Design Feature - On the surface
With so many choices on the market, decisions about kitchen surfaces can be daunting. Here’s our guide for getting started.
In recent years, benchtop technology has taken giant steps forward. There is now a huge range of kitchen surface products on the market, from the traditional to the highly technical. Consumers are spoiled for choice and when navigating through a number of options, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Abode’s kitchen design expert Nicky Claridge says, when considering a benchtop, it is vital to be fully informed. Not all benchtop surfaces are created equal so make sure you choose one that meets your needs and fits appropriately into your home environment. It’s imperative that you are aware of the care and maintenance regimen that is required. Be aware of the slab sizes available in the product you choose, this helps when considering where the joins will be on your surface and it will help you use the product more efficiently to stay within your budget.
Nicky still finds people making common mistakes when it comes to deciding on a benchtop. “It’s about being informed, not doing the research can mean selecting a material that doesn’t suit the environment and a disappointing result. It is a big investment so you want to get it right the first time.”
The following pieces dive into the wonderful world of benchtops, suggesting many different options of surface that will help you make the right choice for your space.
Where to buy
If you have been inspired by what you see in these pages, here is our handy guide to the experts who can help realise your kitchen plans.
When you head along to a showroom or stockist always try and view a large sample or the full sheet (if possible) before you confirm your selection. “While engineered stone and technical porcelains don’t vary much from batch to batch, natural stone-sheets are almost always one-offs,” says kitchen designer, Nicky Claridge. This will save you strife when it comes to the installation, so you will have the peace of mind that your choices will match up.
Tapware and plumbing supplies
Oakley’s Plumbing Supplies
03 379 4750
oakleysplumbing.co.nz
Marble and natural stone
CDK Stone
0800 803 932
cdkstone.co.nz
Engineered marble and granite
Artisan Stone
03 348 0680
artisanstone.co.nz
Xtone sintered composite
Porcelanosa
03 741 4991
porcelanosa.co.nz
Stainless steel
Mercer Stainless
03 348 7048
mercerstainless.com
Acrylic Solid Surface
TriStone
03 550 0838
tristone.co.nz
