High Pressure Laminate

High Pressure Laminates such as Formica are still the number one choice for bench tops in New Zealand. The product is very cost effective comes, in a huge range of colours and is very durable providing it is treated with respect. Laminates have been around for over fifty years and it is not unusual for us to replace a twenty year old kitchen with a top still looking in reasonable condition. The secret of looking after laminates is not to place hot pots directly onto the surface and not to cut without a chopping board. It is possible to design a great looking, cost effective kitchen while still using a laminate bench top. Once you move to a more expensive stone or stainless steel bench top you can expect more heat and impact resistance.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel tops are obviously very heat resistant and could be described as almost bullet proof. They can be very stylish as well as practical if the right profile and finish is chosen.

Stainless is sometimes eliminated as a bench top choice because it is reflective and tends to show scratches. With a brushed stainless top you do tend to be conscious of initial scratches but it tends not to be an issue after a year or so. Like a new car "the first scratch is the worst scratch." After a year or so a stainless top will be covered by a myriad of tiny scratches and take on its own patina.

Stainless tops also come in a variety of patterned surfaces and these do not show scratches or reflect light to the same extent as brushed or polished stainless. Stainless tops are more expensive than high pressure laminate but can still be cost effective.

Natural Granite

Granite is a natural stone product that is sourced from many different countries. It is a very strong product that stands up well to heat and abrasion.

Light coloured granites can be more susceptible to staining if not resealed on a regular basis.

Being a natural product there is variation in the colour between shipments of granite so we typically arrange a visit to our granite supplier so you can choose your own piece of stone. Each piece of stone has its own character and it's a great feeling to pick your own piece of stone that has been millions of years in the making.

Granite is often used in more classic looking kitchens, while engineered stone is used in more contemporary designs.

Engineered Stone​

Cutting edge fabricating technology combines beautiful natural quartz and granite stone chips and seals them within a high quality resin. The resulting Engineered stone benchtop creates a kitchen bench guaranteed to be the perfect balance of hard wearing strength and natural beauty.

With an excellent choice of colourways to choose from, your stone worktop will add a contemporary designer edge to your completed kitchen. In addition, it’s low maintenance, abrasion and stain proof nature ensures it is also extremely practical and easy to clean.

Villa Kitchens offer two of the most popular brands of Engineered Stone bench options – Trendstone and Caesarstone.

Contemporary Engineered stone benchtops are a beautiful yet hard-wearing choice for your modern kitchen. Engineered stone can be installed in standard 20mm or 30mm thicknesses or mitred up to a range of different thicknesses to suit your kitchen design.