Baking in Kitchen

There’s nothing like a good flat marble benchtop surface to roll dough. If you’re baking bread in the morning, no doubt that yeasty aroma fills the kitchen. Then when you’re having your morning cocoa or coffee, a good slice with butter slathered on top does the trick! However, a good bread is only made possible with the right proving on the benchtop and proper baking in the oven.

You will be kneading, pouding, flouring and proving right on the benchtop, and these are the fun parts! Plus, it can be quite therapeutic. While it is possible to knead your dough on a wooden slate or a metal tray, there are benchtops that are made for baking on. When designing a new kitchen and are keen to do a lot of cooking and baking bread, there are a few things to consider when it comes to the material of your benchtop.

Benchtops and Baking
  1. There are natural and engineered stone that are easy to clean and smooth enough for kneading your dough. Marble is a favourite for home bakers. Stones are perfect for rolling out pastries and doughs. 
  2. A stainless steel benchtop is also another alternative. 
  3. If you’re feeling a little rustic, timber is a good surface as well. 

It’s not that hard to bake your own bread from scratch and having a good clean benchtop is the first step. Another thing to remember is that the counter should be clear of clutter. Give enough room when you’re having a baking day. You’d like a space that is just right for your dough to rise or double in size, and enough arm-room when kneading and pouding. 

You don’t need to pay a fortune to purchase artisan baked bread and give sliced loaf in a plastic bag a rest. Give baking at home a try and don’t forget to slather each slice in butter!


You may also want to think about a bread drawer when designing your kitchen island benchtop. Our Craftbuilt kitchens Designers Brisbane can help you get started with that. Visit us at Unit 15, 76 Old Cleveland Road, Stones Corner to view our top of the line benchtop materials and ovens that are perfect for baking.

When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, having a bench that measures up to your needs, wants and cooking skills matter. Having the right amount of bench space and a counter-top that isn’t going to damage easily is important, especially when preparing a meal.

Which is why granite kitchen counter-tops are a great addition to any kitchen because of their durability. The composition of granite is very close to lava, making it extremely strong. This kind of rock has been used in different industries and designs for hundreds of years. They look beautiful and can truly last beyond a lifetime.

Commercial or restaurant kitchens may not be the same as residential kitchens in Brisbane but that doesn’t mean their benchtops shouldn’t be sturdy. Benches are in use everyday, whether it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is important to have a good bench that you can work on when it comes to meal preparation and even dining. Even the kids use the benchtop for drawing, homework and playtime while the parents prepare supper. It’s also a great place for cats to nap.

Granite Kitchen Countertop

If you are keen on choosing granite, granite benchtops come in a large range of colours and patterns, making it very easy for you to match your decor with the colours of your choice. It is scratch and heat resistant so you don’t have to worry about leaving ugly marks on the bench with hot pots and pans. It is relatively easy to clean. Although it is more of an expensive option, it will also add value to your home and lasts for a lifetime, giving you peace of mind knowing that you haven’t wasted money on something you need to replace later on down the track. You can see, that even after a decade, it will still look as shiny and new as the day you bought it. Not only that, granite counter-tops can also be used in bathrooms or in an entertainment area.

When thinking about installing a granite kitchen countertop, getting a professional to install your granite counter-tops is a must. It needs to be properly sealed and grouted. Our Craftbuilt Kitchens consultants can help you in this area. With their years of experience, they can sit down with you and discuss any concerns you may have about granite benchtops. Call (07) 3341 9166 today to set an appointment or visit us at 2958 Logan Road, Underwood QLD 4119 for granite samples in the showroom.

If the kitchen is the hub of a household, then the countertop is the feature that unites every aspect of the design. Countertops should be both functional and attractive, blending together the different colours and materials in the cabinetry, flooring and splashbacks. Too much variety and contrast will distract from the over-all effect of the space as a whole, while not enough can leave it looking dull.

Choosing the best countertop or benchtop material to suit your lifestyle is the key to getting this balance right. When you bring your ideas to Craftbuilt Kitchens, our team of designers and consultants will help you decide on the countertops that will best suit your kitchen. In the meantime, we have compiled some information about the materials currently in demand for countertops.

The Natural Stone Look

Natural Stone Marble Countertop Bench

There are several alternatives available in this type of material, depending on your budget. At the high end of the market is marble. Renowned for its beauty and durability, marble conveys a timeless elegance but it is expensive and requires a lot of care.

An example is this white marble benchtop (picture above). This elegant display of white is a stunning light fitting to highlight the bold veins of the marble-look quartz benchtop and complete this perfect vision. The marble benchtop draws guests in because of the different texture it brings, lifting the area and pulling them together. The island bench was from SmartStone Statuario Venato (40mm).

Granite is not quite as expensive as marble, looks great in a kitchen and is long wearing. Like marble, it requires care and maintenance.

A much more affordable alternative is engineered stone or quartz. These materials tick the sustainability box as they are manufactured composite products that have the look and feel of stone without the price.

The Timeless Warmth of Timber

Timber countertops are almost a pre-requisite in country-style kitchens. The material is light and easy to shape, and the natural colour tones complement a wide range of cabinetry styles. Although timber scratches easily and also can be stained, it is just as easily sanded and returned to its original glory.

