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Kitchen Benchtop Renovation Ideas

The benchtop is one of the most used surfaces in your kitchen, so choosing the right material is crucial. From budget-friendly laminates to luxurious natural stone, each option has its own benefits. Let’s help you find the perfect balance of style, durability, and practicality for your home.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Benchtop for Your Needs

Once upon a time, benchtop choices were fairly limited. Today, the variety of materials, colours, patterns, and finishes can feel overwhelming. The right selection depends on your lifestyle, budget, and design goals. Consulting a professional designer is crucial—not just to achieve the perfect look, but to ensure you get the best value for your investment. Some materials come with hidden costs, so understanding price differences upfront is key.

Laminate Benchtops

If you’re after a cost-effective solution, laminate is a great choice. With an extensive range of colours and designs, it can mimic the look of timber, stone, or even concrete at a fraction of the price.
Brands like Laminex, Formica, and Polytec offer durable and stylish options, but not all laminates are rated for benchtop use—getting expert advice is essential.

Acrylic (Solid Surface) Benchtops

Popular brands like Corian®, Staron®, Freestyle®, and Hi-Max® offer seamless, durable surfaces made from non-toxic acrylic polymers.
These are a go-to choice for modern and contemporary kitchens where flow and integration matter.

Engineered Stone Benchtops

Leading brands like Caesarstone and Talostone offer a premium look with outstanding durability. Made from crushed quartz and polymer resins, engineered stone delivers the beauty of natural stone without the high maintenance.
An excellent choice for busy households or anyone wanting a stylish yet low-maintenance kitchen.

Concrete Benchtops

A bold choice for industrial or minimalist kitchens, concrete adds a raw, contemporary edge to any space.
Typically poured and formed on-site, concrete benchtops take time to cure, so factor this into your renovation timeline.

Stainless Steel Benchtops

A staple in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is making its way into stylish modern homes.
A perfect fit for high-use kitchens where hygiene and resilience are top priorities.

Timber Benchtops

Classic, warm, and full of character, timber benchtops bring natural beauty to kitchens and bathrooms.
Recycled timber is an eco-friendly option that adds history and charm to your space.

Bamboo Benchtops

An affordable and sustainable alternative to solid timber, bamboo offers warmth and durability.
A great option for those wanting a natural, renewable material with a unique look.

Natural Stone Benchtops (Granite & Marble)

Few materials match the luxury and sophistication of granite and marble. While undeniably beautiful, these stones require more maintenance than engineered options.
Carrara and Calacatta marble remain two of the most sought-after choices for their soft veining and refined look.

Let Us Help You Choose the Right Benchtop

Your kitchen benchtop impacts how you cook, clean, and entertain. Whether you want a cost-effective laminate, a showstopping stone slab, or a high-performance engineered surface, Nouvelle can guide you to the perfect fit.

Explore our recent benchtop projects and step into our showrooms to see your options in person!

FAQs

Choosing the right benchtop depends on your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Popular choices include:

  • Laminate: Budget-friendly and available in various styles.
  • Engineered Stone (e.g., Caesarstone, Smartstone): Non-porous, low maintenance, and stylish.
  • Natural Stone (e.g., Marble, Granite): Luxurious but requires more upkeep.
  • Timber & Bamboo: Warm, eco-friendly, and great for classic kitchens.
  • Stainless Steel & Concrete: Industrial and modern, highly durable.

Explore our project gallery to see different benchtop styles in real homes.

Engineered stone is made from quartz and resin. It is non-porous, resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. Natural stone, on the other hand, includes granite, marble, and dolomite. It comes in all kinds of unique patterns and textures but requires sealing and maintenance. Check out our kitchen renovation projects featuring different benchtop materials.

If low maintenance is a priority, engineered stone, stainless steel, and laminate are great options. Natural stone and timber require regular sealing and care.


Read Which Benchtop Material Suits Your Lifestyle? to find your perfect match.

Neutral tones like white, grey, and beige are timeless and pair well with most cabinetry. For a bold look, consider black or deep green. Timber adds warmth, while concrete gives an industrial edge.

Explore our modern and traditional kitchen inspiration galleries to see timeless benchtop choices.

Absolutely! Many homeowners opt for timber or concrete on an island and engineered stone or laminate for main countertops. This creates a visual contrast and enhances functionality.

See real examples in Kitchen with Caesarstone Sleek Concrete Benchtops and Alfresco Kitchen with Decton Micron Benchtops.

For outdoor spaces, Dekton, porcelain, and stainless steel are ideal as they resist heat, UV exposure, and moisture. Natural stone and timber may require extra maintenance.

See Outdoor Kitchen with Dekton Benchtop and Outdoor BBQ Area with Porcelain Benchtop.

Costs vary based on material:

  • Laminate: $400–$1,200 per linear metre
  • Engineered Stone: $1,200–$3,500 per linear metre
  • Natural Stone: $2,500+ per linear metre
  • Timber: $800–$2,500 per linear metre
  • Concrete & Stainless Steel: $1,500–$4,000+ per linear metre

The prices quoted here are subject to change without notice. Book a showroom tour to discuss current pricing and options.

Yes! Our designers choose benchtops that fit your space, needs, and budget. book a consultation.

Here are the average installation durations for kitchen benchtops made of different materials:

  • Laminate & Acrylic: 1–2 days
  • Engineered Stone: 5–7 days (cutting & polishing takes time)
  • Natural Stone: 7–14 days (due to sealing & finishing)
  • Concrete & Stainless Steel: 10+ days (curing & custom fabrication required)

Need a fast-track renovation? Let’s plan your project. Book a call.

Engineered stone and natural stone add the most value due to their durability, luxurious look, and timeless appeal. Timber and stainless steel are also desirable in certain styles.

See high-value kitchens in Kitchen with Caesarstone Excava Benchtop, Splashback and Island.

Yes! We specialise in cohesive kitchen designs. Whether you want a sleek, modern kitchen or a warm, traditional look, we’ll help you select cabinets and benchtops that work together.

Book a showroom visit to explore samples and combinations.

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