Benchtops

About Benchtops

Benchtops are kitchen counters that add value to the overall appearance of one's kitchen. They reflect not only luxury but also the beauty of the accompanying interior design.

One of the most important considerations when remodelling or building a kitchen in New Zealand is the types of kitchen storage & organizers required. For example, benchtops can accompany drawers, so they allow for more storage alongside working space.

One must consider more than just aesthetics, as the quality of the benchtops can affect the performance and upkeep of the kitchen.

Consequently, most homeowners in New Zealand install benchtops in their kitchens or bathrooms to increase their home's value.

Advantages Of Benchtops

Let's dive straight into the top advantages of using the benchtops!

Appearance

Benchtops are considered one-of-a-kind luxury in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in the house.

Furthermore, numerous materials, ranging from limestone to marble and granite are available in New Zealand and used for a kitchen benchtop since they come in various hues and designs. 

Hence, installing benchtops is a terrific way to compliment the home's interior.

Easy Maintenance

The best kitchen benchtops in New Zealand are created from a single piece of marble or stone, resulting in a smooth surface free of divots or fissures, making it easy to clean.

Variety

Kitchen benchtops can also be customized to work with other kitchen appliances and the overall theme. Furthermore, with various patterns and colours available, one can get innovative with unique kitchen layouts.

Durability

One of the most evident benefits of having the benchtops installed in New Zealand is their ability to last long. Although some types are expensive, they are usually of superior quality, with exceptional beauty and a long lifespan.

Eco-Friendly

Benchtops are considered a healthy ecological choice because they are devoid of elemental chlorine and other contaminants. Moreover, they don't emit any dangerous gases and are easily recyclable. 

Types Of Benchtops

Let's take a look at some of the most prominent types of benchtops in New Zealand:

Wood Benchtops

For homeowners trying to make their kitchen space more practical and functional, wooden benchtops are one of the most popular options in New Zealand.

In addition, wooden kitchen benchtops give a long-lasting and high-quality service with proper care and maintenance.

Stone Benchtops

These benchtops have the potential to raise the value of any home. Natural stone benchtops are probably the best choice for any space, including the laundry area, kitchen, and bathroom. 

They are extracted directly from natural sources, adding a distinct character and pattern to the home's interior.

Acrylic-Made Benchtops

When it comes to aesthetics, acrylic benchtops are incredibly versatile; they can be made in virtually any hue and with various designs and shapes.

They can also be made using an acrylic polymer, and by adding plastic, they may be moulded into any shape or pattern. 

Cemented Benchtops

These benchtops have a sleeker, more modern appearance than other materials, and they are also more accessible and more durable to maintain. 

Another advantage of the concrete benchtops is that they are more stain and heat-resistant, saving money on stain cleaners.

Manufactured Stone Benchtops

Natural stone collections, usually quartz-based, are used to make engineered stone benchtops in New Zealand. This type of benchtop is nonporous, long-lasting, and comes in a variety of designs and colours. 

Unlike the natural ones, the engineered stone benchtops do not require regular care because of their robust exterior.

Glossy Benchtops

These benchtops are made of a hardened plastic layer, a decorative paper sheet, and a slab of manufactured wood. 

In recent times, laminate benchtops have surpassed acrylic benchtops in terms of delicate designs and gorgeous patterns.

Steel Benchtops

One should consider the stainless steel benchtops if they want their kitchen to have a restaurant-like feel. These are stain-resistant and can accommodate hot pots and pans. 

Bamboo Benchtops

Bamboo benchtops are one of the most beautiful kitchen benchtop replacements available in New Zealand. This wood is not only solid and contemporary but also clean and environmentally friendly.

Users can choose from various styles, such as the darker parquet, whole grain, and more.

Factors To Consider

When choosing the type of benchtop in New Zealand, one has to consider some crucial factors. Let's discuss them:

Materials

The material type used in benchtops is of the most significant factors to consider. The kitchen benchtops and splashbacks come in various materials in New Zealand and include:

• Marble
• Granite
• Ceramic
• Travertine
• Porcelain

Some of these materials are ideal for high humidity and heavy use, while others are suitable for light use and dry climates.

Stain Resistance

The resistance to staining in benchtops and various kitchen sinks and tapware varies dramatically depending on the colour. The lighter the stone, the more porous it is and the more susceptible it is to stains. 

Aesthetics

It's critical to select a benchtop colour and style that complements the appearance of the walls, floors, and joinery.

In a lot of cases in New Zealand, neutrals are the best choice. Kitchens with warm or cold tones usually benefit from neutral colours.

Care And Maintenance

Benchtops can be costly but simple to maintain as well. Therefore, there's no need to be concerned about wiping the benchtop if something spills on it.

However, cleaning with non-acidic cleansers, a damp cloth, and hot water should do the job every once in a while. 

As benchtops are still susceptible to heat, hot utensils should not be placed on them. Similarly, even if most surfaces are long-lasting and durable, if people use them as kitchen counters for cutting vegetables and fruits, they might get worn out in a short period.