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.

Once only found in professional kitchens, the stainless steel benchtop has made its way it every day homes. They are a fantastic option, in Brisbane, as kitchen benchtops and inspire feelings of cleanliness and style. One of the more contemporary benchtop materials available, stainless steel will not corrode, stain or rust like regular steel. Stainless steel comes in various grades and types so when you are looking to add stainless steel to your kitchen, be sure you are getting the grade that will suit the use it is intended for. An alloy combination of chromium and iron, stainless steel gets its rust resistance and shiny appearance that is so popular from the chromium.

Stainless Steel Benches Are Ideal To Clean

Taking care of your stainless steel benchtop will ensure you can enjoy using it for many years. Stainless steel is safe to be bleached unlike many other benchtop materials and if you choose a textured or brushed finish it will be easy to hide any marks or scratches. Due to the fact there are no joins in stainless steel benches there will be no food particles or excess gathering from food preparation. Not only will this make cleaning up easier but you are assured of a healthier germ-free benchtop. Giving your stainless steel counter a really good clean is as easy as washing with soapy, hot water before applying stainless steel polish. Following this, you buff the surface dry with a dry clean towel or cloth. It is because of this easy cleaning process and sanitary conditions that comes with having a stainless steel benchtop that has made this material popular in commercial kitchens in Brisbane for so long.

Stainless Steel Benchtops Brisbane

Stainless Steel Countertops Are A Steadfast and Durable Choice

Because stainless steel is not just coated with rust resistant metal but the material is all the way through it means it is more durable against damage. Hot saucepans, sharp knives and anything else that can damage the surface will not open your benchtop to the risk of rust. With the knowledge that stainless steel looks outstanding in the kitchen and is a robust material that can withstand just about anything you throw at it you are bound to be thrilled with the choice. You would be further impressed to know that stainless steel is a great environmental choice as it is recyclable. Approximately 60% of the initial material used can be converted into different products. This is an important factor to consider in our current environmental climate.

The benefits certainly outweigh any downfalls with stainless steel. Cost is a little higher than that of a laminate benchtop, for instance. However in the long run, the lifespan you will get from stainless steel means it is still a cheaper option to choose. If you do choose to use stainless steel for your kitchen, you will thoroughly enjoy making delicious meal creations on a modern and hygienic benchtop.

If you’re planning to install a stainless steel benchtop for your kitchen renovation, contact our showroom in Brisbane at (07) 3341 9166 or visit our showroom today at 2958 Logan Road, Underwood QLD 4119. Our friendly kitchen designers are ready to help you build your kitchen dream!

When you think about a new kitchen, you tend to think about the appliances, cupboards and benchtops. It is important for functional and aesthetic reasons that these are well chosen and placed. Something else that is just as important but may be easily overlooked is the type of flooring you have in your kitchen.

When choosing your kitchen flooring, it is important to consider a few things. Here is a quick guide for you when it comes to some of the choices available.

Foot Traffic and Maintenance

Your kitchen flooring is not like the other floors in your home. The kitchen floor will be subjected to all kinds of mishaps and damages. Food will fall onto it, liquid will no doubt be spilt on it and if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it has an increase of foot traffic. This means the flooring you choose needs to be durable, hygienic and easy to clean. When you are discussing your proposed kitchen designs with a qualified kitchen designer in Brisbane, you should discuss the kind of flooring that suits a kitchen best.

Start With Colours And Textures

You may start with the colours and textures. Lighter coloured flooring may give a wonderful open and light effect but will tend to make dirt and grime easy to spot. Dark colours may make the area seem to small and stuffy but some dark colours make the room look more modern. You might like to take into account the floor plan of the kitchen as well.  This can also affect whether or not the area looks large or small.

Kitchen Tiles

Tiles are a common material for kitchen floors. There are different options to choose from and can be selected to compliment your kitchen benchtops. Tiles are easy to clean, when it comes to cleaning up spills and are considerably sturdy. They don’t tend to wear out easily from heavy foot traffic. They generally hold their look for quite a long time so long as they are cared for properly.

Polished Floors

Polished floors look beautiful anywhere in the home and if you have them in the lounge then it may make sense for this to extend to the kitchen. Especially if you have an open plan kitchen. Polished floors are quite easy to clean when it comes to spills but they do need to be polished and cared for to keep their lustre and appeal.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is becoming more popular for use in kitchens because of its easy-to-clean and hygienic qualities. It is very durable and can have non-slip additives put in if the kitchen tends to be messy and you’d want it to be a safer place.

