A kitchen renovation is more than just selecting finishes; it’s about finding materials that truly suit your lifestyle, taste, and budget. Our team listens to your needs, preferences, and design vision while offering expert insights to help you make the best decision.
From benchtops to lighting, we’ll guide you through each option. We’ll help ensure your Brisbane kitchen renovation is as seamless and tailored as possible. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular materials used in kitchen renovations across Brisbane.
Combining your wants and our expert insight will ensure we can deliver a kitchen you’ll love for years to come! We start with an initial kitchen renovation consultation to discuss your needs, preferences, and design vision.
Benchtops
Choosing the right benchtop is essential for both style and function
Your benchtops are one of the most used surfaces in your kitchen, so they need to balance durability and style.
Investing in high-quality upgrades, whether for aesthetics or functionality, can enhance your kitchen and potentially increase your home’s value – a key consideration for many homeowners!
Laminate ($)
Laminate benchtops are affordable and versatile, available in a range of colours and patterns to suit any style. They’re easy to clean and can mimic the look of natural materials. Keep in mind that they may be less durable and more prone to scratches and burns over time.
Engineered stone ($$)
Engineered stone combines natural quartz with resins, creating a durable, low-maintenance surface that resists stains and scratches. This mid-range option comes in a variety of colours and patterns, offering a modern, sophisticated look. However, it lacks the unique variations found in natural stone.
Granite ($$$)
Granite benchtops bring a luxurious and timeless appeal to any kitchen. Known for their resilience, they’re heat-resistant and incredibly durable, standing up to daily wear and tear. Granite is a high-end material that requires periodic sealing to maintain its quality and prevent staining.
Marble ($$$)
Marble benchtops are elegant and prized for their natural veining, making each slab unique. While beautiful, marble is a premium material that requires careful maintenance as it’s prone to etching and staining. It’s best suited for those seeking a statement piece with classic appeal.
Concrete ($$$)
Concrete benchtops are a bold, modern choice!
They offer a sleek industrial look that can be customised with stains, pigments, or textured finishes. Known for their durability, concrete benchtops can withstand heat and heavy use.
Concrete is porous and requires sealing to prevent stains and moisture absorption. It can also develop hairline cracks over time, adding to its unique, lived-in aesthetic.
Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinetry is central to both the look and function of your space
Your builder’s expertise ensures that you select the materials and finishes that perfectly balance practicality and design. We tailor our solutions to meet your storage needs and style preferences.
From affordable melamine to premium solid timber, each option has unique strengths. Your builder will help align these choices with your overall kitchen renovation timeline to ensure a smooth process.
With so many choices, effective project management and anticipating and mitigating potential delays are paramount.
Melamine ($)
Melamine is a cost-effective material for your kitchen cabinets. It’s easy to clean and comes in a wide range of colours and finishes. It’s highly scratch-resistant and perfect for budget-conscious kitchens. However, it’s less durable than other options, and edges can chip over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Vinyl wrap ($$)
Vinyl wrap cabinetry provides a smooth, seamless look with a variety of finishes, including gloss, matte, and wood grain. This type of kitchen cabinet is moisture-resistant, making it suitable for humid kitchens. It’s best to avoid excessive heat or direct sunlight exposure to keep the vinyl layer intact long-term.
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) ($$)
MDF is a versatile, mid-range material that’s smooth and easy to paint, allowing for a wide array of finishes. It resists warping better than solid wood, making it an affordable alternative. MDF is best suited for areas with limited exposure to moisture, as water contact may affect its durability.
Timber veneer ($$-$$$)
Timber veneer offers the warmth of real wood without the high price tag of solid timber. Thin layers of wood are applied to MDF or plywood, creating a natural look that brings a refined, organic feel to the kitchen. With gentle care, timber veneer maintains its beauty over time.
Solid timber ($$$)
Solid timber cabinetry is a high-end choice that lends classic charm and durability. Available in various wood types like oak, walnut, and ash, it can be stained or painted to match any decor. Timber requires sealing to ensure longevity, particularly in areas of high humidity.
Splashbacks
Splashbacks serve a dual purpose: they protect your walls from spills and splashes while adding a unique style element to your kitchen
From classic ceramic tiles to modern stainless steel, there’s a splashback material to suit every taste and budget.
Your builder will help you choose a material that complements your kitchen’s style.
Ceramic tiles ($)
Ceramic tiles are a budget-friendly option in various colours, sizes, and patterns, allowing endless design flexibility. They’re easy to clean and maintain, though grout lines may require occasional care to keep them looking fresh and free from stains.