Old Favourites and New Trends

Laminate seems like it has been around forever, and for good reason. There is a huge range of colours and patterns to choose from. Laminate is inexpensive, hard wearing and requires little when it comes to maintenance. The story for other acrylic materials is similar. They offer plenty of scope for creative licence, are cost effective, low maintenance and with normal care, stains can be removed without damaging the surface.

This is an example of a rich textured wood laminate finish by Polytec Ravine in Cafe Oak to contrast with the gloss white cabinetry.

Muarrie Kitchen Renovation

A material that is crossing the divide between commercial and home kitchens is stainless steel. In the right environment, stainless steel is an alternative material worth considering. It looks stunning, is hygienic and easy to clean, will not stain, but requires care as it will dent and scratch.

Before making a final decision, we recommend you think about how you use your kitchen. Take into account the frequency of cooking and accidents like staining and scratches. Do you drop heavy items or hot saucepans on the countertops? Choose your materials to suit your lifestyle and your countertops from Craftbuilt Kitchens, and it will look fabulous for years to come. Call (07) 3341 9166 today for any questions you may have, or visit our showroom at 2958 Logan Road, Underwood, QLD 4119.

If you love spending time in the kitchen, there is nothing worse than having a bench that doesn’t measure up. Having the right amount of bench space and the right bench that doesn’t damage easily is important to the preparation of a great meal. Granite kitchen counter-tops are a great addition to any kitchen because of their durability. Granite’s composition is very close to lava, making it extremely strong. It has been used for thousands of years in statues and various other objects. It is a versatile rock the can be cut down for any use. And when it comes to the kitchen, it is best used as benchtops. This kind of countertop looks wonderful and will last beyond a lifetime.

It’s important to have a good bench that you can work on in the kitchen. Whether it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner, a proper surface area is vital. Granite counter-tops come in a large range of colours and patterns, making it very easy for you to match your decor with the colours of your choice. Granite is scratch and heat resistant so you don’t have to worry about leaving ugly marks on the bench with hot pots and pans.

Granite Counters Helps Boost Property Sale

For some, it is an expensive option but it will add value to your home and lasts long, giving you peace of mind knowing that you haven’t wasted money on something you need to replace later on. In ten years time, it will still look as shiny and new as the day you bought it. Granite counter-tops can increase the chance of selling a home. House and property buyers want a home that does not need a lot of repairs.

Aside from the kitchen, granite counter-tops can also be used in bathrooms or in an entertainment area.

Granite Countertop and Professional Installation

Getting a professional to install your granite counter top is a must. It needs to be properly sealed and grouted. An under mount sink is also best to use for a granite counter-top. Choose the best quality sink that you can afford, once the granite benches are installed, you won’t be able to replace the kitchen sink.

With the colours and patterns of granite, you can easily achieve an individual look that no one else has. The beauty of granite has astounded many for centuries. Stains are easy to clean from granite as well, which makes maintenance low-key. With a proper kitchen design, entertaining in your home has never been easier. Entertain your friends and amaze them with gorgeous granite counter-tops in your kitchen. They definitely add grace and style to any kitchen, giving your home a rich looking atmosphere. Definitely a kitchen you can be proud of.

When you’re ready, our Craftbuilt Kitchens designers are here to help you achieve your kitchen dream!

Mildew and mould can be common occurrences in kitchens. This does not mean that you are not keeping your kitchen clean, of course. Kitchens, like bathrooms and laundries, are susceptible to mould and mildew; this is because of water being used in sinks and steam from cooking.

We at Craftbuilt Kitchens understand that mould and mildew can happen even to the best of us. To help with keeping your stunning new kitchen free from mildew and mould we have put together some great tips.

Keep It Dry

Keeping a kitchen dry sounds like a challenge, but it’s very important if you want it to be mould free. Don’t leave water on benches or on splashbacks, for instance. If you create spills wipe them down straight away.

When running the tap, don’t have it turned on too high. The lower the run of the water, the lesser the splash.

Tiles Are Best

Keep the carpeting and the floor mats for the lounge and bedrooms. Tiles are the best flooring to have in your kitchen. There are some who are tempted to have a mat for comfort when standing but we don’t recommend it. Mats absorb moisture and they grow bacteria. Cleaning regularly won’t prevent this.

Clean and Inspect Cabinets

Keeping your kitchen cabinets dry and clean will go a long way to prevent mould and mildew. Wiping down the inside of cupboards and avoiding cluttering of food will keep your cabinets nice and clean.

Check Your Cook Top

Plenty of moisture and even food spatters can collect behind your cook top and around the range hood. We highly recommend moving the cooking range if possible and giving the wall behind a thorough clean, ensuring you leave it dry too.

Keep Your Fridge Clean

A regular clean-out of your fridge, including wiping it down, will not only keep it clean but also running well. If you are able to clean behind the fridge on the walls, just like your cooking range, clean the flooring beneath as well.

Keep Your Walls Clean

It is no secret that walls in kitchens can get dirty, even if you can’t see it. Food and oil spatters and more can make their way to the walls easily when you are preparing meals. Wipe and dry your walls to keep the kitchen clean and fresh.

Use Your Exhaust and Windows

Having good ventilation in the kitchen means it is harder for mould and mildew to grow. Open your windows in your kitchen and when using the cook top, turn on the exhaust fan.

Contact our team at Craftbuilt Kitchens for more advice on getting an amazing kitchen from us, as well as how to take the best care of it.