stainless steel bench tops

A small kitchen with patterned black-and-white tile backsplash, white cabinets, and a stainless steel countertop. There is a black stovetop, a microwave, and a coffee maker on the counter. The wall has framed artwork, and the floor is wooden.

At Lakeside Stainless, we design, fabricate, and install custom stainless steel kitchen benchtops for new homes, renovations, outdoor kitchens, and commercial projects throughout Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, and Central Otago. Every benchtop is made to order, allowing us to create a solution that perfectly suits your space, style, and requirements. From seamless benchtops and splashbacks to welded sinks, shelving, and custom features, we work with you to create a kitchen that is both functional and built to last.

Why choose Stainless Steel?

Durability
Stainless steel is extremely durable, perfect for high-use areas without losing its aesthetics.

Easy Maintenance
Stainless steel won’t chip, crack, or fade. Regular cleaning and occasional buffing keep it looking like new. See more below for tips!

Hygienic
A non-porous surface makes stainless steel ideal for kitchens, preventing bacteria buildup and ensuring easy cleaning.

Design Flexibility
Stainless steel can be shaped and styled to suit any kitchen design, offering flexibility in creating custom, modern features that fit your unique space.

Finishes
Stainless steel offers a variety of surface finishes, from matte to polished, each providing a distinct look. These finishes are durable and maintain their appeal over time.

What stainless steel finish?

  • A close-up image of a brushed metal surface with a horizontal grain pattern.

    No.4 Satin

    A smooth, brushed finish with a soft sheen, offering a subtle, modern look. Matches most kitchen appliances.

  • Close-up photo of a plain, textured gray fabric surface.

    DULL BRUSHED

    A softer, rotary brushed surface with fine grain lines that hides fingerprints and imperfections, making it ideal for areas requiring a more understated, practical look.

  • Plain light-colored fabric surface with visible texture and weave pattern.

    HIGH BRUSHED

    A semi-reflective rotary brush that provides a sleek, modern aesthetic while still masking minor scratches and fingerprints.

  • Close-up of the corner of a shiny, reflective metallic object with smooth, rounded edges.

    MIRROR POLISHED

    A highly polished, reflective surface with a sleek, glossy appearance. It’s ideal for decorative purposes, though it requires more care to maintain its pristine look.

  • Close-up of a textured surface with a pattern of small raised ovals on a white background.

    LINEN

    A textured surface resembling woven fabric, its textured surface helps mask minor scratches and wear, making it a durable choice for high-traffic or heavy-use areas.

THICKNESS OPTIONS

20-60mm thick

We offer a range of stainless steel kitchen bench top thickness options depending on the look, application, and budget of your project.

Close-up of a stainless steel countertop with a fluffy brown poodle lying on it, in a modern kitchen with white walls and cabinets.

1.5mm thick Stainless steel sheet wrapped over a plywood substrate to create a thicker profile while maintaining the stainless steel finish.

20–60mm Stainless Wrapped Bench Tops

Modern kitchen with wood and stainless steel cabinetry, black countertop, and ventilation hood.

A slim, solid stainless steel plate with a clean modern look. Ideal for contemporary kitchens, outdoor areas, and minimalist designs.

5–6mm Solid Stainless Steel plate

5-6mm thick

More options

  • A stainless steel sink and countertop area in a workshop or industrial setting, with tools and equipment visible in the background.

    Anti Spill

    An anti-spill edge is a raised edge folded into the benchtop to help contain liquids and prevent spills from running onto the floor or surrounding cabinetry. Commonly used in commercial kitchens, bars, laundries and food preparation areas.

  • A modern stainless steel range hood with a built-in thermometer on a kitchen wall. The background features light-colored textured wall and dark cabinetry below.

    Upstand / Splashback

    Upstands and splashbacks provide a clean, easy to maintain finish where the benchtop meets the wall. They help protect wall surfaces from water, grease and general wear while creating a seamless appearance.

    Depending on the application, upstands can be folded as part of the benchtop, welded to the benchtop for a seamless finish, or supplied as separate pieces that are fixed to the wall. Available in a range of heights to suit residential, commercial and hospitality environments.

