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Suggested Countertop dimensions

The recommended width (depth) for benchtops is at least 600mm to 900mm (otherwise it becomes too far to reach). When there is just one person preparing food, the minimum length (side space) should be 600mm, however 900mm is more ideal. Where two people are preparing side by side, it is suggested that length of 1200mm to 1500mm should be sufficient.

As suggested by the HIA (see below) the benchtop height should be between 850 - 1050mm, the common height is 900mm. A better measure is perhaps taking the height 100 - 150mm below your flexed elbow for the best ergonomic posture.

For wheelchair access the height should be between 830 to 870mm, with a depth of around 600mm and allowance should be made also for easy access of the knees underneath sink, cooktop and preparation areas; it is recommended to allow a knee height of 650mm, with an overhang depth for the benchtop of 200mm.
Reaches to highest and lowest shelf also need special consideration, depending on mobility and body dimensions; these can be measured separately.

Benchtop Installation Requirements

As specified in the HIA's "Guide to Kitchen &: Bathroom construction" edition 2 - September 2007.

Benchtops should be fixed to the structural components of the cabinet(s), unless covered by a splashback, moulding or sealant the benchtop should be scribed to suit the irregularities of the adjacent walls and (unless otherwise specified0 should be provided with additional support where it has to span more than 600mm between supports or has a cantilever > 300mm from a support.

Edge profiles selected should be specified in documentation.

Dimensions:

All joins should be rigid and must be sealed; cutouts in glass, natural stone, engineered stone, and solid surfaces should be kept away from joins (document any required variation because of space limitation) and be rounded to prevent radial cracking.

Joins should be documented on all plans and working drawings and customers should be advised on their anticipated location.
Where possible joins should be two meters apart, kept to a minimum and be:

Grouted joins to tiled splashbacks should be of a consistent width.

Scratches, Chips and Markings.

Minor scratches, chips or other markings on the surfaces of the splashback that are not clearly visible in direct view of the observer in normal lightning conditions at the completion of installation should not be considered a defect.

Assessment can be based on viewing and visibly detecting the questioned defect at a minimum distance of 1500mm from the surface in normal daylight conditions.

Bench (Counter ) Top Covering

The HIA Kitchen & Bathroom division on 2nd August 2005 issued a short summary of the different user characteristics for the various materials discussed in more detail below:

Countertops: Your Options

You know what these countertops look like; now it's time to get a handle on their individual characteristics. Read on to learn about the pros and cons before you make a countertop commitment. Here’s how they compare:

  • Laminate
    The most common kitchen countertop, laminate is a synthetic material made up of several layers. Though very economical compared to other materials, laminate doesn't have the lasting power of stone; however, some manufacturers offer upgraded high-wear surfaces with increased lifespan. A slightly more expensive alternative with no dark edges is solid-colour laminate, which is made of a coloured plastic throughout.


  • Tile
    Decorative tiles are often used for trim or backsplashes, and hardier types can serve as a countertop surface. They may feature raised, recessed or painted designs. The main types are: ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosaic. Unglazed tiles must be sealed; glazed tiles are impervious to water.


  • Granite
    Granite is the most durable, and is chip and scratch resistant. You can cut, roll dough, and place hotpots directly on granite. Because stone is porous, each stone requires special sealants. But granite absorbs the least and only requires resealing about once a year.


  • Corian
    Corian is a patented blend of high performance acrylic and natural minerals solid surface material that allows for seamless joins, non-porosity, hygienic surfaces, stain resistance and thermo formability. It comes in ninety colours in matt, semi-gloss and high-gloss. There are sinks that can be chosen and incorporated with the benchtops to provide for a seamless finish. Corian comes with a ten year DuPont warranty on product and installation.


  • Marble
    Because it’s smooth and cool to the touch, marble is the traditional favourite for rolling dough and making pastries. However, it lacks the durability of granite and requires sealants to be applied more requently to prevent stains.


