• Variety of colours, including plain colours and woodgrain colours
• Easy to clean, scratch resistant and maintenance free
• Availability
• Reduction in cost (less labour intensive)
• Quicker manufacturing times (no sanding or spraying necessary)

The most popular colours are listed below.

Unlike melamine-faced boards, solid wood and wood veneers are products of nature. Kitchens crafted in solid wood have a rich and distinct character. 

• Wooden counter tops can be shaped to enhance your designs
• Wood can be stained and limewashed to enhance its appearance.
• Wood does not show wear and tear like melamine. 
• Chipmarks do not develop as with melamine boards.
• We use 2mm solid wood edging on all our veneer components
• Huge variety offer uniqueness

The most popular woods are listed below. 

Granite is probably one of the most versatile materials for counter tops.  From a design perspective, it allows for shaping and polishing which is not possible with many other materials.

It is also a natural product, which means that each slab has its unique characteristics.  This uniqueness gives a kitchen its own character.  No one else will have the exact same pattern on their kitchen tops.

Granite can vary quite a lot from slab to slab.  That is why we always recommend viewing your slabs at the slab supplier before ordering, especially if you have a particular pattern in mind. 

Never choose a slab based solely on website or printed pictures.  Even small granite samples can be deceiving.  It is best to view the slab as a whole.

It is important to note that granite is a quartz-like substance and hairline suface cracks may appear anywhere on the slab.  These cracks are not defects, but rather a natural characteristic of granite.  We always seal the granite after installation.

What about marble and sandstone

Marble and sandstone are much softer than granite.  Therefore we do not recommend using them in the kitchen.  Marble is better suited for bathroom vanities, where smaller sizes are used.

I include some granite samples below:

CaesarStone high-tech quartz surfaces, has exceptional qualities that make it the ideal material for kitchen surfaces and bathroom vanity tops, areas that demand ease of maintenance enduring quality and good looks.

The material is very versatile.  Bullnoses and backsplashes of any shape and size can be manufactured on request.  Glue lines and joints are virtually invisible to the naked eye.  Prep bowls and sinks are normally integrated seamlessly.  No more silicone!  Easy to clean.  Very higienic. 

CaesarStone possesses the following distinctive characteristics:

• Superior strength and flexibility
• Highly chip and scratch resistant
• Non-porous and impervious to stains
• Resistant to most household acids
• Highly heat resistant
• Immune to freezing and thawing
• Mould and mildew resistant

Comparative tests have proven CaesarStone superior to other surfaces including natural stone. CaesarStone withstands exposure to tea, coffee, wine, vinegar, lemon juice, and most coloured spices, in fact, just about anything found in a typical kitchen or bathroom. Just wipe and the surface is like new again.

This space age product is stronger than granite and is available in a variety of modern, vibrant colours, allowing you complete decorating freedom.

Formica tops have been around for many years and still make their way into most kitchens. 

Formica tops takes the durability of Formica and combines it with the strength of BisonBord to create a versatile work surface. These engineered worktops have the following features.

Formica tops have the ability to last a lifetime. It is scratch resistant, heat and impact resistant, and comes with the SABS stamp of approval.

It must be said that a bad installation will dramatically shorten the life of your Formica tops, due to moisture penetration.  We have perfected the installation process, sealing every joint properly and with the right sealants, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

I include some popular colours below.

We often use frosted glass for door panels, creating a focus point in your kitchen.  Any decorative pattern can be applied on such a panel. 

We also use coloured glass panels for easy to clean backsplashes. No more cleaning of grout lines between tiles!  Our clients normally provide us with a colour sample of their choice.  Such a sample can be collected from any paint shop or hardware store. Also see some samples below.

Surinno and other polimer-based materials are relative newcomers to the scene of interior design, and promise many additional design possibilities.  The material is normally 13mm thick and is glued to a 16mm board, resulting in a 30mm counter top.  It is softer that granite and CaesarStone, but can be repaired on site easily.  It can also be re-polished or buffed.

The material is very versatile.  Bullnoses and backsplashes of any shape and size can be manufactured on request.  Glue lines and joints are virtually invisible to the naked eye.  Prep bowls and sinks are normally integrated seamlessly.  No more silicone!  Easy to clean.  Very higienic.

Surinno tops are not as cold to touch as is granite and CaesarStone, but needs to be handled more delicately.  It's heat and impact resistance do not compare with that of granite and CaesarStone.  Never put hot pots directly on Surinno.  Use a wooden cutting board or similar product under your pots.