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In 2024 kitchen trends blend the timeless with the innovative. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or planning a full remodel. Your benchtop choice will be one of the most important decisions.
Why?
It’s where style meets function, durability meets aesthetics, and your budget meets reality.
Let the Master Tops team walk you through everything you need to know about kitchen benchtop materials. From natural stone to porcelain and zero-silica options. We'll cover the pros and cons of each material to help you make the best choice for your home.
Kitchen Benchtop Trends to Watch in 2024
As we move into 2024, some trends are on their way out. While others are stepping into the spotlight. One thing is for sure — practicality is taking centre stage. With homeowners valuing materials that combine style and ease of care.
Let’s start with what’s in and what’s fading out.
What’s In:
Ultracompact Surfaces: Their unbeatable durability and sleek appearance make them one of the most sought-after materials.
Zero-Silica Engineered Stone: With safety concerns surrounding high-silica stone. The move towards zero-silica alternatives is gaining momentum.
Porcelain Benchtops: The modern all-rounder that's stylish, tough, and minimal maintenance is fast becoming a favourite.
Bold Contrasts: Expect to see benchtops paired with bold, contrasting cabinetry and splashbacks. Adding depth and personality to kitchens.
Matte Finishes: Glossy finishes are being replaced by more subtle matte surfaces. Creating a sophisticated, modern look that resists fingerprints and smudges.
Natural, Earthy Tones: Colour palettes are shifting towards warm, earthy tones. Like soft browns, taupes, and muted greens. Offering a more grounded, organic feel in kitchen spaces.
What’s Out:
All-White Kitchens: White kitchens continue to dominate. But they’re evolving. Gone are the days of the all-white-everything kitchen. Which is starting to look a bit sterile & outdated. Today, white works best when paired with natural wood tones. Like oak or walnut, which add warmth and texture.
Speckled Granite & Gray Wood Tones: Gray wood tones are definitely taking a backseat. While speckled granite (a ‘90s staple) is a no-go. Unless it’s paired with smooth, modern finishes.
High-Maintenance Surfaces: Materials that require constant upkeep. Such as delicate marble or high-gloss finishes are being replaced by durable, easy-to-care-for options. Like porcelain and ultracompact surfaces.
Now, let’s dig deeper into the different materials you should consider for your kitchen benchtop in 2024.
The 2024 Best Kitchen Benchtop Materials
1. Natural Stone Benchtops: Classy & Durable
Natural stone continues to be a top choice for many homeowners. The beauty of a stone kitchen benchtop lies in its timeless appearance and impressive durability.
Granite Benchtops: Granite remains a reliable choice. It’s hard-wearing, can handle heat, and is resistant to stains and scratches. However, its colour options are more limited. And it can look dated if you choose a heavily speckled design. Granite is great if you’re after a traditional or rustic feel. But it might not fit a modern minimalist kitchen.
Marble Benchtops: If you’re going for luxury. Marble is your answer. But be warned — it requires a lot of maintenance. It’s prone to staining from acidic substances like lemon juice or red wine. So, while it looks stunning. You’ll need to be extra cautious if you choose this material.
Dolomite Benchtops: A rising star in the world of natural stone. It’s tougher than marble and almost as beautiful. Making it a practical alternative for those who want that polished look without the high maintenance.
Stone Type | Key Features | Drawbacks |
Granite | Hard-wearing, heat resistant | Limited styles, some colours can look dated |
Marble | Luxurious, elegant | High maintenance, stains easily |
Dolomite | Durable, beautiful like marble | Hard to find, may be expensive |
2. Porcelain Benchtops: The Future of Low-Maintenance Surfaces
Porcelain benchtops are having a moment in 2024. Why? Because they are durable, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and low maintenance. Perfect for busy kitchens.
Porcelain benchtops Perth also offers a wide range of colours and patterns. Including surfaces that mimic the look of marble, granite, and even wood.
One major benefit? It doesn’t require sealing, unlike natural stone, and it won’t chip easily. While porcelain can be more expensive upfront. The longevity and low-maintenance aspects make it a worthwhile investment.
3. Timber Kitchen Benchtops: Bringing Warmth and Character
Timber benchtops offer a softer, more inviting aesthetic than stone or porcelain. They work beautifully in rustic or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens. Where warmth and texture are key. Think of kitchens that resemble a cozy countryside home.
The downside? Timber needs regular sealing and maintenance. To prevent water damage, stains, and scratches. If you’re not ready to commit to regular upkeep. Timber might not be the best option. But if you love the idea of a natural, warm look. It’s hard to beat the character that timber brings to a kitchen.