  • Quartz surfacing
    The superman of stone, quartz surfacing provides a nearly indestructible material, idea for homeowners who want a beautiful surface. Providing the look of natural stone with a mettle that laughs in the face of coffee, lemon juice and high-maintenance care, its non-porous nature protects against more than just stains—it's also extremely hygienic, making it a food-safe choice.


  • Hardwood
    The most common wood countertop you know as butcher block, those thick hardwood maple surfaces that every knife-wielding chef dreams about. Butcher blocks generally vary in thickness between 1 ¼and six inches, and are made of stacked and glued hard maple pieces; the exposed end grain is the cutting surface.

I specialise in installing new Postform Laminated Benchtops that on average will cost between $800 - $1200 installed, the cost depending of course on benchtop length and the design (straight line, L-shape, U-shape)

'High Pressure' Laminates

The most economical and popular benchtop material, laminate is made of several layers of melamine and phenolic resin-impregnated paper fused under high pressure and heat. It is then bonded to either a particleboard or M.D.F. substrate. It offers an almost infinite range of design possibilities. Among the options: a natural look, such as faux stone or wood grain, a favourite colour or a small-scale pattern with rich visual texture. Laminates that look like Granites have come a long way over the years, so much so that the laminate manufactures take photo shots of real Granite and digitally impose them over the area of laminate. The quality of these colours has never been better.

Laminate is by far the most popular kitchen benchtop. It's easy to clean, resists stains, comes in hundreds of colours and can imitate looks from marble and granite to timber and stainless steel. Best of all, it's affordable.

Bear in mind that while glossy looks good and gives depth to pattern, it will show marks. A good compromise is to use a laminate with sheen.The latest development in laminate benchtops is square edges made by the post-form process. This results in no joins between the top of the bench and the sides (in the past, only rounded edges could be achieved with this process).

The result is a benchtop that flows over the edge, and a laminate that won't peel off the side. You should get about 10 years from your laminate benchtop. Don't rest hot items or cut on it directly, and don't use abrasive cream cleansers that will leave scratches.

'High pressure' Laminates such as LAMINEX, and European & US imports e.g. DUROPAL, FORMICA, WILSONART and NEVERMAR are mainly used for the bench tops. These species of hardwearing bench tops now consist of many hundreds of colour bursts, patterns, and textures from which to select. Solids from St. Croix, patterns from Patagonia, and wood grains from the Congo with a whole series of edge details to set off your new designer laminate bench tops! The material is very hard, scratch and stain resistant but not impervious to cuts, burning cigarettes, hot pots and scratches. These materials are the most economical solution and world wide are still the most popular choice (due mainly to price, of course).

Note: 'Low pressure' Laminates are not recommended for bench top material, as the name suggests they are a Low pressure laminate and are not designed for a high pressure work area.

Handy Hints>

  • Warm dark colors will make the room appear smaller.
  • Light pastel colors will make the room appear larger.
  • Bright laminate color's will liven up a room.
  • Neutral laminate color's will simplyify the look of a room.
  • The amount of light in the room will affect the color of the laminate, so when selecting your laminate always ensure you have reviewed your choice with an independent designer.
  • Consider the amount of morning, midday and evening light in the room, for instance does the sun rise towards the room or set towards the room.
  • Consider the number and type of appliances to be placed on the benchtops when creating your design, ensuring each piece will be able to be placed were you want it to be.
  • The type of profile you select is paramount, many modern kitchen designs use the 16mm 180 degree profile.
  • The finish of the laminate will also affect the style of the room, do you want a smooth surface or a slightly ridged surface.
  • Consider the number of exposed edges on the design? Would you like a profile, a edge strip or perhaps an arc end to complement the design.
  • The number of color's in any room will define the look of that room. Aneka Kitchens recommends using no more then 5 unique colors in any room.
  • When selecting were to place joins in your tops (if any) consider were these joins will be, is there a sink or garbage disposal unit that might hinder the installation process.
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