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Kitchen Benchtops

Options and Designs

In an Aussie kitchen, the benchtop is more than just a surface – it’s where functionality meets style. It’s an opportunity to make a statement while serving as a hardworking part of your everyday life.

Your choice of material, colour, and finish will not only reflect your personal style but also influence your daily routine. As it’s also a key part of your overall budget, it’s important to balance durability and maintenance with aesthetics to ensure your benchtop is the perfect fit for your home.

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New Engineered Stone (Zero Crystalline Silica)

With the ban on traditional engineered stone starting 1st July 2024, we are thrilled to introduce Zero Crystalline Silica Reconstituted Stone.

Renowned brands like Caesarstone, Quantum Quartzite and Stone Ambassador , are leading the way with their new ranges, providing homeowners with a plethora of choices to suit their kitchen renovation needs. These innovative products come with only a minor increase in pricing compared to their previous engineered stone products, with numerous benefits that almost ensure they will continue to dominate the Australian Market:

Safety and Health: Significantly reduce health risks to workers by limiting crystalline silica content to less than 1%.

Durability: Maintains same durability as traditional engineered stone including high resistance to cracks, chips, scratches, and stains.

Variety: Offered in a broad spectrum of colours and finishes, with most of the previous product ranges still available.

Sustainability: Many of these new surfaces incorporate recycled materials, making them an environmentally friendly option.

Visit our Oakleigh South showroom to see the brand new Reconstituted Stone Stone displays. Speak to our showroom consultants about the new colours, available samples, and more details about the products.

Corian (Solid Surface)

Corian, an acrylic solid surface product, can be used similarly to engineered stone, catering to all types of kitchen designs. The durability and hygiene of Corian benchtops make them a reliable choice.

These benchtops can be installed with seamless joins and moulded to include sinks and splashback, giving your kitchen a flawless, integrated aesthetic. They can be shaped to achieve curved and unique designs.

Additionally, Corian benchtops are renewable and repairable, ensuring a long-lasting investment. They will never permanently stain, any blemishes or scratches can be removed.

Having established its presence in both the commercial market and mid-to-high-end residential kitchens for a long time, Corian stand as a time-tested product.

Corian is also great for challenging sites like apartments, where delivering a stone slab could pose difficulties. The technicians can join the pieces on site without visible joins.

We confidently recommend it as the premier alternative to engineered stone for kitchen benchtop surfaces, surpassing other existing options on the market.

Learn More about Corian

Granite, Quartzite & Marble (Natural Stone)

Granite, quartzite, and marble, as natural stones, provide a timeless and luxurious look that will add long-term value to your kitchen. However, they are all more costly and requires ongoing care.

In terms of lifespan, granite and quartzite generally outlast marble, as they are harder, less porous, and more durable. Marble, being the softer and more porous stone, is more susceptible to staining and heat damage. All natural stone benchtops require regular sealing to prevent staining – usually once a year for granite and quartzite, and twice a year for marble.

If you prefer the unique beauty of natural stone, we recommend granite or quartzite for kitchen benchtops, as they perform better in high-use areas. Marble, on the other hand, is ideal for bathroom vanities or low-traffic spaces, where its elegance can be appreciated with minimal wear.

Laminate Benchtops (HPL)

If your primary focus is on budget considerations and a quick turnaround, laminate benchtops emerge as a practical and cost-effective choice that has stood the test of time.

The Laminate benchtops we sourced from Polytec and other premier suppliers, present a diverse range of designs, from solid colours to natural looking timber grain and stone patterns. The High-pressure Laminate used in these benchtops is non-porous, so there is no risk of staining, but it’s not heat- resistance and can be susceptible to scratching.

Unlike stone materials, which require weeks for manufacturing, laminate benchtops can be installed together with the cabinetry, potentially saving you valuable time during your kitchen renovation project.

Porcelain & Sintered Stone

Porcelain and sintered stone are made from natural minerals using a high-heat compression process, mimicking a technique that takes thousands of years in nature, which may lead to natural faults. Known for their durability and low porosity, these surfaces resist liquid absorption, scratches, stains, and high temperatures.

However, sintered surfaces can chip, particularly along edges, when exposed to heavy impacts or sharp objects. It’s important to handle substantial utensils carefully and avoid dropping hard objects to prevent chips. Additionally, these surfaces may crack under extreme conditions, such as sudden, significant temperature changes.

Popular brands of sintered surface products in the Australian Market include Neolith, Dekton, Lapitech and Smart Stone’s Sintered Stone range. It’s important to note that many sintered surface suppliers or manufacturers may not offer warranties to address potential chipping or cracking issues.

