High Moisture Resistant Particle Board is what the name suggests. Particle board manufactured using compressed wood particles and water resistant glue. This board is used for the manufacture of:

• Substrates for granite bench-tops, typically 18mm HMR
• Substrates for post formed bench-tops, typically 32mm HMR

16mm H.M.R. Melamine

16mm H.M.R. Melamine is 16mm thick HMR particle board coated with a chemically fused and sealed paper coating on both sides.  The coating can also have a texture pressed into it.  The textured finish is referred to as a “stipple” finish.  This particular board is used to manufacture the cabinets (carcasses).

M.D.F. and M.R.

(Medium Density Fibre) Board (Moisture Resistant) is made of very fine compressed wood fibres and comes in several varieties:

Raw MDF MR, is used for soffits.  (Soffits are the up-stands between overheads, pantries and wall-ovens and ceilings.)

Coloured MDF MR, is raw MDF coated with a thin coloured melamine surface on both sides and is used for cabinet doors, end panels and kick plates.  (Vertical Applications only)

Grained MDF MR – is raw MDF coated with a thin melamine surface on both sides and is used for cabinet doors, end panels and kick-plates.  (Vertical Applications only) In this case the top layer of the melamine is actually a photograph of timber grain.

19mm Veneered MDF MR, is 18mm raw MDF coated with a thin layer of natural timber veneer (NTV) on both sides.  Components made with this material are then polished in the same way as if they had been manufactured using solid timber.

Laminate

High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, fusing the layers into a single sheet.  Surprisingly, a sheet of laminate is only 18% plastic resin; the rest is paper.  As with melamine, textures can be introduced. This material is normally less than 1mm thick and can be bonded to substrates.  For example; to create bench-tops.

2 Pack Paint

Corian

Corian is a brand, but many people refer to all solid plastic surface benches as “Corian”.
The advantage of these benches is that the colour goes all the way through and if any damage does occur it can be machined out and the top re-finished. Many would say that a Corian or “solid surface” bench gives a kitchen a “high tech” look.

Granite and Marble

Granite and marble are cut from natural stone and are polished to a uniform smooth surface.  A variety of edges can be cut into both marble and granite. Granite is a stone which has been formed involving volcanic action and has become very hard.

Marble is similar to granite, but is not the result of volcanic action and is much softer and not as hard wearing. Care to avoid staining – marble is extremely susceptible to staining. Liquids such as: red wine, lemon juice, tomato juice and various foodstuffs will almost certainly stain marble and most likely granite too. Both marble and granite need to have sealing treatments. When the stone is delivered to the clients it already has had a full sealing treatment done.  This can be re-done by clients approximately every 6 months. The sealant is a clear water-like liquid that can be brushed or rubbed on.  This will assist the surfaces in resisting stains.

Colours – granite comes in a striking range of natural colours, which vary in pattern.  With granite or marble it is recommended that Clients visit the stone mason and select their slab in order to achieve the desired result. Many people feel that granite tends to give an old fashioned and a “cold” look to kitchens, however other people love the “classic look” these materials convey.

Engineered stone

Origin

Staining

It is scratch and stain resistant and is resistant to most household chemicals, acids and oils. For everyday cleaning the suppliers recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water and a damp cloth or alternatively use a quality “spray and wipe” type cleaner. For extra stubborn spills they recommend using their own special cream cleanser. It seems to be similar to Jiff, but less coarse. Clients can purchase it directly from CaesarStone. Engineered stone is non-porous and never requires a sealing treatment and is mould and mildew resistant. While CaesarStone is referred to as heat resistant, hot objects should never be placed directly onto the stone e.g. Directly out of the oven and onto a cold top.  The stone could go into shock and fracture, as can natural stone as well. Clients are directed to the CaesarStone web site www.caesarstone.com.au should they require in-depth information about the product.

Note: CaesarStone carries a ten year warranty.

Colours

Composite stone is available in a broad range of colours and patterns.

CaesarStone is largely consistent in finish and colour, in contrast to the variations/patterns found in natural stone.

Timber or “Gluelam”

Solid timber benches are made from strips of timber glued together to form a solid piece.  The glue is waterproof and the whole bench must be sealed against moisture, including cut-outs for sinks, hotplates, etc.  Timber benches are normally finished in a clear two pack polyurethane finish, which is very hard and comparatively scratch resistant.

Timber benches are comparatively soft compared to laminate, Corian, or stone, and many feel that they give a kitchen a feeling of warmth and a natural look.

Stainless Steel

These benches have a “high tech” look and can be hard to clean; they also tend to show scratches. They are however very durable and in the right kitchen can look stunning