The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Quality Stone Benchtop

At Pacific Stone, we understand how important it is to choose a benchtop that fits your lifestyle and your space. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to help New Zealand homeowners, renovators, and business owners navigate the process of selecting a quality stone benchtop.

Why choose a stone benchtop?

Stone benchtops are known for their strength, beauty, and versatility. Whether it’s the heart of your home or the centrepiece of your business, stone offers:

• Durability: Resistant to heat, scratches, and stains.
• Timeless style: Elegant finishes that complement modern, classic, or rustic spaces.
• Low maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain with minimal effort.
• Increased property value: A high-quality stone benchtop is an investment that adds value.

Key factors to consider

1. Material selection
There are several types of stone to choose from, including engineered stone, granite, quartz, and porcelain. Each has its own look, feel, and practical benefits.

For example:

• Engineered stone offers consistent colours and patterns.
• Granite provides a natural, one-of-a-kind look.
• Porcelain is ultra-durable and heat-resistant.

2. Colour and finish
Consider whether you want your benchtop to be a statement feature or a subtle backdrop. Lighter colours can brighten small spaces, while darker tones offer a sleek, sophisticated edge.

3. Functionality
Think about how the space will be used. For busy family kitchens, a stain-resistant option is ideal. For outdoor spaces, UV-resistant materials are a must.

4. Edge profiles and design details
The edge profile - whether it’s a simple pencil edge or a more decorative finish - can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic.

Inspiration from real projects:

• A Tauranga family recently chose a crisp white engineered stone with waterfall edges for their kitchen renovation - the result is a bright, modern, and easy-to-clean space.
• A local café opted for a darker granite benchtop for their counter, balancing style with the toughness needed for daily use.
• Outdoor BBQ areas often feature porcelain surfaces for their heat and weather resistance - perfect for New Zealand summers.

Trust the experts at Pacific Stone

Choosing the right stone benchtop doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The expert team at Pacific Stone is here to guide you through the process - from selecting the right material to crafting and installing a benchtop that fits your space perfectly.

Visit our Tauranga showroom to see our beautiful stone options in person, or browse online at www.pacificstone.co.nz.

You are welcome to visit our Tauranga showroom at 51-53 Koromiko Street, Judea. Contact us on 07 578 5024 to schedule a visit so we can discuss your home or commercial project. Alternatively, browse our website at www.pacificstone.co.nz. We create and install stone benchtops New Zealand-wide. Whether you’re after a contemporary, timeless, or custom look, our expert team will bring your vision to life.