Stainless Steel

Durable, sleek, and maintaining impeccable hygiene standards, stainless steel benchtops are a mainstay in professional kitchens.

These benchtops are super easy to clean and will withstand a lot of abuse even in the face of heavy-duty cooking tasks. However, it’s important to bear in mind that, while stainless steel surfaces are tough, they are susceptible to scratches over time. Therefore, it’s advisable not to expect that perfect brushed finish to remain unblemished for long.

Given their durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to withstand the demands of professional cooking environments, we highly recommend opting for stainless steel benchtops in commercial kitchens or for professional cooks.

Timber

Timber can add warmth, texture and an organic feel to the kitchen space. Hardwoods such as oak, walnut and beech are popular as they are strong and durable. However, if low maintenance is a priority for your benchtops, timber may not be the most suitable choice for you.

Timber benchtops are more vulnerable to scratches, dents, chipping and staining, or burning with hot objects. Additionally, due to its slight porous nature, it’s not quite as hygienic as other materials and it needs to be regularly resealed to maintain surface quality. In practical kitchen design, it’s important to assess your needs when opting for timber.

Kitchen Benchtop Design

Choosing the right material for your kitchen benchtop is essential to suit your lifestyle and budget. However, several other factors also play an important role in designing a benchtop that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some key considerations:

Colour and Finish: Select colours and finishes that complement your kitchen’s overall design. Generally, light colours can make a space feel larger, while darker shades add a touch of elegance. Depending on your cabinetry design, you can either make the benchtop “disappear” to keep the colour scheme subtle and allow the cabinetry to stand out, or use the benchtop as a statement piece to become the focal point of your kitchen space.

Edge Profiles: Different edge profiles, such as bullnose, bevelled, or waterfall edges, can significantly enhance the style and safety of your benchtop. Each profile offers a unique look and feel, contributing to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.

Design Features: Incorporating features like curved shapes, shadowline details and integrated sinks can add a unique touch to your kitchen. These design elements are especially impactful when applied to a kitchen island, making it a centerpiece of your space.

Functionality: Ensure the benchtop design includes ample workspace and considers the placement of appliances and storage for optimal kitchen workflow. This helps create an efficient and practical kitchen layout, allowing for smooth and easy cooking and preparation processes.

Design your Kitchen with CK

For more inspiration and to see a variety of cabinetry finishes or benchtop options, visit our Oakleigh South showroom. Our expert showroom consultants are ready to introduce you to our products and guide you through our Kitchen Design & Costing process. Start your kitchen renovation journey stress-free!

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular kitchen benchtop choices for Australian families?

Engineered stone remains a top choice for Australian families thanks to its competitive pricing, durability, and wide range of colours and finishes. Since the introduction of zero-silica engineered stone in 2024, it has quickly regained popularity, with around 70% of our clients selecting this safer, high-performing material. Other clients opt for natural stone for its unique appearance, or choose laminate benchtops for budget reasons, faster turnaround, or personal preference.

What are the on-trend kitchen benchtop designs in Australia?

The latest kitchen benchtop trends in Australia focus on blending style, durability, and functionality. Neutral colours and matte finishes remain popular for creating a modern, timeless look. Curved ends on island benchtops – designed to match curved cabinetry – offer both a polished look and improved safety. Additionally, thicker benchtops are making a strong comeback, often featuring curved details that add a bold, contemporary statement to Australian kitchens.

How do I choose the right benchtop for my kitchen?

Consider your daily use, maintenance preference, and budget. Our kitchen designers will guide you through options balancing style with durability and ease of care, ensuring your benchtop looks great and lasts for years.

Do you have many kitchen benchtop displays in your showroom?

Yes, our showroom features over 15 custom kitchen displays with a variety of benchtop types, including some with matching stone splashbacks. Our showroom is open to the public ut stone samples are exclusively available during colour selection meetings with existing clients.

Do you include the kitchen benchtop in your contract?

Yes, our kitchen contracts include pricing for benchtops—covering both supply and installation. However, if you prefer to source your benchtops independently, we can supply the substrate and provide templating to assist your stonemason with accurate measurements.

Are your benchtops made locally?

Yes, our benchtops are 100% made locally and cut to order. We proudly source and fabricate our benchtops right here in Melbourne, supporting local suppliers and guaranteeing top – quality craftsmanship. All our stonemasons are established, reputable local businesses with a long history in the industry.

How long does it take to install kitchen benchtops?

Typically, stone benchtops are installed within 10 working days after cabinetry installation is complete. Laminate benchtops are usually installed at the same time as the kitchen cabinetry.