Bench Top Surfaces

Quality Bench Top surfaces from New Zealand’s market-leading bench top surface distributors. From beautiful and practical Quartz Engineered Stone, too hard wearing High Pressure Laminate surfaces for a more practical solution.

Inspired by international and local trends, Peter Hay offers an extensive range of colours and material options. This gives you variety and choice for your residential and commercial projects, all expertly crafted by our approved bench top surface providers.

When considering a bench top surface there are a number of things to consider. Below you will find information about the most popular choices, however there are other alternatives, like wooden bench tops and porcelain.

Like all considerations, there are trade offs. One of the main considerations to make is around manufacturing lead-time. If you are on a time tighter time line, check the lead-time with your selected manufactuer.

ACRYLIC BENCH TOPS

Buying an Acrylic benchtop?

HI-MACS® enhances the elegance and harmony of your living and working environments with natural beauty and the synthesis of design and creativity. Ideal for countertops and other surface applications where durability, versatility and lasting beauty are a must. With an ever-expanding collection of colours and styles, HI-MACS® will inspire interior designers, architects, commercial developers, and homeowners.

HI-MACS® is a unique solid surface material. With a rich, natural translucence, it is inviting to touch.

Offering design versatility, function and durability far beyond the scope of conventional materials. For more than 25 years, it has proven itself to be durable. A versatile material that’s easy to live with-in both residential and commercial environments.

Solid surface is easy to clean and is food contact safe. Because HI-MACS® is nonporous; stains do not penetrate the surface. With proper cleaning, HI-MACS® also resists the growth of mould, mildew and bacteria. HI-MACS® is used in laboratories worldwide, it is more than adequate for your home. It’s also the choice of a global fast-food giant. The surface carries a 15-year limited warranty for residential applications.

Is Acrylic heat-resistant?

We do not recommend placing a hot pot on HI-MACS® surfaces. In most cases, this damage can be repaired, but it is best to avoid direct heat. To protect your HI-MACS® surface from heat damage, always use a hot pad or a trivet with rubber feet.

GRANITE BENCH TOPS

Considering Granite?

Polished Granite is a popular choice for kitchen benchtops. Its high durability and aesthetic qualities are some of its features.

Granite is a common occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. It usually has a medium-grained texture. Granite is nearly always lacking internal structures. Hard and tough, and so it has gained widespread use as a construction stone.

A Granite slab will have the same general characteristics. These are dependent on its source. Each slab will vary from the next to a greater degree than the engineered stones. It’s recommended that each slab is inspected before cutting your benchtop.

Available in 30mm thickness, with some colours available in 20mm. You can mitre Granite to form thicker profiles in most colours.

As Granite is a natural product small hairline cracks can be present. These are not considered defects. Granite surfaces carry a 10-year limited warranty for residential applications.

HIGH-PRESSURE LAMINATE BENCHTOPS

Cost-Effective High-Pressure Laminate.

No matter what your lifestyle, laminate can create the look you desire. It has all the benefits of a softer, warmer and long-lasting material. Stylish, durable and easy to clean.

High-Pressure Laminate is the perfect solution for benchtops when you want a variety of colour and a contemporary feel.

High-Pressure Laminate tops have grown in technology. In the last few years, the arrival of Formica 180fx has changed the game. Formica 180fx offers inspiration on a grand scale. Offering true-to-scale stone and granite patterns. This sophisticated laminate replicates the beauty of natural stone.  Striking colour variations and intricate veining
deliver a unique and luxurious look.  Formica is our brand of choice. It’s covered by a 5-year limited warranty for residential applications.

I don’t like the dark line on the edge of laminate tops, what can you do?

The dark line, created by a traditional “self-edge” or square edge fabrication. This is where the core edge of the top surface is exposed. You can avoid this line by post-forming the benchtop to give a curved edge. Alternative, Formica Colour-Core, a through-colour product that does not show any line. 180fx also has matching acrylic edge tape available which results in no dark line.

See the Laminate gallery here.

STAINLESS STEEL BENCH TOPS

With the many textured finishes available, Stainless Steel creates striking decorative features. Stainless Steel makes a strong statement in the home. An array of embossed, patterned and coloured metal finishes are available. Finishes that are both modern and attractive – offering a wealth of versatility.

Stainless steel is a very durable product. It’s used confidently in the hardest working environments.

It’s the product of choice in the food industry throughout the world. It is a non-porous surface, so bacteria is easily cleaned away. There are no joins or gaps for germs to build up in thus creating an easy-clean, bacteria-free surface. Follow the surface care guide for best results for your stainless benches.

Can Stainless Steel scratch?

Stainless Steel will not chip, crack, peel or fade over time, but does scratch. With a buffing service, classic finishes come back to life.