Wood Type | Key Features | Drawbacks |
Oak | Timeless, warm | Requires regular maintenance, prone to scratches |
Walnut | Luxurious, rich tones | Can be expensive, and needs sealing |
Bamboo | Eco-friendly, modern look | Not as durable as hardwood |
4. Zero-Silica Engineered Stone: Safety & Style
Engineered stone, like Caesarstone and Talostone, has long been a popular choice for kitchen benchtops. Offering durability and a variety of design options. However, concerns about silica exposure during manufacturing have led to changes in the market. In 2024, zero-silica engineered stone is stepping into the spotlight.
This material provides all the benefits of traditional engineered stone. Durability, low maintenance, and design flexibility. Without the health risks associated with high silica content. If you’re looking for a material that combines the best of both worlds (style and safety). Silica free kitchen benchtops options are your go-to.
5. Laminate: Budget-Friendly, But Is It Worth It?
Laminate is a budget-friendly option. But it’s often considered the weakest link when it comes to benchtops. While it’s affordable and comes in a variety of styles.
Laminate doesn’t hold up well over time. It can’t handle heat, can’t be repaired easily, and often has visible seams. Plus, laminate surfaces can look cheap. Which may impact your home's resale value.
In short, if you’re on a tight budget and only need a temporary fix. Laminate could work. But for long-term durability. Other options are far better.
6. Ultracompact Surfaces: The Next Level of Durability
Ultracompact surfaces like Dekton are relatively new to the benchtop scene. But are rapidly gaining popularity due to their incredible strength and versatility.
These surfaces are created by exposing raw materials like quartz, glass, and porcelain to extreme heat and pressure. The result? A surface that is nearly indestructible.
Ultracompact surfaces are non-porous, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant. Making them ideal for busy kitchens. The catch? They’re expensive. If you’ve got the budget for it. Though ultracompact surfaces might be the most durable option out there.
Material | Key Features | Drawbacks |
Ultracompact Surface | Extremely durable, non-porous, heat-resistant | Expensive |
Which Kitchen Benchtop is Best for You?
Choosing the best kitchen benchtop depends on your
Lifestyle,
Budget,
Cooking habits, &
Aesthetic preferences.
If you need something durable and low maintenance. Ultracompact surfaces or porcelain are the way to go. If you love natural beauty and are willing to invest in maintenance. Natural stone like granite or marble are perfect for you. For a more budget-friendly option. Laminate or timber are the best fit.
Benchtop Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
Granite | Durable, heat-resistant | Limited colour options | Busy kitchens need durability |
Marble | Luxurious, elegant | High maintenance, prone to etching | Showpiece kitchens |
Ultracompact Surfaces | Extremely durable, low maintenance | Expensive | Long-lasting, eco-friendly choice |
Porcelain | Stain-resistant, heat-resistant | Prone to chipping | Stylish, modern kitchens |
Timber | Warm, natural look | Requires regular maintenance | Rustic or cozy kitchen designs |
Laminate | Affordable, easy-to-install | Prone to damage, short lifespan | Budget-conscious renovations |
Planning for Your 2024 Kitchen Benchtop
Your kitchen benchtop is more than just a surface. It's a key design element that sets the tone for your kitchen. Whether you go for natural stone, engineered surfaces, timber, or laminate. The most important thing is to pick a material that fits both your style & lifestyle.
Remember, high-quality materials may come with a higher price tag. But the investment will pay off in the long run. Both in terms of aesthetics and durability. Whether you're aiming for a rustic timber vibe, a sleek ultra-compact surface, or something in between. There’s a benchtop material that’s perfect for you.
In 2024, the trends lean toward materials that not only look great but are easy to maintain. Now, it’s time to transform your kitchen into a space that combines function and beauty. Starting with the right benchtop material.
So, which kitchen benchtop will you choose?
Ready to Upgrade Your Kitchen?
At Master Tops, we specialize in creating custom kitchen benchtops best suited to your exact specifications. Our expert team is ready to help you find the perfect material for your home. Whether you’re interested in the latest trends or timeless classics.
Click the button below to get started on your dream kitchen today.
Kitchen Benchtop FAQs
What is the most durable material for a kitchen benchtop?
Ultracompact surfaces like Dekton are considered the most durable, followed by granite.
Which benchtop doesn’t stain?
Porcelain and ultracompact surfaces are highly resistant to stains, making them excellent choices for high-traffic kitchens.
Which countertop is easier to maintain?
Porcelain and zero-silica engineered stones are incredibly low-maintenance, making them the most convenient options for busy households.
What benchtops do chefs prefer?
Professional chefs often opt for stainless steel due to its durability and ease of cleaning. However, in a home setting, porcelain or granite is more common.
What is the safest kitchen benchtop?
Zero-silica engineered stone is among the safest options available, as it avoids the silica dust issues linked to traditional engineered stone.