subject: Laminate Bench Tops For The Modern Kitchen [print this page] The kitchen is the focal point in most homes and the kitchen bench top is one of the first things to be noticed in the kitchen. This means your bench top can either really lift and compliment the look of your kitchen or bring it down so it's important to get it right. Many various materials are used for bench tops such as Caesarstone, stainless steel, granite and marble however for real affordability that looks good, laminate is sure to be the winner. Laminate may inspire thoughts of gaudy yellows and bright greens from the 70's style kitchens but fear not, today laminate comes in a range of stylish colors to suit any taste.
What is laminate and what are the benefits?
As mentioned, laminate is cost effective so won't burn through your budget like granite and other stone materials can, if you are looking to install as much of your kitchen yourself as you can in order to save money then the bonus of laminate is it's easy to install as it weighs considerably less than other materials used for bench tops. Should you wish your kitchen to have the look of granite or timber, then there is no reason to be upset as there are various colors and styles around to suit your taste.
You may not know exactly what a laminate bench top is made from and it's important that whatever material you have your bench top made from that you are aware of exactly what you are getting. Computer technology is used to create a fine laminate material that is adhered to MDF or particleboard with the help of waterproof and heat resistant glue; they are then bonded together by way of high pressure. High-pressure laminate will be stain- and scratch-resistant, giving you not only easy to clean surfaces but also a long-lasting investment.
On the topic of cleaning and preserving your bench top, the option of no joins will create an easier job of cleaning as it will be seamless and will not collect food debris, likewise if you choose post formed laminate this will eliminate joins between the sides and top of your bench top reducing the risk of peeling laminate. There are obvious care tips to taking care of a laminate, it is never wise, whichever material your bench top is made from, to place hot pans directly onto the bench and when cutting food, you should always use a cutting board to protect your bench top.
When you have made the choice to use laminate then choosing the right consultant for kitchen design will guide you to making your kitchen and ultimately your home look spectacular and you will be impressed at just how modern and attractive a laminate bench top can be.
