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Custom Benchtops to Complete Your Dream Space
At Character Cabinets, we understand that the perfect benchtop is more than just a work surface — it’s the centrepiece of your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. With our bespoke craftsmanship and premium materials, we create custom benchtops tailored to your style, functionality, and space requirements. Whether you’re after a sleek modern look, a timeless classic design, or something uniquely yours, we’ll bring your vision to life with precision and care.
With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we pride ourselves on delivering benchtops that are durable, stylish, and designed to elevate your space.
Our Custom Benchtop Services
We offer a wide range of options to suit every need and aesthetic, including:
- Stone Benchtops: Premium engineered or natural stone options, perfect for adding elegance and durability.
- Laminate Benchtops: Affordable and versatile solutions available in a variety of colours and finishes.
- Timber Benchtops: Warm, natural options for a timeless and inviting look.
- Acrylic Benchtops: Sleek and seamless designs that are low maintenance and customisable.
- Custom Edge Profiles: Choose from square, bevelled, rounded, or detailed edge profiles to suit your style.
- Cut-outs and Integrated Features: Sink, cooktop, or custom design cut-outs for a flawless fit.
Designer Interviews
We sat down with two Perth interior designers to learn more about what custom benchtop choices work best in different parts of your home. We were also curious about how interior designers approach design and the latest trends in custom benchtops for West Australian renovations and new homes and apartments.
Annie Benson
Why Custom?
Why are custom benchtops in your renovation or new home build worth it?
People don’t realise how important a kitchen benchtop is. It is the biggest focus of the family and home, where everyone gathers to share a meal and a glass of wine, have conversations, and discuss their days. When guests hand over a gift bottle of wine or their keys, it’s the most important part of the kitchen design because it is about welcome and hospitality. It is the soul of your kitchen.
Benchtop Options
What materials are used for custom benchtops, and how do their characteristics vary in durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal?
Custom laminate benchtops made with composite materials are very popular. They’re cost-effective. They’re stain-resistant, low maintenance, and easy to clean. There is a variety of colours and finishes available: gloss, semi-gloss, matte, wood-grained and textured.
But there’s also the XENOLITH range from Polytec, a coloured core compact laminate with numerous benchtop profiles. While that’s a very new product and limited in colour range, it will be expanded. With the core colored it allows for exposed ends without join lines. It gives you a beautiful finish—a more high-end look.
You can achieve that with some of the standard laminates, too. There are a plethora of colour choices available. I can’t even imagine how many colours there are. If you’re working with a white kitchen, you might want something bold, or if you’re working with a grey kitchen, you might want something more concrete-looking for a more industrial look. There is every imaginable colour or finish available in the various groups. There is Polytec, Polyrey, Wilson, the Laminex group and Formica. Using custom benchtop trim options, such as gold, platinum, copper, and brushed steel, is a beautiful inclusion to provide a sense of luxury.
Achieving the Finish
What is it like for you to see a custom benchtop project finished?
I feel a great sense of satisfaction. I love to look at my clients’ faces to see how much they love it and how they’re looking forward to enjoying that space or using that bench. I love seeing them enjoy that space and getting that sense of having created exactly what they wanted.
Interior Design Process
Could you walk us through the design process for custom benchtops? How do you collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life?
I ask a lot of questions, and I listen carefully. I visit their home and look at any images they might have collected. It’s about working with their palette and their style. Usually, there will be specific requests, like an island bench. I consider those features and my client’s preferences and lifestyle, and I find that wow factor they are looking for in creating a kitchen with a custom benchtop.
Trends in Custom Benchtops
What are the interesting trends you are seeing in custom benchtops?
The gold, the silver and the stainless looks are coming through. You can use it with negative details. I sometimes use it under a benchtop or in between drawers. It can give you a great effect, which is always fun. Then, you can also run it around the edge of a benchtop. That’s exciting.
As well as new looks, there are constant improvements in producing these materials. Not just in quality, you can do rounded edge benchtops and rounded edge island benches. New products are coming out with the scalloped fronts for island benches. Or it can be on an entertainment unit, under a TV cabinet, in a wine bar or office or even a bedhead.
