Engineered stone is a durable, man-made surface composed of crushed natural quartz mixed with resin and pigments. It offers the beauty of natural stone with enhanced strength, consistency, and stain resistance—making it ideal for kitchen benchtops and bathroom surfaces.

Engineered stone is most commonly compared to natural stone like granite. Unlike natural stone, it’s non-porous and more consistent in pattern and colour, while being tougher and more scratch-resistant than laminate or solid surfaces.

Porcelain is a high-performance, man-made surface made from natural minerals that are fired at extreme temperatures for strength and durability. It’s ideal for kitchen benchtops thanks to its resistance to heat, stains, scratches, and UV light.

You should choose porcelain over engineered or natural stone for its exceptional durability, heat and UV resistance, and virtually zero porosity—making it ideal for kitchens, outdoor areas, and high-use surfaces. Unlike natural stone, it won’t stain or etch, and unlike engineered stone, it won’t discolour from sunlight or high temperatures, offering long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

Engineered stone benchtops is typically the most affordable solid surface material, depending on the brand, thickness, edge profile, and complexity of the installation. It offers excellent long-term value due to its durability and low maintenance.

To provide an accurate benchtop quotation, we need your kitchen or cabinetry plans with measurements, your choice of material (e.g. engineered stone, granite, porcelain), preferred edge profile, number of cut-outs (sinks, hobs, etc.), and site location. We can then give you the most accurate pricing for your consideration.

Yes — we welcome customers to view their chosen stone slab prior to fabrication. This allows you to approve the colour, veining, and layout before cutting begins. Just contact us to book a viewing at our factory or warehouse. Note however that we do not stock all material and if you wnat to inspect prior to purchase a special site visit to the distributor will be required in most cases

On a 20 or 30mm Engineered stone, grsnite or marble this is honed smooth. For a mitred top it is infilled in stone. For porcelain this is left raw

Granite and engineered stone benchtops offer good heat resistance, but we still recommend using trivets to prevent thermal shock or buring of resin in Engineeres stone. Porcelain benchtops are fully heatproof — they can withstand direct contact with hot pots and pans without damage, making them ideal for serious cooking environments.

Benchtop pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all — factors like material selection, slab size, edge profile, cut-outs, splashbacks, and site access all impact the final cost. Providing a square metre rate alone can be misleading. We quote accurately based on your actual layout to ensure transparency and no surprises.

Engineered stone and granite are highly resistant to staining and scratching with normal use, but harsh chemicals, dyes, or abrasive pads can still cause damage. Porcelain benchtops are the most stain- and scratch-resistant option, making them ideal for busy kitchens or high-traffic areas.till recommend using trivets to prevent thermal shock or buring of resin in Engineeres stone. Porcelain benchtops are fully heatproof — they can withstand direct contact with hot pots and pans without damage, making them ideal for serious cooking environments.

While engineered stone, granite, and porcelain benchtops are scratch-resistant, we don’t recommend cutting directly on the surface. Sharp knives can still leave marks over time — and cutting boards protect both your benchtop and your knives.
You can cut directly on porcelain benchtops — they’re incredibly scratch-resistant. However, we still recommend using a chopping board. Cutting directly on porcelain can dull your knives and may leave metal marks, especially on lighter colours. For engineered stone and granite, always use a board to avoid surface damage over time.

Engineered stone and Porcelain are usually 3200x1600 but some are smaller. You can see the actual slab sizes in the materil of choice on our products page

Yes — all our benchtops come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Engineered stone and porcelain brands like Caesarstone, Xtone, and others typically offer warranties from 10 years, depending on the product.

You will need to register your warranty and provide full documentation upon installation.

Yes — porcelain is the best choice for outdoor use as it’s UV-stable, weatherproof, and highly resistant to heat, stains, and fading. Granite can also perform well outdoors if sealed properly. Engineered stone is not recommended for exterior applications due to potential UV damage and discolouration over time.

Yes — if you have a specific stone colour or finish in mind that’s not in our standard range, we can often source it through our global supply network. Minimum order quantities, lead times, and feasibility will vary by product, so get in touch to discuss your request.

Yes — most benchtops require joins, especially for longer runs or L-shapes. We precision-cut and colour-match joins to make them as discreet as possible. While joins are always slightly visible, the appearance depends on the material, colour, and pattern — porcelain and light-toned engineered stones typically show the least. Veined material may not always match at join.

On installation day, our experienced team will deliver and fit your benchtop with precision and care. We’ll check that cabinetry is level and secure, install the stone, and seal any necessary joints. Most installs are completed within a few hours. We’ll also clean up and walk you through care instructions before leaving.

Benchtops are easy to care for with regular cleaning using mild soap and water or a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, or placing hot pans directly on the surface. Porcelain is the most low-maintenance option, while engineered stone and granite may require more attention depending on the finish and sealer used. We provide full care instructions after installation.

You can also find full care and maintenace information in our Warranty & Care & Maintenance Section