There are lots to consider for your kitchen flooring. Once you have pin-pointed your needs, you will be ready to discuss your options with a kitchen designer. Give our designers and consultants at Craftbuilt Kitchens a call. We’d be glad to help you plan your dream kitchen!

Are you planning a complete kitchen renovations Brisbane or just a kitchen benchtop to refurbish an existing layout? Take the time to get it right, because a poor choice of material or colour will detract from the overall finish of the entire kitchen. The benchtop draws all the design elements together so that the final “look” is important.

It is a mistake to fall in love with a colour or finish without considering how it will look against your cabinetry and appliances. It is also a mistake to insist on a material that does not suit your lifestyle. Some surfaces need care and maintenance, and if your time is limited, it is best to choose something that is low maintenance.

Craftbuilt Kitchens have been designing and supplying kitchen benchtops in Brisbane for over 40 years. This experience and knowledge is at your disposal when you visit our showrooms and talk to us about your kitchen project. We have some suggestions that may help you make an informed choice about your new benchtop.

Low Cost – Some Care Needed

Where cost is a major factor, laminate is still the most affordable option. It has kept pace with contemporary tastes and is available in a range of up-to-the-minute colours, patterns and textures, including the natural stone look. Stains wipe clean easily, but scratches, knife marks and heat may damage the surface.

Engineered Stone – The Look of Marble Without the Cost

Engineered stone is made largely of quartz aggregates mixed with organic pigments and resins. It is one of the most popular choices for benchtops and comes in a multitude of colours and patterns. The non-porous surface does not need sealing, is low maintenance, and both heat and scratch resistant.

Paradise Point Kitchen Renovation

Stainless Steel – The Material of the Moment

Stainless steel has a polished glow that fits in well with the current minimalist look, and as a replacement for an old benchtop, would immediately give a modern lift to a tired kitchen. When coupled with stainless steel appliances in a new kitchen, it looks sensational.

Hygienic and durable, there is not much that can damage stainless steel. It will show deep scratches and dents, so a little care is needed, and wiping off finger marks can become a chore. We suggest using stainless steel cleaners for ease of maintenance.

Solid Surfacing – Ideal for Large Coverage

This acrylic resin with a filling of alumina can be moulded into any shape, so it is perfect for a large benchtop or island. With no joins to harbour food particles and dirt, it is super hygienic and the continuous, seamless look is elegant and practical. It is also waterproof and fire resistant and while it will show careless cuts or scratches, these can be easily repaired.

Call our showroom and look at all these wonderful products in person. It is so much easier to choose when you have seen and touched the samples for yourself. Our kitchen designers can show you what is best for your kitchen needs!

Right Benchtop for Your Kitchen

While getting the colour scheme, cabinetry, handles, splashbacks and appliances in your new kitchen is a priority, one of the most important facets in the kitchen to get right is the bench top. The kitchen bench height top is where all the work happens. It is vital that the material chosen is right for you as well as the design and of course, height.

There is a standard bench top height that we design at Craftbuilt Kitchen benchs but sometimes it is necessary to step outside the standard and have your own height and style created when it comes to your kitchen bench height top. After all, it is a kitchen designed with you, just for you!

Standard Kitchen Bench Height Australia

Here are some points to consider when determining standard kitchen bench height in Australia.

1. Deciding On Your Kitchen Bench Height Top Size

First, the size of the benchtop needs to be measured. This largely depends on the size of the kitchen space you have to work with as well as your cooking style. One bedroom inner city units, for example, don’t always have the most space for kitchens.

It is not uncommon for a small kitchenette to be installed against one wall adjoining the lounge space in one room. In this case, the bench top will be smaller.

The way you cook will also affect the size of bench you need. If you like making big home cooked meals from scratch then more bench space will be required. However, if you are a busy professional who carries out basic meal prep or only buys pre-made meals then your bench space requirements will be lesser.

2. Deciding On Your Height

Ergonomic comfort is a must in the kitchen when you create culinary storms or even when you spend a short time making meals. Not one person is the same height; neither should be the kitchen bench height top – in some cases.

If you are a particularly tall person or even for those who are on the little on the short side of things, a standard bench top height will not serve you well. Leaning down for a long period of time while preparing food or reaching up higher will inevitably cause you discomfort. Imagine yourself wiping down the countertop everyday – do you think you will end up with a sore back or limbs?

