The Safest Kitchen Benchtop Edge Profiles for Homes with Children

Safety becomes a top priority when designing a kitchen for a home with children. The kitchen, often seen as the heart of the home, is a space where families spend considerable time. Children, being naturally curious, may explore areas where safety concerns can arise. One of the most overlooked yet important aspects of kitchen safety is the choice of benchtop edge profiles. The edge profile refers to how the edges of the kitchen benchtop are shaped, which can impact the kitchen's aesthetics and safety.

In this article, we will explore the safest kitchen benchtop edge profiles for homes with children, focusing on both design and function. Additionally, we’ll consider materials such as stone kitchen benchtops and how they contribute to creating a family-friendly environment.

Why Kitchen Benchtop Edge Profiles Matter

A benchtop’s edge profile plays a critical role in kitchen safety, especially in homes with children. The shape of the edge can help minimise injuries from bumps and falls, while also providing an appealing look to complement the kitchen's design. Sharp edges can pose a risk, while smoother, rounded profiles offer a safer alternative.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the safest benchtop edge profile for your kitchen:

1. Risk of Injury: Children are often at a height where they can easily bump their heads or bodies against the benchtop edges. A well-chosen edge profile can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.

2. Ease of Cleaning: Rounded edges are generally easier to clean and maintain. This is a bonus for busy families who want both safety and practicality.

3. Durability: In homes with children, surfaces endure a lot of wear and tear. Choosing durable kitchen benchtops and edges ensures that the kitchen will remain both functional and beautiful over time.   

Safest Kitchen Benchtop Edge Profiles

When designing a family-friendly kitchen, it’s essential to choose an edge profile that reduces the risk of injury while maintaining style and function. Below are some of the safest kitchen benchtop edge profiles to consider for homes with children:

1. Bullnose Edge

The bullnose edge is one of the most popular choices for family homes. It comprises a rounded, smooth curve that makes it ideal for kitchens with children. This full-rounded design ensures there are no sharp corners, reducing the risk of serious injuries if a child bumps into the benchtop.

Key Benefits:

• Completely rounded, minimising the risk of cuts or bruises.

• Provides a timeless look that suits various kitchen styles, including modern and traditional designs.

• Easy to clean and maintain due to its smooth surface.

2. Demi-Bullnose Edge

The demi-bullnose edge, like the bullnose, features a rounded top and a slightly flattened bottom. It provides safety benefits and has a more modern appearance due to its flatter surface compared to the fully rounded bullnose.

Key Benefits:

• Offers a safe, rounded top edge to prevent injuries.

• Provides a modern twist to the classic bullnose profile, appealing to homeowners seeking a balance between style and safety.

• Suitable for various materials, including stone kitchen benchtops.

3. Eased Edge

The eased edge or pencil edge, features slightly rounded corners while maintaining a flat surface. This profile is less rounded than a bullnose but still offers some degree of safety for homes with children. The smooth edge offers a modern and stylish look that is attractive to individuals seeking contemporary kitchen styles. 

Key Benefits:

• The soft rounding of the corners reduces sharpness and injury risks.

• Works well with both natural and engineered stone kitchen benchtops.

• Offers a minimalist, clean look without compromising on safety.

4. Bevelled Edge

This edge is cut at a 45-degree angle, providing a sleek, angled look that reduces the sharpness of the benchtop. While not as soft as the bullnose or eased edges, a bevelled edge can still offer a safer alternative to sharp, square edges. It provides a modern, stylish finish that appeals to contemporary kitchen designs.

Key Benefits:

• Provides an angular, refined look with a less sharp edge than a square profile.

• Offers some protection from injuries compared to straight, sharp edges.

• Ideal for stone kitchen benchtops, adding a sense of elegance to the space.

5. Ogee Edge

The ogee edge offers a more decorative and traditional look. With its flowing S-shaped curve, the profile adds a classic touch to kitchen benchtops. While it has some sharper points than the bullnose or eased edges, the ogee edge can still be a safe option due to its softened curves.

Key Benefits:

• Adds a decorative, high-end appeal to kitchen designs.

• The curved design reduces the risk of severe injuries compared to straight edges.

• Works beautifully with stone benchtops, enhancing their natural beauty.

Transform Your Kitchen with Safe Kitchen Benchtops!

