Bench Tops
Hand-finished mineral bench tops
Microcement bench tops, splashbacks and island wraps — visually continuous finishes detailed by hand around sinks, edges and tapware.
Overview
A specialist surface system, applied by hand
A microcement bench top is a hand-applied mineral finish over a substrate assessed as suitable for the intended use. It can create visual continuity across a bench, splashback and island wrap, subject to the joints, edges and junctions required for the actual joinery. Substrate selection, heat, water, spills, cleaning and the compatible protective finish must be considered in the project specification and care guide.
Application Process
How we
apply it
Bench tops sit closer to wear than any other surface in the home. The substrate, edge detail and sealer specification all matter more here than they do on a wall. We work with your cabinetmaker on substrate build-up before we ever start finishing.
Substrate Coordination
We coordinate with your cabinetmaker so the proposed substrate, sink cut-outs, tap holes, joints and edge profiles can be assessed before the decorative finish is specified.
Edge & Surface Preparation
Edges and visible faces are prepared using materials compatible with the confirmed substrate and current project specification.
Preparation & Reinforcement
Edges, sink cut-outs, substrate joins and movement conditions are assessed before compatible preparation and any reinforcement are selected. Reinforcement cannot correct substrate or structural movement.
Base Application
The selected base material is hand-applied and prepared between stages in accordance with the current project specification.
Finish Application
The finish is worked by hand to the texture and tonal movement agreed against the project sample, with cleaning and intended use considered.
Protective Finish
An approved compatible protective finish is selected for the material, food-contact context, water and stain exposure, cleaning and agreed sheen. The current product information and project specification control its application.
Junction Detailing
Sink rims, tap bases, splashback-to-bench junctions and cabinetry interfaces are detailed as required by the project design. Decorative caulking and finish coats are not a substitute for required waterproofing or plumbing details.
Recent Work
Selected projects
Microcement kitchen benchtops, islands and splashbacks — seamless mineral surfaces installed across Geelong and the Surf Coast.
By The Numbers
The facts
Build-up confirmed for the selected product and substrate
Required joints and transitions assessed with the joinery
Protective finish chosen for expected exposure and cleaning
Cure and return-to-use timing follows current product guidance
Heat, spill and cleaning instructions supplied for the project
Any protective-finish renewal depends on condition and use
Myths & Truths
Setting the record straight
Common misconceptions we hear, and the reality of working with mineral surface systems.
"Microcement bench tops aren't durable enough for a kitchen."
Suitability depends on the substrate, intended use and selected protective finish. Heat, impact, staining and cleaning expectations are reviewed before a kitchen surface is specified.
"It will crack along the edges within months."
Cracking can have different causes. The joinery substrate, edges, joints and movement conditions must be assessed and detailed; reinforcement cannot correct structural or substrate movement.
"You can put a hot pot straight on it."
Direct heat can damage decorative surfaces and protective finishes. Follow the project care guide and use suitable heat protection such as a trivet.
"Red wine and coffee will stain it permanently."
Stain performance and cleaning instructions depend on the selected protective finish and exposure. Spills should be managed according to the current project care guide rather than a universal resistance promise.
"It can't go around an undermount sink."
Undermount and inset sink details can be considered, but the substrate, cut-out, junction, plumbing and water exposure must be reviewed before the finish is specified.
"It's just a paint job over the substrate."
It is a hand-applied decorative mineral finish. The current project specification defines the compatible preparation, finish and protection without relying on a universal build-up.
Request a Consultation
Designing a kitchen or vanity?
We work directly with your cabinetmaker to coordinate substrates, edges and timing. Send us your plans and we'll quote the bench, splashback and island wrap as one complete surface system.
Start Your Project