Different kitchen bench height can also serve different purposes. Lower bench spaces can be great for kids to sit at and do their homework while the parent/s are on the opposite side preparing meals. Breakfast bars can be used for meal preparation as well as eating at for busy professionals.

Where the appliances are placed in relation to benchtops and the fridge is a common theme to consider. However, you do need to be comfortable in your kitchen.  The height, width and length of your benchtops is incredibly important to get right too.

Kitchen Bench Heights

3. Width

An island benchtop can be accessed from all sides for cleaning. Because of this, the width is not such a big factor. However, if the benchtop is against a wall you will generally only be able to access it from one side. Therefore, keeping a reasonable width in mind is advised.

4. Length

Length is governed greatly by the amount of space in your kitchen and also how many people will be using the bench space at once. For those who are confined to wheelchairs or the elderly, a smaller length benchtop can mean easier cleaning and reaching capabilities.

5. Height

The standard kitchen bench height in Australia is considered ergonomic is 900mm. This is suitable for many, but not for some. You can always discuss with your designer if you would like your benchtop to be lower or higher, depending on your personal needs and, in doing so, you will do your back and limbs a favour.

When you talk to our professional kitchen designer Brisbane at Craftbuilt Kitchens be sure to discuss your meal prep needs to get the bench top style, space and height just right for you. Book an appointment or Call our showroom today at (07) 3341 9166.

Having a new kitchen designed is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting rooms to have redone. As the space that many hours are spent in, getting rid of a tired outdated kitchen that is no longer functioning at its best is a wonderful prospect.

The kitchen is often described as the heart of the home and it is usually one of the first things that stands out to visitors and something prospective home buyers will inspect the closest. Kitchens allow the opportunity for someone to display their own sense of style and add a whole new visual perspective to the home.

New kitchens add a great amount of value to the home, so it is important to think carefully about the selections that go into it. The benchtop in particular is extremely important. As the ‘face’ of the kitchen you want it to look good but as the most used part, you want it to be long lasting too. So let’s take a look at what’s available.

Choosing Your Perfect Benchtop

There are a few standard favourites for use in kitchen benchtops. You need to consider your budget, style of cooking and, of course, personal preferences and tastes.

Laminate benchtops have been around for many years and whilst some may conjure up ideas of the bold oranges and greens from the 1970s, the laminate benchtops you see today are very different.

Of course, you can still opt for that retro feel if you wish but there is a massive range of colours, finishes and patterns available now. This means if you prefer more modern than mod, you can still choose laminate. Laminate is affordable and durable, perfect for those on a tighter budget.

Soft Hamptons Style Grange, Brisbane QLD Kitchen Renovation

 

If your budget allows for more and you want a benchtop that is prestigious, long lasting and easy to clean, then granite is for you. Granite is perfect for those who love a natural look. It is stylish and classic and will add class to any kitchen.

Caesar Stone is a man-made composite that is cheaper than granite but it offers the same look. Comprised of glass, adhesive and stone, it is durable and looks good. There is a broad range of finishes to choose from and is fantastic for a contemporary look.

Stainless steel benchtops have been making their way from professional kitchens to kitchens in everyday homes for some time. They offer a sleek and modern look and great hygiene. Stainless steel benchtops give a clean feel to a kitchen and are great for those who fancy themselves as culinary experts.

Caesarstone Bench Tops: The Durable Alternative

A beautiful kitchen is one of the most important factors in a home. Often termed ‘the heart of the home’. It’s where meals are made, from quick breakfasts on the run to tasty dinner creations that fill your home with tempting smells to lure its occupants with willing appetites. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen completely or just looking to give your kitchen bench tops a makeover, the perfect material for you no doubt needs to be functional, durable, look good and be within your budget. Everyone knows about granite and marble, but have you considered Caesarstone? Let’s take a look at what Caesarstone has to offer.

Durable and Good Looking – What More Could You Want?

Caesarstone is 93% natural quartz aggregate with the remaining 7% comprising of pigments and polymer resins and does not require sealing, it is polished and processed to attain a glossy shine. In the past, marble and granite have been the most popular choices for kitchens in Brisbane. However, Caesarstone is more consistent than either of these natural stones and is safe and more durable as well as opposed to granite, Caesarstone is approximately 17 times less porous allowing it to be virtually stain resistant and is easier to clean using any cleaning product suitable for kitchen bench tops. Kitchen sinks often attract mildew and mould due to being a damp area, as a result Caesarstone is an ideal solution for splashbacks, as it is resistant to both and resistant to heat and scratches.

