Kitchen benchtops
Full-length tops with welded-in bowls, drainer grooves and a rolled or square front edge.
Custom fabrication · Residential & architectural
Stainless steel kitchen benchtops, built to your cabinetry.
Stainless benchtops
Replacing a top on existing cabinetry or fitting an awkward kitchen layout? Matt makes stainless benchtops to your measurements or template, with welded sink bowls, upstands, edges and the finish you choose.
Indicative pricing · NZD
$1,500
from, + GST
A single run from $1,500; a full kitchen typically $4,500–$10,000 + GST
Price guide & quoted scopeOr call Matt 021 2555 443
- Seamless
- Welded sink bowls and joins
- Made to measure
- Templated on site or from your drawings
- Your finish
- Brushed, textured and other finishes
Choosing a finish
Which stainless finish suits your bench?
Every stainless benchtop picks up marks with use. The finish decides how much they show and whether the surface can be refinished later.
| Finish | Look | Everyday wear | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushed (satin, No. 4) | Fine straight grain with a soft sheen | Shows scratches and fingerprints, but can be refinished along the grain and welds can be blended to match | Most kitchen and commercial benchtops |
| Hairline | Longer, continuous grain lines | Similar to brushed; refinishing needs care to keep the long lines | A cleaner, more architectural look |
| Vibration | Random swirl with no direction | Hides light scratches and glare better than a straight grain | Busy home kitchens and islands |
| Textured or patterned | Pressed linen or similar texture | The most forgiving day to day, but patterned sheet can’t be re-polished once deeply scratched | Heavy use and family kitchens |
| Mirror | Highly reflective | Shows every mark and scratches easily | Trims, edges and splashbacks rather than work surfaces |
Grade matters outdoors: 316 is the usual recommendation near the coast, where 304 is more likely to tea-stain. Indoors, 304 is the common choice.
02 / Price & scope
Indicative benchtop pricing.
Researched planning estimates in NZD, excluding GST. The number depends on length and depth, the number of bowls, edge and upstand details, the finish and whether it is 304 or 316.
Discuss your quote with MattCustom stainless benchtop
Templated, fabricated and fitted as one welded piece.
$1,500from, + GST
A single run from $1,500; a full kitchen typically $4,500–$10,000 + GST
Details to agree for your job
- Stainless grade, thickness and support agreed for the job
- Welded and polished sink bowls
- Square, rolled, marine or waterfall edges
- Templated and fitted in the Auckland region
Scope & other costs
Planning rate roughly $1,000–$1,300 per square metre made and fitted in the Auckland region, plus each welded bowl. Freight and fitting outside Auckland are quoted per job.
Indicative prices by type
| Benchtop | Indicative price | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|
| Straight run, brushed | From $1,500 + GST | Length, depth, edge detail and any upstand |
| Welded sink bowl | $400–$600 + GST each | Bowl size, drainer grooves and tap holes |
| Island or large one-piece top | $3,000–$4,500 + GST | Size, welded joins, overhangs and waterfall ends |
| Full kitchen | $4,500–$10,000 + GST | Total area, number of pieces, bowls and cut-outs |
| Textured finish or 316 grade | Quoted per job | Sheet availability and the finish chosen |
What to send for an accurate quote
- Cabinet layout with overall lengths and depths, or a plan with measurements
- Sink, tap, cooktop and appliance models or cut-out sizes
- Edge, upstand and splashback preferences
- The finish you like, and whether the top is indoors, outdoors or near the coast
- Where you are: templating and fitting are local to Auckland; elsewhere, ask about working from your template
03 / Also built here
Plan the rest of your project.
Explore related products, or talk to the Patumahoe workshop about stainless steel, aluminium and mild steel fabrication.
04 / The practical details
Questions about stainless steel benchtops.
Will a stainless benchtop scratch?
Yes. All stainless picks up fine scratches with use. Brushed, vibration and textured finishes make them far less noticeable than a mirror finish, and a brushed top can be refinished along the grain if it is ever needed.
Which finish hides marks best?
Textured finishes are the most forgiving, followed by vibration and then brushed. Mirror shows the most and is better kept to trims and splashbacks. See the finish guide above for the trade-offs.
304 or 316 stainless?
304 is the usual choice indoors. For outdoor kitchens and anywhere near the coast, 316 resists tea-staining better and is the safer choice.
Can you make a benchtop if I’m not in Auckland?
Talk to Matt. Templating and fitting are done locally to Auckland; elsewhere, a top can be made from an accurate template or measurements and freighted, with fitting arranged by your builder or kitchen installer.
How is the benchtop measured?
Once the cabinets are installed in their final position, the top is templated so out-of-square walls, corners and cut-outs are captured. Have your sink, tap and appliance details ready.
Can you fit an undermount or integrated sink?
Both. Many customers choose a fully welded, integrated bowl because there is no join for grime to collect in, but undermount bowls of your choice can be fitted as well.
How do I look after it?
Wash with water and a mild detergent, wipe along the grain and dry it. Avoid steel wool, bleach and chloride cleaners, and don’t leave wet steel items sitting on the top, as they can leave rust marks.
How does stainless compare on price?
A custom stainless top usually costs more than laminate and sits in a similar range to engineered stone, with welded sinks and seamless joins included in the work rather than as cut-outs.
How it works
Spec, quote, fabricate, fit.
01
Spec
We confirm size, materials, the loadings or spec and how it will be used.
02
Quote
It is all priced before any steel is cut, so there are no surprises.
03
Fabricate
Built in the Patumahoe workshop to the agreed spec.
04
Fit
Delivered, fitted or installed and checked over before handover.
Let’s make it fit
Show Matt what you’re working with.
Send photos, rough cabinet dimensions and the positions of sinks and appliances. Tell Matt about awkward corners or existing fittings the new benchtop needs to work around.