Explore our range of kitchen benchtops designed with families in mind! At Simple Benchtops, our expertly crafted stone kitchen benchtops feature the safest edge profiles, ensuring peace of mind for homes with children. From elegant bullnose edges to modern eased profiles, we have the perfect solution to keep your little ones safe while adding a touch of elegance to your space.   

Browse our online collection to discover the ideal kitchen benchtops for your home. Our team is ready to help you create a beautiful, functional kitchen where family moments can thrive. 

Contact us at 1300 88 68 58 or email us at sales@simplebenchtops.com.au for personalised advice and to schedule a consultation.  

Advantages of Stone Kitchen Benchtops

Add a little luxury to your kitchen with beautiful stone benchtops. Offering more than just good looks, stone is also a durable, practical solution for the kitchen, ideal for preparing meals, washing up or even just sitting with a glass of wine.

As kitchen benchtops are often the most used surface in your kitchen, they should be made out of durable material such as stone. Here are just some of the advantages of choosing a luxurious stone benchtop for your kitchen.

• QUALITY

One of the most obvious benefits of stone is the quality. Although it may be more expensive than other materials, it is usually of a high quality, delivering great looks and a long life. This not only means a good workbench for your kitchen but also a good investment for your home, increasing its overall value.

• AESTHETICS

Stone bench tops create a unique luxury in the kitchen and have a timeless appeal. Stone is a popular choice for a kitchen bench top as it comes in a wide range of styles and colors from marble to limestone and Caesarstone. Stone bench tops offer a beautiful investment in your kitchen and complement any kitchen style.

• UPKEEP AND LONGEVITY

Known for being one of the strongest minerals in the world, stone is tough and long-lasting. It can be cleaned just by using a damp cloth and is resistant to stains and scratches. It can take a hard hitting and won’t degrade over time.If you want to increase the value of your home and are willing to spend a little more for a quality benchtop, stone is a great choice.

• LOW MAINTENANCE

Stone bench tops are very resilient to stains and scratches and therefore very easy to clean. Heat resistant, waterproof and nonporous if sealed efficiently, stone bench tops are ideal for a busy family. Its smooth surface makes it very easy to wipe down compared to tiles with grout as the only maintenance it needs is a quick clean with mild soap and water.

Originally published at https://simplebenchtops.com.au/ on Aug 24, 2017.

All you Need to Know About Quantum Quartz Benchtops

When it is about designing your kitchen benchtop, choosing the best benchtops are crucial to your plan. Not only is this an opportunity to glamorize your kitchen with exquisite colour, texture and finish, but it also means owning a dependable benchtop to work on. Your kitchen benchtop must be resilient enough to bear the brunt of everyday kitchen life. Therefore, we advise you to select the most reliable and appealing benchtop of all — a quantum quartz benchtop. These benchtops are a popular choice for homeowners because of their unique features.

So, how do you choose the most suitable quantum quartz benchtop? An excellent place to begin your quest is with the material. There is a variety of quantum quartz benchtops to choose from. You must read the article to learn which benchtop will be a perfect blend for your kitchen. Other than quartz, you also have the option of installing natural, porcelain, sintered, or engineered.

Engineered stone, or quartz, is, however, the most desired choice for a contemporary kitchen setup. It’s readily available, budget-friendly, and comes in every shade, texture, and finish perceivable.

5 Reasons to Choose Quantum Quartz Benchtops

• Quantum Quartz Offer Absolute Uniformity

Since quantum quartz is a manufactured product, they have a uniform look throughout its length, unlike materials like marble and granites. If you are someone who is very particular about a uniform benchtop and do not want any imperfections, you will like the finish of quantum quartz. A well-engineered quantum quartz is bound to uplift the aesthetics of your kitchen. Quantum Quartz is especially for those homeowners who have large kitchens or a setup that needs several joints. If you want your kitchen benchtop to look flawless and not lumpy on the joints, install none other than quantum quartz.

• They are Highly Durable

Since quantum quartz already has naturally solid compactness, you do not have to worry about the benchtop’s durability. These materials are highly resistant to heat and pressure and can sustain for a long time. The addition of resin binders and engineered quartz stone makes quantum quartz one of the most durable and preferred benchtop surfaces available.

