6 kitchen benchtop materials to consider in 2022

Written by

23 March 2022

•

3 min read

Kitchens are often the heart of the home, and deciding on a benchtop is certainly no small task – every material has its drawcards. To help you decide, here are some of the options available to you in New Zealand today.

1. Engineered stone

Generally made from over 90% quartz, with a mix of resin compound, engineered stone benchtops are affordable, readily available, and customisable.

Working with brands such as Diamondstone, Caesarstone, Silestone, Trandstone and Uniquarts, Granite Workshop incorporates natural pigments into its engineered stone to create styles and colours to match your taste. The benchtops are also scratch, stain and heat-resistant – perfect for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance product that still has a high-end look.

Engineered Stone Benchtop from Granite Workshop

2. Natural stone

Natural stone – including marble, granite, and quartz – can be an appealing option, and each slab is unique.

The beauty of natural stone lends itself well to clean lines, perfect in a large modern kitchen. Available in a variety of finishes such as honed, polished, tumbled, brushed and fluted, stone benchtops can be tailored to your preference.

Grey Oak Marble natural stone benchtop from Designsource

3. Induction slab

Versatility in interiors is a smart choice for modern homes. With the TPB Tech Cooktop - Induction Slab from Universal Granite, instead of having both a cooktop and a separate benchtop, the cooking top and controls of the hob are incorporated into the laminated slab.

The area can be used to cook and cut, with the induction cooling instantly as soon as it is powered off. Ascale ceramic features as the top layer, allowing for easy cleaning.

It's hard to tell that the TPB Tech Cooktop - Induction Slab from Universal Granite has a built-in hob.

4. Acrylic

Acrylic benchtops have the ability to create a visually seamless look, allowing for large areas without joints or edges.

The possibilities are endless when you use acrylic as it is thermoformable, meaning it can be moulded into a variety of shapes. Even sinks can be built in without joints.

Plenty of colour options are also available and being 100% non-porous, stain-resistant and easy to clean, acrylic could be the choice for you. Plus, the surface can be polished – making it look new after years of use.

HI-MACS Acrylic Solid Surface from Laminex New Zealand

5. Wood

For those wanting to bring a touch of nature indoors, why not consider a classic wooden kitchen benchtop?

While a bit of care needs to be taken with this material to remove scratches, dents and stains, products are available to help.

Rimu, Macrocarpa, Oak, Bamboo, Jarrah, and more – they can all add warmth and character to any space.

6. Stainless steel

Stainless steel benches are no longer for just inside commercial kitchens. In homes across New Zealand, they are now being used to achieve a modern and minimalist look.

Being durable and low maintenance makes stainless steel an appealing option for benchtops. By integrating the sink into the benchtop, and following the stainless steel through to the splashback, you’ll have the ultimate hygienic cooking space.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Benchtops from Kings Custom

Explore the latest kitchen benchtops on ArchiPro.

Words by Cassie Birrer

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