  • A stainless steel kitchen sink with a single basin and a drain at the bottom, set into a light-colored countertop.

    Welded in Sink

    Our stainless steel sinks can be fully welded into the benchtop for a seamless finish with no gaps or joins to trap dirt and bacteria. Welded-in sinks are a popular choice for commercial kitchens, hospitality venues, healthcare facilities and modern residential kitchens where hygiene and easy cleaning are important.

  • A stainless steel worktable with a black top surface, a wooden cutting board, a glass lid, and a drain on a concrete workshop floor with various tools and equipment in the background.

    Framing with optional shelves

    Benchtops can be supplied with a stainless steel frame for additional strength and support. Framing can be customised to suit your application and may include undershelves, mid-shelves, pot shelves or storage areas to maximise functionality and organisation.

  • A small stainless steel sink with a wall-mounted faucet that has red and blue handles, a soap dispenser, and a bottle of hand soap on the counter. The scene appears to be in a public restroom or similar facility.

    Stainless Steel Drawers

    Custom stainless steel drawers, cupboards and storage solutions can be incorporated into your benchtop design. Whether you need utensil drawers, enclosed storage or open shelving, we can tailor the layout to suit your workspace and operational requirements.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR
stainless steel kitchen BENCH TOP

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, black cabinetry, and open shelves filled with dishes and baskets, featuring a sleek counter and a cozy seating area with black cushions.

Never put hot items directly on your stainless-steel bench top, as it can damage the bond to the wood and cause irreparable popping.

After use, wipe the stainless-steel product surface with a soft damp soapy cloth, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

Avoid coarse scouring, steel wool pads or abrasive cleansers as they can scratch the surface and leave rust stains from embedded fragments.

Stainless steel is durable but can be scratched by sharp objects. To keep surfaces blemish-free, use a chopping board, avoid cutting directly on the bench and lift items rather than dragging them across the bench top.

Avoid cleaners with chlorine or bleach, as they cause corrosion. Use an alcohol-based cleaner instead.

Clean and polish the surface regularly with stainless steel polish to keep it looking smooth and shiny.

BEYOND STAINLESS STEEL

These finishes are typically used for decorative applications such as splashbacks, feature panels, architectural details, and custom metalwork rather than everyday bench top surfaces.

  • Close-up of a gold metallic textured surface.

    BRASS

    A warm, golden-hued metal that develops a natural patina over time. Brass offers a classic, elegant look that can be polished for a bright finish or left to age for a vintage feel.
    *Patina options available

  • Close-up of a brown leather surface with visible texture and grain.

    COPPER

    A metal known for its distinctive colour and ability to develop a beautiful patina with time. Copper can be polished for a vibrant sheen or left to oxidise for a more rustic appearance.
    *Patina options available

  • Close-up image of a textured concrete or stone surface.

    MILD STEEL

    A raw, industrial look with a natural, unfinished surface. It’s commonly used for its strength and can be left exposed or coated for rust protection. It’s often powder-coated or painted for different design effects.

  • Close-up of a textured metallic surface with a repeating diamond pattern.

    TEXTURED

    A surface treatment where patterns or textures are embossed onto the metal, providing added depth, visual interest, and scratch resistance. Textured finishes are ideal for both decorative and functional applications, helping to mask wear. Pop into our office to see what options we have available.

Custom Stainless Steel
Extractor Hood Covers

Commercial kitchen hood with the brand name 'Parmco' on it, four black knives with white handles on a magnetic strip on the wall, and part of a round frying pan hanging from a hook.

Complete your kitchen with a custom stainless steel extractor hood cover designed to suit your space. Whether you're looking to conceal a rangehood, create a feature above a kitchen island, or achieve a seamless finish alongside your benchtops and splashbacks, we can fabricate a solution to suit.

We can manufacture extractor hood covers from scratch or modify existing units to better fit your kitchen design and layout. Each cover is made to measure and can be tailored to suit residential, commercial and hospitality environments.