When it comes to benchtops, choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions you can make. You need to consider things like functionality, durability, ease of cleaning, style, colour, surface finish, and, of course, price. The information provided in this section will assist you in choosing a benchtop material that’s right for your project. Call in to discuss your options and take home some free colour samples to match with your décor.
Laminate is a popular choice for benchtops. Thanks to advances in technology, you now have access to a wide range of stunning, stylish and contemporary looks in a cost-effective material. With hundreds of decors available, including solid colours, woodgrains, modern abstracts and real stone patterns, the potential to achieve your desired design style is easy.
Laminate is cheaper than most other materials and comes in a wide range of colours and styles. It’s easy to clean and is scratch and stain resistant, however it is vulnerable to cuts and heat. As laminate weighs less than other materials, it is easier to install and is a good option for DIY jobs.
We supply laminate benchtops from all major suppliers including Polytec, Laminex and Formica.
Silica Free Engineered Stone is a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects, including benchtops, vanities, and splashbacks. Used for more than 30 years, and more recently refined to the zero silica range, this innovative material is made from crushed natural quartz combined with premium resins and pigments, then compacted to create a dense, non-porous and uniform surface.
Offering the elegant look of natural stone, Silica Free Engineered Stone provides a harder, more durable surface that never needs sealing. It delivers high performance with low maintenance, making it an attractive and affordable choice for many applications. The surface is non-porous, stain resistant, and heat resistant, although placing hot objects directly on it is not recommended, as rapid temperature changes can cause cracking through thermal shock.
Silica Free Engineered Stone can be fabricated in a range of edge profiles, with the pencil round edge being the most popular choice. Standard slab thickness is 20mm, but benchtops can be designed to appear thicker with drop-down fronts up to 200mm. A common style is the 40mm built-up on the edge.
Kitchen & Renovation Concepts proudly supplies Silica Free Engineered Stone from leading brands including Caesarstone, AC Stone, YDL, Quantum Quartz, and Alpha Zero. Most of our stone is cut and polished in our own factory, then expertly installed by our experienced masons.
Solid timber benchtops are manufactured from blocks of natural timber and coated with several layers of clear high-gloss lacquer. You can choose from a variety of profiles including pencil round, bull-nose, and colonial. Overall the look offers a natural richness and depth with toning dependent on the timber species. Solid timber is a more expensive option with a similar cost to stone.
- Bamboo
Bamboo is a superior quality environmentally friendly alternative to a traditional timber. Bamboo tops are manufactured from solid strips of bamboo and can be used for benchtops, bar tops, vanity tops, table tops, reception counters and desk tops. It is recommended that tops are sealed with a polyurethane 2 pac however they can also be oil finished but will need ongoing maintenance if this is done.
Compact Laminate is a thicker version of HPL. Typically around 13mm thick, it can be decorated on one or both faces. Its thickness means that panels are durable, self-supporting, moisture resistant, and durable. When it comes to edging, compact laminate includes a distinctive black core which also serves as a unique design feature, particularly when a sleek modern industrial look is desired. Compact laminates can also be used in toilet partitions and some external applications.