Getting Caesarstone Into Your Kitchen

Caesarstone is versatile and it is available in quite a few different colours as well as designs, this means whatever look you are after, whether it is modern or traditional, you should find it easy to incorporate Caesarstone into your kitchen with the desired outcome. Your first step to a beautiful Caesarstone benchtop in your kitchen will be to discuss your needs with experienced consultants and take a look at the colours and design you prefer, following this a qualified designer who is adept at listening to what you wish to achieve will work together with you to create a look that is ideal for you by bringing together practicality, functionality and your vision.

When you’re thinking of updating your kitchen design in Brisbane to give your bench tops and splashbacks the lift they need, you should definitely consider making Caesarstone your choice of material, for a tougher more durable and cleaner bench top and splashback solution, it’s hard to go wrong with Caesarstone.

 

Take Care of Your Bench Tops

At Craftbuilt Kitchens we provide the highest quality products to each and every one of our clients. From the moment of production right down to the end of installation, the utmost care is taken to ensure the end result is something beautiful and unique.

This is why we have been in the business of making kitchens for so many years and why we will be here for many years to come. Our reputation for the best precedes us and customers who have been to us before will come again.

Our kitchens come with a 10-year guarantee because we undertake that our product will last. Once the kitchen is installed, however, it is up to you to take good care of your new pride and joy. Bench tops in particular are items that need to be treated with care.

Soft Hamptons Style Grange, Brisbane QLD Kitchen Renovation

With all the work and activities that are carried out on kitchen bench tops it is easy for them to become the most worn items in the kitchen. But with the right treatment and care, you can ensure that your bench top will last as long as it should.

 

  • Heat – Many bench top materials are sensitive to heat and can be damaged if hot items such as pots are placed directly on to them. Laminate bench tops for example are one such material. To avoid mishaps, place a stand or mat underneath hot pots that will protect the bench top.

 

  • Stains  – Stains don’t ruin the effectiveness of your bench top but they are unsightly and could take away from the overall appeal of your beautiful new kitchen. Mop up spills straight away, especially items such as red wine or fruits like blueberries that can stain.

 

  • Scratches – It is easy enough to get scratches on your bench top. When using knives, scissors, moving cups or plates around, over time more and more scratches will appear. This kind of damage can happen easily but you can avoid most of it. Always make sure you use cutting boards, don’t prepare food directly on the bench and lift items instead of dragging them.

There are also specific care instructions for different bench top materials too, such as the type of cleaners and procedures to use. Our professional designers can discuss the materials available with you and explain in more detail about caring for each.

Contact us at Craftbuilt Kitchens today at (07) 3341 9166 to start organising your amazing new kitchen with bench tops worth looking after.

Laminate Benchtops

Do you want to have your dream kitchen but are unsure of the latest trends in benchtops, countertops and islands? A laminate benchtop may be what you are looking for.

The design possibilities for laminate benchtops are endless. At Craftbuilt, we can provide you with expert advice to help you get what you want for your kitchen and your benchtop. With the help of 3D graphic tools, our kitchen designers will help you create stunning kitchen benchtops and realise your dream kitchen right before your eyes.

If you are considering a laminate benchtops for your kitchen, here are just some of the more prevalent trends to help you get a good idea of what you can do with the kitchen design.

Curved Benchtop

A growing trend in kitchen and benchtop design is the use of more natural curves instead of the modular benchtop design. A curved benchtop can give the kitchen a more fluid and freer feel. With the use of curves in a benchtop, it will be good for you to also consider the items that will go with it. Turn to more natural textures and tones to complement the shapes and curves of the benchtop. You can also make use of materials with natural designs or patterns.

Take this kitchen renovation with curved styles for example. It complements the area and at the same time create a flow in the area.

Colour Trends

When it comes to laminate benchtops, white is still the most preferred, although there is a growing trend toward grey for a cooler effect. The trend will be toward the tones ranging from clear white to black and the grey tones in between. Green tones should also bring a new life to laminate benchtops. If neutral white, grey or black is not your thing and you want to make some unique expression in your kitchen benchtop, you can turn to grey blues, grey green or cool green to spark interest and exude elegance.

Texture in Benchtops

To create interest, you can use textured material that entices visual appeal. Aside from the visual appeal, texture can also be delightful to the touch.

Texture is a great way of breaking the monotony if you are implementing a monochromatic theme, which can be drab at times. Mixed textures can create the needed contrast without going overboard such as in the case of contrasting colours.

