Benchtop materials
Every material has its own look, feel and care needs. Use this guide to find what suits the way you live, then talk it through with local benchtop professionals.
Important: engineered stone in Australia
From 1 July 2024, the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs has been prohibited in Australia because of the health risks of working with crystalline silica. Porcelain and sintered surfaces such as Dekton aren’t covered by the ban. Every material on this page can be supplied and installed in Australia. Always ask your installer to confirm a specific product’s compliance.
EntryBudget-friendly with a wide choice of finishes
Modern laminates come in realistic stone, concrete and timber looks with improved edge profiles. A practical, cost-effective choice for family homes, rentals, investment properties and quick kitchen updates.
Mid to premiumLarge-format slabs with a stone or concrete look
Fired at very high temperatures to create a dense, non-porous slab. Porcelain resists heat, stains and UV, and comes in convincing marble, stone and concrete finishes, including thin profiles.
PremiumUltra-compact sintered surface built for heavy use
Dekton is an ultra-compact surface made by fusing natural minerals under extreme heat and pressure. It's exceptionally resistant to heat, scratches, stains and UV, making it a popular choice for busy kitchens and outdoor entertaining areas.
Mid to premiumHard-wearing natural stone in rich, speckled tones
One of the toughest natural stones for a busy family kitchen. Granite handles heat and daily wear well, and comes in honed, polished and leathered finishes across light and dark colours.
PremiumTimeless veining with a soft, luxurious feel
Marble brings unmistakable elegance to a kitchen. It's softer and more porous than granite, so it needs sealing and develops a natural patina over time, which many homeowners love.
PremiumNatural stone with the look of marble and serious toughness
Quartzite is a natural stone, not to be confused with engineered 'quartz'. It offers dramatic, marble-like veining with excellent hardness and heat resistance, making it a favourite for statement islands.
Mid-rangeSeamless solid surface with integrated sinks
Corian is a well-known solid surface: a non-porous, acrylic-based material that can be joined almost invisibly and shaped into integrated sinks and coved splashbacks. Everyday marks can usually be buffed or repaired.
That’s completely normal. Choose “Not sure yet” in the quote form and local professionals can recommend options based on your kitchen, lifestyle and budget.
Get advice and a free quoteDekton® and Corian® are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Forty Mil is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands.
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