Searching for the Best Benchtop in NZ? How & Why to Get a Porcelain Surface
Searching for the Best Benchtop in NZ? How & Why to Get a Porcelain Surface
Most of the questions we have these days result in a web search. Perhaps you type it in the browser bar or just speak it into the mic on your phone... “What’s the best benchtop material for my kitchen?” At Archant, we know just how big of a deal it is to invest in a new counter. This is something that will not only be useful for you but the whole family. Since you landed on this page, you’re likely weighing the pros and cons of all the choices on the market today.
If you’re like most of our clients in New Zealand, you’ve heard about the beauty and durability of porcelain, and are seriously considering installing it in your home. Your web browser history is filled with terms like “Is a porcelain benchtop expensive” and “porcelain benchtop review NZ”. These are all great phrases to get you started.
We encourage those interested in decorative surfaces to do this research. After all, there are so many types out there, it’s important to understand the differences between them. To further assist in your decision making we have compiled this resource detailing the unique aspects of a porcelain bench. We’ve also included some great action items at the bottom for you to take the next step with your project.
What Makes a Porcelain Benchtop So Unique?
Style – Nearly every week, we receive glowing customer reviews from homeowners who love their new porcelain worktops. They usually cite aspects like beautiful colour, intricate patterns, a gorgeous finish, and a luxurious feel. And while we love to hear these testimonials, it’s only part of the story.
Did you know that Archant porcelain can be made to look like nearly any surface material imaginable? We have collections that mimic the veining patterns of marble, the nuances of natural stone, the industrial appeal of metal, the rustic look of concrete, and more. It’s this incredible design flexibility that makes porcelain stand apart from the alternatives.
Cost – You can’t have an educated conversation about benchtop materials without discussing the topic of price. The main inquiry is, “is porcelain expensive when compared to the alternatives?” We have exciting news for you! You can enjoy all the benefits of porcelain in 2023 for just a fraction of the cost of natural stone. The organic look of marble is now well within reach but is created in porcelain without the expensive process of extracting it from a quarry. This workflow is much more controlled, predictable, and therefore cost-effective.
Durability – Of course none of the considerations on style and cost matter if your benchtop can’t stand up to the real-world aspects of family life. This is another place where porcelain really shines. And while many manufacturers describe their product as “strong”, we wanted to detail exactly what the benefits of porcelain are.
You can rely on stellar scratch resistance, stain resistance, and unchanging colour or fading from UV rays. Another extremely valuable aspect of porcelain that you won’t find in most alternatives is extreme resistance to heat. This means you can literally place a hot pan directly on your porcelain bench without burning or damaging the surface. For comparison, if you did this with most benchtop materials, it would leave a visible burn mark.
Maintenance – Despite our best efforts, our days can get quite hectic, making a low-maintenance bench a desirable option. For some busy families, this isn’t a luxury, but an outright necessity. You’ll be pleased to learn that porcelain counters are some of the easiest to keep clean and looking new. The key to this wonderful quality is the non-porous nature of porcelain. Unlike natural stone which has pores that can collect and harbour bacteria, our porcelain surfaces leave nowhere for these hidden dangers to fester. In addition to being hygienic and food safe, it also isolates beverage spills to the surface, making clean-up a cinch. Best of all, there’s no need to apply a special sealing product to enjoy this feature. It’s simply part of the makeup of a porcelain bench. Just wipe it down with warm soapy water and a sponge and you are done!
Warranty – When you buy a computer, a phone, or even a TV, the sales consultant will usually offer an option to purchase an extended warranty. This of course is sold at a premium and can get quite expensive. With Archant’s porcelain benchtops though, you will have added peace of mind from our lifetime warranty. Like most guarantees, you’ll need to follow the terms and conditions, but these are all straightforward.
Get an Instant Estimate for Your Benchtop Now
If you’ve read the above details about what makes porcelain such an amazing benchtop surface that you can’t wait to get started, we have just the tool for you!
Using our Design and Pricing Calculator, you can receive an instant price estimate for your kitchen benchtop (including add-ons). It’s a fantastic planning tool to explore the different styles and price points and review the calculations behind your estimates. Find cost-saving opportunities and make informed decisions when selecting your benchtop. Please note, the final price can vary based on the details and finishing touches of your design.
Related Links
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