Bench Tops – Innovative Kitchens Rotorua

Granite Counters

http://www.stonesurfaces.co.nz/

Granite is real stone. It is granite quarried directly from the earth, sliced into slabs, honed, and polished. Nothing is added, nothing is removed. it is simply solid stone without additional materials. Can be a beautiful natural look.

Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime;

Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed.

Engineered Stone

http://www.caesarstone.co.nz/

Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a large range of looks including Marble, Concrete and Granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It’s easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone.

Pros: exceptional properties of heat, stain, scratch and chip resistance

Cons: Premium Product

Solid Surface

http://www.corian.com/

Because solid surface counters are just what they’re called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. And you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to the shape and style of your bench top as it can be a seamless Our solid surface of choice is Corian.

Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.

Cons vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; easy to scratch, can be expensive.

Timber

https://woodsmiths.co.nz/

Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes.

Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.

Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Stainless Steel Counters

http://www.classicstainless.co.nz/

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they’re constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop. They are also available in a range of textures.

Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean.

Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; shows scratches.

Marble

Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains and bruises

Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful.

Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily; can scratch and bruise; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.