Cost Considerations for Custom Benchtops
How do custom benchtop materials compare cost-effectively with purchasing pre-made benchtops? Can you purchase pre-made benchtops?
You can. They still have to be cut from a board. You get a much better look working with a custom benchtop. You can have a design that is appropriate for your space. You can change the edges, whether a sharp, square, arris or pencil edge. Working with custom benchtops allows you to select a style. Whereas buying a pre-made benchtop from one of the suppliers directly, you just have limited options. Buying a pre-made product is cheaper in terms of cost-effectiveness and budgeting, but you don’t get the quality finish or style opportunities.
What are the primary advantages of choosing custom cabinetry over other off-the-shelf pre-made options currently on the market?
Only a few people realise that you can combine the benefits of custom cabinetry with flat-pack economy and convenience. There is no need to settle for the off-the-shelf pre-made cabinetry and benchtops anymore. You don’t have to compromise on the quality of your cabinetry just because you are working to a budget.
Matching Materials To Environment
In what areas of the home are custom benchtops most effectively used? Why do certain materials excel in specific environments?
If you’re clever, laminates can be used in any area. Avoid prep areas if you are a butcher or a fisherman. You might not want to have it in an area where you will be cutting. You wouldn’t cut directly on a laminate bench. Other than that, there are no limitations. You can use them anywhere.
The compact laminates work well in entertainment areas like alfresco because they are water- and UV-resistant. It’s available as quite a thick laminate. You should look at those compact laminates for those sorts of areas. If you have messy spaces in a scullery or spaces with lots of water, I would also look at those compact laminates there. They can also be used in kitchens, office worktops, showers and toilet cubicles but are best used in outdoor and wet areas.
Any of the laminates can be used for shelving or TV cabinets. I sometimes mix and match them with natural timbers for a bookshelf or an entertainment unit. You can use stone or laminate on the top of bars. Put natural wood or natural stone in there. Just mix it up to get that raw, organic look. Being clever with colour can give you the wow factor you want.
Combining Materials
What type of materials can you use for custom benchtops?
There’s a great variety out there. As I mentioned, you can even combine a few different materials, such as metallic finishes used with timber, to create an interesting effect. You can do both. A range within the laminates offers gold, copper, brushed steel and silver. I wouldn’t use those as a benchtop because they would probably scratch. But running it around the edge can look smart. You are looking for more than just durable surfaces. You’re looking for something that elevates the space. It gives it just that extra edge of polish. Most clients who employ a designer are looking for that. They want that edge. Otherwise, they’d do it themselves.
Jess O'Shea
Why Custom?
Why are custom benchtops in your renovation or new home build worth it?
People don’t realise how important a kitchen benchtop is. It is the biggest focus of the family and home, where everyone gathers to share a meal and a glass of wine, have conversations, and discuss their days. When guests hand over a gift bottle of wine or their keys, it’s the most important part of the kitchen design because it is about welcome and hospitality. It is the soul of your kitchen.
Benchtop Options
What materials are used for custom benchtops, and how do their characteristics vary in durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal?
Custom laminate benchtops made with composite materials are very popular. They’re cost-effective. They’re stain-resistant, low maintenance, and easy to clean. There is a variety of colours and finishes available: gloss, semi-gloss, matte, wood-grained and textured.
But there’s also the XENOLITH range from Polytec, a coloured core compact laminate with numerous benchtop profiles. While that’s a very new product and limited in colour range, it will be expanded. With the core colored it allows for exposed ends without join lines. It gives you a beautiful finish—a more high-end look.
You can achieve that with some of the standard laminates, too. There are a plethora of colour choices available. I can’t even imagine how many colours there are. If you’re working with a white kitchen, you might want something bold, or if you’re working with a grey kitchen, you might want something more concrete-looking for a more industrial look. There is every imaginable colour or finish available in the various groups. There is Polytec, Polyrey, Wilson, the Laminex group and Formica. Using custom benchtop trim options, such as gold, platinum, copper, and brushed steel, is a beautiful inclusion to provide a sense of luxury.
Achieving the Finish
What is it like for you to see a custom benchtop project finished?
