best kitchen bench top materials in Australia, ranked from most durable to least. Thanks for taking the time to read this insight, I hope it takes the confusion out of what material to use in your kitchen and home. Remember, always choose a material that fits your lifestyle and budget, and if you’re in need of any help, don't hesitate to contact me at Greer Mayberry Design for advice on your next project.

11 best bench top materials and how to use them