Skip to main content

Browse Projects, find Products,connect with Professionals.

Become a Pro

6 kitchen benchtop materials to consider in 2022

featuring ArchiPro

  • 1.7M profile views
  • 1.4K saves

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.

Tags

Materials & CraftMaterialityKitchenStoneArchiPro

Featured Professionals

Written by

  • Cassie McKenzie

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.

Heart Rimu Benchtop from The Woodsmiths

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

Themes

Materials & CraftMaterialityKitchenStone

Credits

Discover More Readingin Materials & Craft

Rethinking acoustic interiors with natural New Zealand wool
Materials & CraftCassie McKenzieRethinking acoustic interiors with natural New Zealand wool
The roof system reducing condensation in New Zealand buildings
Materials & CraftCassie McKenzieThe roof system reducing condensation in New Zealand buildings
Where the details of a timber floor begin
Materials & CraftCassie McKenzieWhere the details of a timber floor begin
Carin Wilson’s five decades of shaping Aotearoa design
Materials & CraftAlice ThompsonCarin Wilson’s five decades of shaping Aotearoa design
Beyond the surface: a new approach to flooring
InteriorsAlice ThompsonBeyond the surface: a new approach to flooring
ArchiPro Asks COLORSTEEL®
Materials & CraftArchiPro Editorial TeamArchiPro Asks COLORSTEEL®
Material Brief: COLORSTEEL®
Materials & CraftArchiPro Editorial TeamMaterial Brief: COLORSTEEL®
What changes when the manufacturer is part of the conversation
Building & RenovatingCassie McKenzieWhat changes when the manufacturer is part of the conversation
The outdoor tiling decisions most people make too late
Building & RenovatingCasey ArdenThe outdoor tiling decisions most people make too late
From compliance to cladding: How to specify a building that actually works
Building & RenovatingArchiPro Editorial TeamFrom compliance to cladding: How to specify a building that actually works
Load More

Discover More Readingin Materiality

Carin Wilson’s five decades of shaping Aotearoa design
Materials & CraftAlice ThompsonCarin Wilson’s five decades of shaping Aotearoa design
Built to last: How Urbanfunction is designing beyond the trend cycle
Residential ArchitectureJoanna SetonBuilt to last: How Urbanfunction is designing beyond the trend cycle
The outdoor tiling decisions most people make too late
Building & RenovatingCasey ArdenThe outdoor tiling decisions most people make too late
Inside CTRL Space’s Award-Winning Approach To Hospitality
Commercial ArchitectureRuby McKenzieInside CTRL Space’s Award-Winning Approach To Hospitality
Colour gets personal in Dulux’s 2027 forecast
InteriorsAlice ThompsonColour gets personal in Dulux’s 2027 forecast
What changes when design leaves the screen
InteriorsRuby McKenzieWhat changes when design leaves the screen
The quiet rituals shaping a new generation of objects
Materials & CraftAlice ThompsonThe quiet rituals shaping a new generation of objects
The local company giving timber cladding a deeper sense of character
Materials & CraftCassie McKenzieThe local company giving timber cladding a deeper sense of character
The quiet hand behind almost 50 years of architecture
Residential ArchitectureTara BirdThe quiet hand behind almost 50 years of architecture
Five hardware details that bring character into the home
InteriorsDressen ParkFive hardware details that bring character into the home
Load More

Discover More Readingin Kitchen

Beyond the kitchen: Blum’s reimagined showroom showcases the future of whole-home living
InteriorsCassie McKenzieBeyond the kitchen: Blum’s reimagined showroom showcases the future of whole-home living
As a full service partner, NZ Panels Group makes luxury kitchen design a breeze
Building & RenovatingAmber SucklingAs a full service partner, NZ Panels Group makes luxury kitchen design a breeze
Transform your home into a retreat with the soothing, natural tones of Travertine
Materials & CraftAmber SucklingTransform your home into a retreat with the soothing, natural tones of Travertine
Refined design on tap at Mountain View Retreat
InteriorsJoanna SetonRefined design on tap at Mountain View Retreat
From meal prep to romantic dinner: the innovative LED strips that let you set the mood
InteriorsAmber SucklingFrom meal prep to romantic dinner: the innovative LED strips that let you set the mood
The Quiet Intelligence of a Well-Designed Home
InteriorsTara BirdThe Quiet Intelligence of a Well-Designed Home
Inside Blum’s expanded showroom: A stage for innovation and design
InteriorsCassie McKenzieInside Blum’s expanded showroom: A stage for innovation and design
Designing for intimacy and connection: why client relationships are the key to beautiful kitchens
InteriorsAmber SucklingDesigning for intimacy and connection: why client relationships are the key to beautiful kitchens
These award-winning kitchens are perfect mood-board inspiration
InteriorsAmber SucklingThese award-winning kitchens are perfect mood-board inspiration
Beyond the grid, within paradise — Exploring the energy-efficient intent of a Pākiri home with Gen Less
Residential ArchitectureYohei GuyBeyond the grid, within paradise — Exploring the energy-efficient intent of a Pākiri home with Gen Less
Load More

Discover More Readingin Stone

The beauty of misbehaviour: what 3daysofdesign revealed about imperfect interiors
InteriorsBuster CaldwellThe beauty of misbehaviour: what 3daysofdesign revealed about imperfect interiors
From an ancient volcano to modern architecture: discover the unique charm of Timaru Bluestone
Building & RenovatingAmber SucklingFrom an ancient volcano to modern architecture: discover the unique charm of Timaru Bluestone
Quantum’s new showroom and stunning stone collection an exciting addition to New Zealand’s material market
Materials & CraftAmber SucklingQuantum’s new showroom and stunning stone collection an exciting addition to New Zealand’s material market
A stone legacy: extending Auckland Zoo’s boundary wall
Building & RenovatingCassie McKenzieA stone legacy: extending Auckland Zoo’s boundary wall
A residence designed to enhance the experience of coastal living through thoughtful architecture.
Film Addition
Residential ArchitectureArchiPro Editorial TeamA residence designed to enhance the experience of coastal living through thoughtful architecture.
A tranquil retreat by the Clutha River
Residential ArchitectureJoanna SetonA tranquil retreat by the Clutha River
This bespoke lakeside home showcases expert craftsmanship
Residential ArchitectureCassie McKenzieThis bespoke lakeside home showcases expert craftsmanship
A grand design on a modest site, Waitematā View House blends the past in the present
Residential ArchitectureCasey ArdenA grand design on a modest site, Waitematā View House blends the past in the present
This beautiful coastal home is filled with character
Residential ArchitectureCassie McKenzieThis beautiful coastal home is filled with character
Top Trends in Stone - Traditional Materials with Modern Design
Materials & CraftArchiPro Editorial TeamTop Trends in Stone - Traditional Materials with Modern Design
Load More

Next Article

Keep scrolling
Rethinking acoustic interiors with natural New Zealand wool