I feel a great sense of satisfaction. I love to look at my clients’ faces to see how much they love it and how they’re looking forward to enjoying that space or using that bench. I love seeing them enjoy that space and getting that sense of having created exactly what they wanted.
Interior Design Process
Could you walk us through the design process for custom benchtops? How do you collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life?
I ask a lot of questions, and I listen carefully. I visit their home and look at any images they might have collected. It’s about working with their palette and their style. Usually, there will be specific requests, like an island bench. I consider those features and my client’s preferences and lifestyle, and I find that wow factor they are looking for in creating a kitchen with a custom benchtop.
Combining Materials
What type of materials can you use for custom benchtops?
There’s a great variety out there. As I mentioned, you can even combine a few different materials, such as metallic finishes used with timber, to create an interesting effect. You can do both. A range within the laminates offers gold, copper, brushed steel and silver. I wouldn’t use those as a benchtop because they would probably scratch. But running it around the edge can look smart. You are looking for more than just durable surfaces. You’re looking for something that elevates the space. It gives it just that extra edge of polish. Most clients who employ a designer are looking for that. They want that edge. Otherwise, they’d do it themselves.
Cost Considerations for Custom Benchtops
How do custom benchtop materials compare cost-effectively with purchasing pre-made benchtops? Can you purchase pre-made benchtops?
You can. They still have to be cut from a board. You get a much better look working with a custom benchtop. You can have a design that is appropriate for your space. You can change the edges, whether a sharp, square, arris or pencil edge. Working with custom benchtops allows you to select a style. Whereas buying a pre-made benchtop from one of the suppliers directly, you just have limited options. Buying a pre-made product is cheaper in terms of cost-effectiveness and budgeting, but you don’t get the quality finish or style opportunities.
What are the primary advantages of choosing custom cabinetry over other off-the-shelf pre-made options currently on the market?
Only a few people realise that you can combine the benefits of custom cabinetry with flat-pack economy and convenience. There is no need to settle for the off-the-shelf pre-made cabinetry and benchtops anymore. You don’t have to compromise on the quality of your cabinetry just because you are working to a budget.
Matching Materials To Environment
In what areas of the home are custom benchtops most effectively used? Why do certain materials excel in specific environments?
If you’re clever, laminates can be used in any area. Avoid prep areas if you are a butcher or a fisherman. You might not want to have it in an area where you will be cutting. You wouldn’t cut directly on a laminate bench. Other than that, there are no limitations. You can use them anywhere.
The compact laminates work well in entertainment areas like alfresco because they are water- and UV-resistant. It’s available as quite a thick laminate. You should look at those compact laminates for those sorts of areas. If you have messy spaces in a scullery or spaces with lots of water, I would also look at those compact laminates there. They can also be used in kitchens, office worktops, showers and toilet cubicles but are best used in outdoor and wet areas.
Any of the laminates can be used for shelving or TV cabinets. I sometimes mix and match them with natural timbers for a bookshelf or an entertainment unit. You can use stone or laminate on the top of bars. Put natural wood or natural stone in there. Just mix it up to get that raw, organic look. Being clever with colour can give you the wow factor you want.
Trends in Custom Benchtops
What are the interesting trends you are seeing in custom benchtops?
The gold, the silver and the stainless looks are coming through. You can use it with negative details. I sometimes use it under a benchtop or in between drawers. It can give you a great effect, which is always fun. Then, you can also run it around the edge of a benchtop. That’s exciting.
As well as new looks, there are constant improvements in producing these materials. Not just in quality, you can do rounded edge benchtops and rounded edge island benches. New products are coming out with the scalloped fronts for island benches. Or it can be on an entertainment unit, under a TV cabinet, in a wine bar or office or even a bedhead.
Why Choose Character Cabinets?
At Character Group, we specialise in creating bespoke benchtops tailored to perfectly fit your space. Our expert craftsmanship ensures every detail is carefully considered for a flawless finish. With a wide range of materials, including natural stone, durable laminates, and more, we offer options to suit every budget and design preference. From the initial consultation to the final installation, our exceptional service ensures a seamless and stress-free experience. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to create the perfect benchtop for your home.
“Character cabinets provided a level of service well beyond our expectations.
A very professional company with high regard for their customers.”
Judith G.