• The Aesthetics of Quantum Quartz is Unmatched

Quantum quartz is designed to give your benchtop the idea of natural stone without the price of it. The glaze and smooth surface of quartz works to enhance the overall aesthetics of your kitchen or wherever the stone has been installed. It has been a popular choice amongst builders, property owners, and designers for a long time. All because of its flawless finish and three-dimensional appearance.

• Quantum Quartz is Scratch and Stain Resistant

Several homeowners are cautious about the prevalent problem of benchtops retaining stains or scratches. However, with quantum quartz benchtops, you do not have to stress about this problem. All high-quality quantum quartz benchtops are stain and scratch-resistant. Talking about quantum quartz’s low porosity above, it must not absorb any stain from spills. You can rest assured that any liquid, such as juice, wine, oil, coffee, or other alcoholic beverages, will not ruin your quantum quartz benchtop. You can also use sharp objects such as a knife on the benchtop since quartz is equally scratch resistant. These qualities make quartz a highly favoured option for homeowners.

• They are Easy to Maintain

Quartz upkeep is not a demanding task. The benchtop requires minimal maintenance to return to its former glory. Your installers will be providing you with a set of cleaning instructions to maintain your benchtop efficiently. However, the cleaning process primarily requires soap and water solutions to wipe out the stains.

Where to Find Reliable Quantum Quartz Installers in Melbourne?

If you are looking for qualified professionals to install quantum quartz in your kitchen, Simple Benchtops is the answer to your quest. Our craftsmen excel in building luxury benchtops and pledge to offer the highest quality products.

Why purchase from Us:

• We offer an array of quantum quartz benchtop
• We only ship superior quality products
• Our benchtops are durable and fairly-priced
• Our benchtops are ideal for all needs

If you have any questions about our collection of quantum quartz, feel free to schedule a call with us at 1300 88 68 58. We can always tell you more about our products and services. We are happy to help!

What Types of Stone Benchtops are Best for Residential Purpose?

There are a plethora of stone benchtops designs that can potentially enhance the interiors of your house. There are ‘sub-styles’ such as ‘dark stone benchtop’, ‘white stone benchtop’, and ‘natural stone benchtop’ from which you can streamline your choice for the ideal stone benchtop. Have you ever wondered why stone benchtops are such a hit in the market? It is because using stone as a tabletop is highly practical and elegant to look at, while it requires minimal maintenance and care.

To help you select the best fit for your property, we have listed some of the popular stone benchtop options for you. You can skim through the article and assess which stone benchtop will be perfect for your kitchen, dining space, etc.

5 Top Categories of Kitchen Stone Benchtops

• Caesarstone Kitchen Stone Benchtop

Caesarstone benchtops are extremely common and a favourite of homeowners. They are sometimes referred to as ‘quantum quartz’ or ‘engineered stone’. Caesarstone benchtops are sturdy stone benchtops that come in an array of colours and do not fade quickly over time. Do you know the best part about Caesarstone kitchen benchtops? They are incredibly heat resistant compared to any other metal or wood, making your kitchen a safe place to work. They are not just heat resistant, but they also resist food or paint stains. You do not have to spend hours scrubbing and wiping your tabletop to remove stubborn stains. Caesarstone kitchen stone benchtops have your back!

• Granite Kitchen Stone Benchtop

Another very common kitchen stone benchtop that is preferred by many is a granite stone benchtop. Like Caesarstone, granite is equally heat-resistant and comes in a series of patterns for homeowners. If you are looking for a designer stone benchtop, you may love the look of granite as your kitchen slab. Granite stone benchtops have a glitter-like effect that adds a glamorous touch to the stone. The highlight of the granite stone benchtop is that it is non-porous, meaning it is resistant to stain and heat. This makes the stone a top choice for most homeowners.

Granite is also an excellent fit for your dining table, shelves, walls, flooring etc. No matter where you install granite, it will breathe life into the place. From matte greys to vibrant shades of red, you have a wide range of features to select from.

• Quartz Kitchen Stone Benchtop

Quartz benchtops are another excellent choice for a non-porous option, heat-resistant stone benchtop. If you prefer the design of quartz for your kitchen benchtop, we assure you you will not regret your decision. Quartz is highly durable and, due to its constituency, it is also long-lasting (meaning they do not easily crack or chip). Since quartz is also non-porous, they are stain-resistant and do not permit the invasion of bacteria or other contaminants.

