Engineered and Cost-effective Kitchen Bechntops By Impala Kitchens

If you're renovating or building a new kitchen and looking for superior quality benchtops to match your kitchen space, then Impala Kitchen Sydney, one of the leading suppliers of premium quality laminate and stone benchtops can help you. At Impala Kitchen Sydney, we supply and install a wide array of kitchen benchtops atcost-effective prices. We can help you to achieve your dream kitchen with elegant and durable benchtops that suit your preferences and budget.

ENGINEERED STONE: 

Engineered stone is a man-made product that was produced in the late 80s by a company called Breton. Breton fine-tuned this process and patented their technology. Engineered stone contains more than 94% natural quartz one of earth’s hardest minerals. This hard quartz matrix is bound with a polymer binding agent. There is then a range of other pigments and aggregates that will create different colors giving the finished product its rare beauty and uniqueness. Because of the properties provided by the manufacturing process of engineered stone, it is is the ideal low maintenance, the hygienic choice for benchtops, splashbacks, vanities, and more. There have been many copies of the Breton process over the years which have come out of South East Asia and other countries. These copies are made up of less quartz and more of the bonding agent which does not perform in the longer term. These copy stones do not carry a reputable warranty. Stone Solutions does not use copy products. We only source from accredited, certified reputable suppliers. We make sure our clients will have a product that will last the test of time and still have its beauty and style in years to come.

Types of Kitchen Benchtops

Granite

Granite is very durable and scratch and chip resistant. You are able to place hot items directly on the benchtop as well as use the benchtop itself for food preparation. However, because granite is porous, it will need to be sealed regularly, usually around once a year.

Stone/Quartz

Stone/Quartz is the most durable stone benchtop. It has the look of natural stone and is highly resistant to staining. Quartz surfacing is low maintenance, non-porous, and very hygienic. Stone benchtop brands include Quantum Quartz, Caesarstone, Silestone, and Essa Stone.

Concrete

Concrete can be pre-cast in a mold or cast on site. It is rapidly rising in popularity but it needs to be sealed in order to resist stains and water damage.

Laminate

Laminate is the most traditional and common of all benchtops. It is an economical alternative and is made up of several layers that have been pressed together. It does not have the durability of stone but it is highly versatile in that it is available in a wide range of colors, finishes, and textures. Laminate brands include Laminex, Formica, Wilsonart, and Abet Laminati.

Corian

Corian is a patented blend of acrylic and natural minerals. It allows for a seamless finish and is hygienic, non-porous, and resistant to stains. It comes in many different colors and is available in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes.

Marble

Marble has many of the same qualities as granite and because it is such a smooth surface, it is favored for the preparation of dough and pastries. However, because it is so porous, it will require sealants to be applied more often than granite.

Tile

Tile is commonly used as a splashback or as trim, but stronger tiles can be used as a benchtop. Tiles may have raised, inset or painted designs and are commonly made from materials such as ceramic, porcelain, glass or natural stone. If unglazed tiles are used, they must be sealed.

Hardwood

Hardwood is generally constructed from narrow timber strips bonded together. Hardwood benchtops, commonly known as a “butcher block”, are generally between 1 ¼ and 6 inches thick and are highly favored by chefs and serious cooks.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is defining the look of a contemporary kitchen and is used commonly in industrial-style kitchens, both as a benchtop and splashback material. It is recommended that 304 stainless steel for domestic use and 1.2mm sheets for splashbacks and 1.6mm for benchtops. Stainless steel does scratch and should be cleaned with non-abrasive cleaners.