Glass or mirror ($$)
Glass or mirrored splashbacks provide a sleek, seamless look, adding a modern touch to your kitchen. They’re easy to clean and reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter.
While generally highly durable, it’s best to avoid heavy impact to keep the surface flawless.
Stainless steel ($$-$$$)
Stainless steel splashbacks lend an industrial edge to the kitchen, known for their durability and heat resistance. They’re easy to clean and naturally resist stains, making them ideal for busy kitchens.
Stainless steel may show fingerprints, but regular wiping will keep it pristine!
Natural stone ($$$)
Natural stone splashbacks like marble or granite bring an elegant, high-end look to any kitchen. Each slab is unique, adding character and sophistication.
Stone requires sealing to protect against stains, but with proper care, it becomes a timeless, durable feature.
Repairman or plumber exchanging a handshake with a happy young woman in her house
Flooring
Kitchen flooring must withstand heavy foot traffic while complementing your overall design
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a premium, long-lasting choice, there are materials to suit every style and need!
Your builder will help you choose flooring that balances durability, comfort, and style.
Vinyl ($)
Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective, resilient option that’s soft underfoot, providing comfort if you’re standing for long periods. Available in a variety of designs, including wood and stone looks, vinyl is water-resistant and easy to maintain.
A great choice for busy kitchens!
Laminate ($$)
Laminate flooring offers the look of wood without the high price tag, making it a versatile mid-range option. It’s scratch-resistant and easy to clean, ideal for high-traffic areas.
Laminate performs best in kitchens with minimal water exposure to maintain its durability.
Engineered timber ($$$)
Engineered timber brings the warmth and beauty of natural wood with added stability, designed to handle humidity and temperature changes better than solid wood.
It’s a premium option that adds value to your kitchen, though some care is needed to avoid standing water.
Porcelain tiles ($$$)
Porcelain tiles are known for their strength, water resistance, and durability, making them perfect for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas. Available in various finishes, they can mimic stone or wood, offering style flexibility.
Though harder underfoot, porcelain’s resilience and classic appeal make it a popular high-end choice.
Lighting fixtures
Lighting is essential to both the function and atmosphere of your kitchen
Different types of lighting can enhance specific areas and serve various purposes. A well-planned combination of task and accent lighting ensures that your kitchen is both practical and inviting.
Your builder will work with you to choose a lighting setup that enhances both practical tasks and ambience. Our goal is to balance task and accent lighting in all the right spots.
Task lighting vs. accent lighting
Understanding the difference between task and accent lighting helps you create a balanced and functional kitchen. Task lighting illuminates specific areas for practical use, like cooking and prep.
Accent lighting, on the other hand, adds atmosphere and highlights design features, making the space feel welcoming and cohesive.
Downlights (task lighting)
Downlights provide focused illumination and are ideal for task lighting, especially over workspaces like benchtops and sinks. They’re subtle and efficient, casting bright light where you need it most, helping with meal prep and cleanup.
Downlights are often recessed, creating a sleek, modern look without distracting from your kitchen design.
Pendant lights (accent & task lighting)
Pendant lights are versatile, offering both accent and task lighting. They are typically hung over islands or dining areas to add a stylish focal point.
While they provide sufficient task lighting, their decorative quality makes them a popular choice for enhancing the room’s ambience.
Strip lighting (task & accent lighting)
Strip lighting is commonly used under cabinets or along shelves, illuminating countertops and providing essential task lighting.
It’s also great as accent lighting, adding a warm glow along edges or in display areas. LED strip lights are energy-efficient and can be dimmed to adjust the mood.
Dining area lighting (accent lighting)
Dedicated lighting helps create a cosy, inviting atmosphere for kitchens with an adjoining dining area.
Options include chandeliers, pendant clusters, or a statement light fixture that adds warmth and charm. This type of accent lighting is key for setting a comfortable mood during meals.
Take the first step towards creating the kitchen of your dreams!
Choosing the right materials for your kitchen renovation is an exciting journey, one that involves balancing style, function, and budget. With the expert guidance of a dedicated renovation team, each decision becomes simpler and more informed.
From benchtops to lighting, your builder’s insights ensure that every choice aligns with your lifestyle and long-term vision.
When it comes to potential challenges – whether it’s a timeline adjustment or delay – our team is committed to transparency.
We anticipate and mitigate any issues that arise, keeping your project on track and stress-free. With Future Building & Home Solutions by your side, you can trust that your dream kitchen is in experienced hands!