• Marble Kitchen Stone Benchtop

Are you a fan of marble-finish kitchen slabs? If yes, you will be pleased with a marble stone kitchen benchtop. Although marble stone is an expensive choice, it offers a look that is hard to resist. It goes without saying that marble benchtops are stunning to look at. They can serve as a centrepiece to your room or enhance the appeal of your floors and walls. They are not just an option for kitchen slabs but also work wonders in several parts of your house. Marble is highly porous. However, they are not entirely stain-resistant and may fade over time. But if you are careful with your marble and avoid spills, you are good to go. After all, every valuable thing needs care and attention, doesn’t it?

• Amalgamated Kitchen Stone Benchtop

You must be wondering what an amalgamated stone benchtop is? Well, a composite stone benchtop is a combination of several aggregate stones, chips, pigments, resins, and other binders. All put together to form a unique blend of stones. They are non-porous, stain resistant, scratch resistant, heat resistant, classy, and don’t need sealing. They are becoming popular nowadays.

Where to Find Reliable Builders for Stone Benchtop in Melbourne?

If you are planning to install a stone kitchen benchtop in Melbourne, plan your benchtop in style with our unique designs at Simple Benchtops. At Simple Benchtops, we have varied collections of stone benchtops in Melbourne customized to meet your expectations. If you dream of a kitchen with a smooth and shining stone benchtop, Simple Benchtops is where your dream will come to life. Contact us today at sales@simplebenchtops.com.au or call us at tel:1300886858. We are here to help!

5 Amazing Ideas To Use Porcelain Splashbacks

When you plan to install a porcelain splashback in your house, several questions come to your mind. Questions such as what is a large format porcelain splashback? Where can I use a porcelain splashback? Are porcelain splashbacks expensive? Are porcelain splashbacks tough enough material to bear the test of time? To answer your questions correctly, we have curated this article on porcelain splashbacks and their multipurpose use.

After you have finished reading this article, you will indeed have a clearer understanding of how a porcelain splashback can be put to use. You can always refer to our ideas while planning to install large format porcelain splashbacks to beautify your house interiors.

1. Porcelain Kitchen Benchtops

Porcelain kitchen benchtops and islands are two of the most common uses of porcelain. Since most slab sizes are large in area, it helps the buyer to save money. Most large format porcelain kitchen benchtops make for one standard kitchen slab. If you purchase just one slab of porcelain kitchen benchtop, you are done with your kitchen benchtop installment. Also, if you want an island bench in your space, a slab of size 3200x900 and an additional hob bench of size 3200x650mm will suffice.

The commonly used porcelain kitchen benchtop is 12 mm in thickness. If you want your porcelain kitchen benchtop to be sturdy and long-lasting, you can use a substrate material called WEDI to increase the regular thickness of the slab. However, if you purchase from a renowned porcelain company, your slab will last longer than expected. With minimal maintenance, your slab can last for ten years or more with hardly any wear and tear.

There are various porcelain kitchen benchtop designs that you can explore and discuss with your installers which plan will suit your kitchen best. Also, note that the more substrate you add to your benchtop, the more material and labour are needed. It will have a direct effect on your total cost.

2. Porcelain Walls

Porcelain splashbacks can be installed on nearly any surface imaginable. The places include concrete, marble and metal. You can add porcelain in your house or office walls to give them a tinge of sophistication. Whether you install it in a residential place or a commercial space, porcelain walls never fail to add glamour to the property. Whether you aim to create an industrial look or a classy, relaxing area, porcelain splashbacks are a game-changing option.

3. Elegant Porcelain Flooring

Why stick to walls when you can also recreate your floors? It is high time you switch from wooden or tile flooring to stunning porcelain splashback flooring. Porcelain floors give a posh look, are easy to maintain, and last longer than wooden floors. It will not only decrease your overall cost but replace it with advanced flooring designs. Unlike smaller tiles, porcelain splashbacks slabs are easy to clean and maintain.

4. Shiny Porcelain Splashbacks

Do you know why most homeowners prefer porcelain splashbacks? It is because porcelain splashbacks give a gorgeous finishing touch to their property. Not only does porcelain safeguard your walls and floors from grease, dust and food splatter, but it also serves as your style statement.

