Links- Benchtops

thanks for that michelle!

Hi Kevin
I tried to look at the duropel website but it is out of action due to maintenance..we are looking at the Duropal Rainbow Green chemical resistant HDPL.....can you tell us anything more about it? Quality? Cost? Someone mentioned that it is very expensive and comparable to tupac but better quality??

Any assistance would be appreciated, its a gorgeous finish and just what I want for our kitchen cupboards!

Cheers
Ruth

Duh Ruth! Yes I mean two pack! Thanks Kevin...I was looking at it for kitchen doors, had a look at a nice kitchen that has these doors, I will post the pic so you can see tomorrow!

thanks for that list, don't suppose you know where I could find a looksie at the silestone benchtop colours available? (me's wishful thinking)

Annie

Thank you
good links

love the link, thanks!!

Whatever you do - DO NOT get your bench tops from *********
- in my opinion their after sales service is the worst I have received from any company - not just to do with our new kitchen.



Sorry....thats not what this link is for.
So your comment has been taken off.

Edited by Michelle

Just discovered Corian alternatives:

Starton http://www.austaron.com.au/

Hanex http://www.hanex.com.au/product.html

Hi all,
****

Is another company that provides engineered stone and provides a range that is a little different to the Caesar stone and Essa stone.

All the bench tops have there positives and negatives, but the tried and tested laminates are still very common and are the most cost effective. Be careful of the gloss laminates as they have the tenancy to show marks and scratches and while there are a couple of products that will mask the damage you can still notice the difference when looking down the surface.

I work as a consultant for a small kitchen company **** based in Tassie, i have noticed a significant trend in the past 12 months towards the engineered stone for not just high end kitchens but throughout the kitchen range.

It is becoming quite common to use only a 20mm edge with a highlighted shadow mold (eg: pure white with bright red and gunmetal grey or designer white doors and panels) this is enables the clients to have the quality of the stone at a reduced cost. Depending on the size of the kitchen and the bench top manufacturer the difference between 20mm stone & Laminate can be under $1000.

Acrylic bench tops you generally get what you pay for and some of the cheaper options are prone to scratching easily, as a general rule if you go with acrylics i would keep clear of any of the darker colors and generally only go with the the light whites etc. when testing a sample scratch it with a coin or rock and if it marks white i would maybe have another think. This rule applies for the higher end products also.

2pak doors are high maintenance and can chip easily, if you are in the market for 2pak request a door/panel report from you kitchen installer and the reliant codes & brands of paint used when you get your kitchen made. this way if you ever have to replace a door it will save you time and money.

Vinyl wrap is a great product and we have been dealing with it for many years, just remember that the vinyl is essentially a plastic and excessive heat from a kettle or any other heat source has been known to de-laminate the material. check when purchasing a kitchen where the doors are manufactured most reputable company's keep warranty stock so you can replace panels if its needed. Some large mainstream (supermarket style suppliers) are known to buy vast quantities of materials from overseas and limited warranty are available for identical panel & door replacement.

If you have any questions or queries i would be happy to help.

Kind Regards

David Curtis

Has anyone considered bamboo as an alternative for bench tops?
http://www.bambooconnection.com.au/bamb ... --new.html

More info here:
http://www.homeone.com.au/articles/2011 ... lternative

Demonstration here:
http://bambooconnection.malaga.homeone.com.au/video