At Craftbuilt, we can help you create a unique yet trendy benchtop for your kitchen. You can also rest assured that all elements that go with your benchtop are made to the highest standard of quality. Our expert designers can help you create a contemporary and trendy benchtop by improving and realising your kitchen ideas.

This kitchen island below features a white tone with a marble effect. Although it is smoother, its visual creates a textured-like appeal.

The Value of Installing Laminate Benchtops

Kitchens these days are very modern and upmarket, with some even having an elegant appearance, due to the wonderful advances made by kitchen manufacturers. They are spacious, practical, accessible, with adequate storage as well. Storage capacities have increased as well and pullout storage have been introduced saving the trouble of trying to find items on deep shelves. Modern cooktops enhance the total look and make cooking pleasurable as does having plenty of working space on benchtops. Neutral backgrounds allow the choice of favourite colour schemes in the kitchen cabinets and benchtops for the family chef.

Benchtops are available in a wide range of colours and materials used in their manufacture. Many upmarket homes have granite benchtops, also available in a variety of colour choices, and they are a durable product that really enhances the kitchen area. They are also quite expensive to buy and install. Timber on the other hand has been a popular choice for kitchens in Brisbane over the years. Stained and lacquered, they look amazing and add warmth as timber always does, and are also easy to care for. Care must be taken to put mats under hot utensils under wooden benchtops to prevent marking them, and cutting boards when chopping food to prevent damaging them as well.

Compared to these choices, laminate is a great all rounder that has been a great favourite with families for years, due not only to it’s good looks and durability, but the fact that it is an affordable budget friendly product to buy and install. Hot objects can be placed on laminate benchtops without worry as heat won’t damage it like other materials. It is easy to keep clean, but to avoid damage it is still recommended to use cutting boards when using knives to prepare food. Laminate benchtops can be requested in the colour of your choice when you order your kitchen design in Brisbane. It is an excellent choice for most homes.

Laminate Benchtops: Keep Them Looking Good

After going through the easy process of choosing your ideal kitchen and having it installed by Craftbuilt Kitchens, you will no doubt want to keep your kitchen looking beautiful for as long as possible.

Keeping your cupboards, benchtops and appliances clean will not only ensure that your kitchen looks good, it will increase the longevity of the product too.

Cleaning kitchen benchtops properly is particularly important. This is because these get regular use from meal preparation and more. When it comes to kitchen maintenance, once you have finished using the benchtop, all you need to do is to wet a dishcloth in warm soapy water and simply wipe over the bench to keep it clean. There is no need for special cleaners so no extra costs involved. If you buy a new home that has laminate benches in a colour you don’t like, you will be pleased to know they are easily replaced with your own chosen colour.

The benchtop in the kitchen is the most likely to look ‘worn out’ due to all the use and it’s also important to keep these clean for hygienic reasons. With this in mind, here are some tips to cleaning your laminate benchtop to keep in mind:

  • Some Do’s and Don’ts

Do your best to avoid damaging your laminate benchtop. This means not using scourers, abrasive or acidic cleaners. Do not cut directly on the surface, always use a cutting board. Hot objects placed directly on the surface of a laminate benchtop can be disastrous. Always place something to protect the bench from the heat underneath.

  • Spills, Grease and Streaks

All of the above can happen when you are cooking or cleaning the benchtop. If you find after wiping your benchtop there are streak marks these are easily removed with a spray such as Spray and Wipe or another all purpose cleaner.

It’s near impossible to avoid getting grease on a benchtop when cooking with oil and butter. If this occurs, all you need to do is to get some soapy water onto the spot, wait a moment and then wipe with a cloth.

Spills are another unavoidable reality of cooking. As laminate is quite stain resistant to most things, spills don’t often pose an issue. There are, however, some items that can stain and need to be removed as quickly as possible.

Items that bleach or contain strong pigments can easily stain your laminate. Food items such as beetroot and berries can stain. Cleaning products including bleach, oven cleaner, hair dye and some first aid items can cause staining.

  • Scratches and Stains

If you find that you were not able to move a staining item quick enough, you can try methylated spirits or a diluted bleach mixture. Once you have left this for approximately three minutes, wash it off. You can also try extra strength Windex. Always take great care when using bleach.

Avoid scratches by not dragging utensils and sharp objects across the benchtop; always lift.

For more information on how to care for your laminate benchtop or learn about kitchen countertop maintenance, give us a call at Craftbuilt Kitchens at (07) 3341 9166 or visit the showroom at 2958 Logan Road, Underwood QLD 4119.