Porcelain splashbacks have robust durability and are an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. They are highly resistant to stains, wear and tear, humidity, and pests. You can even consider installing porcelain splashbacks outdoors as they do not fade or yellow from UV rays.

5. Other Common Uses of Porcelain Splashbacks

Since porcelain surfaces are resilient and robust, they are used for several purposes. If crafted beautifully, you can use porcelain splashbacks to create magnificent staircases, window altars, entryways, pathways etc. If you desire your dining space to stand out and look unique, consider designing a porcelain dining room table. It will look luxurious and brighten up your dining space.

An incredible fireproof porcelain dining table will be a safe thing to install near a fireplace. You can also design the exterior of your fireplace with porcelain splashbacks to match the grandeur of your porcelain dining table.

Where to Find Stylish Porcelain Kitchen Benchtops?

If you are planning to install a porcelain kitchen benchtop in your kitchen, plan in style with our elegant designs at Simple Benchtops. At Simple Benchtops, we offer a rich collection of porcelain kitchen benchtops in Melbourne tailored to meet your demands. If you want a kitchen with a smooth and flawless porcelain benchtop, Simple Benchtops is where your dreams will come true. You can contact us at sales@simplebenchtops.com.au or call us at tel:1300886858. We will be happy to help you!

How to Maintain Your Granite Kitchen Benchtops?

Prized for its beauty and simplicity, granite is quickly becoming the most preferred natural material among homeowners for countertops and benchtops. While granite benchtops are extremely durable, they still require regular maintenance. With proper installation, cleaning techniques, and preventive measures, you can make your granite benchtops and quartz stone benchtops last for decades. Check out some useful tips to clean and maintain your granite kitchen benchtops!

Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Granite Benchtops in Pristine Condition

      1. Keep the Surface Stain Free

Follow these hacks while cleaning your granite kitchen benchtop in  Dandenong:

 

• Spillages of different liquids and scratches should be kept at a minimum and must be blotted immediately with the help of a cleaning solution.
• It is quite easy to clean granite kitchen benchtops. However, you should avoid using harsh chemical solutions as they can dull the finish.
• The best way to remove tough stains from granite countertops is to mix warm water with a mild cleaning solution and wipe the surface with it.
• Use a cutting board to keep the knife scratches to a minimum.
• Put coasters under glasses, mugs, cans, and other liquid containers.

 

      2.  Apply a Protective Layer of Sealer

Although granite benchtops can enhance aesthetics and are durable, they require taking preventive measures. Granite is a natural stone, hence, it is a bit porous. Applying a preventive sealer provides a protective coating against scratching and spillage of any liquids. A sealer reduces the absorption rate of liquid and makes it resistant to scratches. 

     3. Call Professionals At Least Once a Year

If there are cracks or any kind of damage to your granite kitchen benchtop, call a professional for an inspection. They know how to repair the damage and can restore the shine of your countertops. Keep in mind that delayed repairs may cost you more in the long run, also leading to an expensive replacement.

    4. Disinfect Gently With a Cloth

Most homeowners wrongly believe that granite requires constant disinfection. It helps to know that sealing makes the granite benchtop in your kitchen impervious to bacteria. However, if a disinfectant is desired, then make sure that it is bleach and ammonia-free. This is because using these chemicals can impact the finish of the granite. A 70% isopropyl alcohol disinfectant would work.

    5. Things to Remember While Cooking

Here’s a small checklist to help you with the upkeep of your granite kitchen benchtop:

• Avoid placing acidic things like lemons, oranges, and others directly onto the benchtops.
• Hot pans and other heavy objects must not be placed on the granite countertops directly.
• While cooking, ensure that you clean up any oil stains immediately as they tend to dull the shine.

Buy Timeless Benchtops for Your Kitchen from Simple Benchtops!

We offer chic and timeless benchtops designs for your kitchen and bathrooms in Melbourne. Our team will assist you in selecting and installing the right benchtop from a myriad of materials available for your kitchen in Dandenong and other nearby areas in Melbourne. 

Call us today at 03 9794 6811 or write to us at sales@simplebenchtops.com.au to learn more about products, including mirror splashbacks and quartz stone benchtops.