How to Choose the Right Acrylic Benchtop Design for Your Kitchen

Choosing a benchtop is one of the most important decisions in any kitchen renovation. It needs to look great, suit your lifestyle, and stand up to daily use.

Acrylic solid surface benchtops are increasingly popular across Otago for their versatility, seamless finish and repairability — but how do you choose the right one for your space?

Here are the key factors to consider:

Consider how you use your kitchen

Start with how your kitchen functions day to day. Busy family kitchens, entertainers, and compact apartment kitchens all have different needs. Acrylic solid surface works well in high-use spaces because it is non-porous, hygienic, and forgiving if minor wear occurs over time.

If food prep is a priority, consider features such as integrated drainer grooves beside the sink or a slightly raised upstand behind the benchtop to protect walls from splashes.

Choose a finish that suits your design style

Acrylic solid surface benchtops are typically polished to a smooth, refined finish that feels contemporary and clean. One of the strengths of the material is its design flexibility - from classic marble-look styles to modern concrete-inspired finishes and everything in between.

McGrath Benchtops works with a wide range of colours and patterns, allowing you to achieve a timeless look or something more architectural, without the inconsistencies found in natural stone.

Waterfall Ends & Negative Detail Waterfall Ends

Waterfall benchtops, where the surface continues down the side of cabinetry or an island, are a popular way to create a strong, architectural look in modern kitchens. Acrylic solid surface works particularly well for waterfall ends because joins can be finished cleanly and seamlessly, whether you’re aiming for a stone-inspired look or a more minimal, contemporary finish.

A standard waterfall end aligns the vertical panel directly under the benchtop for a solid, continuous appearance. A negative detail waterfall end introduces a small recessed shadow line between the benchtop and the vertical panel, creating a lighter, more refined look. Both options can be made to measure and tailored to suit the overall kitchen design, and are worth considering early in the planning stage.

Think about sink integration

Seamless sink integration is one of the standout advantages of acrylic solid surface. Undermounted sinks can be bonded directly to the benchtop, eliminating dirt-catching seams and creating a clean, modern finish.

This approach not only looks great but also improves hygiene and makes cleaning easier - a big plus for busy kitchens.

Plan for heat and everyday wear

Like most benchtop materials, acrylic solid surface benefits from simple care habits. Trivets should be used for hot pots, and sharp objects shouldn’t be used directly on the surface. The upside? Minor scratches or surface wear can often be repaired or refinished — something that isn’t possible with chipped stone or laminate.

Work with a specialist fabricator

The quality of fabrication and installation makes a significant difference to the final result. McGrath Benchtops specialises in custom acrylic solid surface benchtops, ensuring precise joins, seamless finishes, and thoughtful detailing tailored to your kitchen layout.

Planning a kitchen renovation?

Contact McGrath Benchtops to discuss colours, finishes and practical features - and to view samples suited to your space.