FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

​General Questions

IS THERE SOMEONE TO HELP ME SELECT MY BENCHTOPS?

Every ACCENT Benchtops showroom has trained staff who can help you with your selection of benchtops.

WHERE DO I GET SAMPLES?

Samples are available in any of our ACCENT Benchtops showroom or you  can visit the supplier showrooms or websites HERE

MINERAL STONE Specific Questions

WHAT IS MINERAL STONE?

Mineral stone is a manmade product. Mutiple minerals are combined with pigments and resins to create slabs that are non-porous, strong, and rival the beauty of quarry stones. At ACCENT Benchtops our stock collection comes from the industries’ foremost brand like Caeserstone, Quantum Zero, YDL Stone Ambassador and Lithostone and many more.

CAN I PUT HOT THINGS ON A MINERAL SURFACE?

Generally, minerals are heat resistant, but due to pigment in the stone it should not be subjected to extreme heat.  A tea kettle or a hot dish out of the microwave is typically not a threat but a 450° pot from the oven can cause damage. We always recommend the use of a hot pad or trivet to protect the benchtops from extreme heat conditions.

WILL MINERAL STONE CHIP?

Under normal usage conditions, it is unlikely that your mineral benchtop will chip. The edges are more susceptible to chipping than the middle of the surface, and if struck with force (e.g., a heavy pot) or belt buckles. it is possible that chips can occur. Such occurrences are not covered by any manufacturing warranty but it is possible to repair, depending on the size of the chip.

WILL MY BENCHTOP BE SEAMLESS?

The size and shape of your benchtop will determine if seams are required. With advancements in technology the seams are quite discreet.

WILL MINERAL PRODUCTS VARY IN COLOR?

Mineral benchtops are composed of natural minerals, this means variation in the natural stone, color, pattern, size, shape, and shade are inherent and these unique characteristics are to be expected with all products.

WILL THE BENCHTOP HAVE A SEAM ON THE EDGE AND DO I NEED A SUB-TOP?

The thickness of all our standard edges is 20mm. This provides an edge that requires no sub-top buildup and no seamed edge lamination. We do offer custom edges with a stacked look or bulky edge, and those could require a sub-top, which will be determined at template.

DO I NEED TO SEAL MINERAL BENCHTOPS?

Mineral stone is non-porous and never needs to be sealed.

CAN I CUT ON MINERAL BENCHTOPS?

It is not recommended to cut directly on stone benchtops. Though durable, we recommend the use of a cutting board to prevent any damage from excessive force.

​SINKS SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

WHO INSTALLS THE SINKS AND FAUCETS?

All plumbing fixtures can be installed by ACCENT Benchtops if you do not already have a contractor for the job.  Be sure to confirm that you want them installed when placing the order, as this service will require more time on site during installation. Any plumbing hook-up is to be organised by the homeowner or builder.

WHO HOOKS UP THE PLUMBING?

A licensed plumber to be organised by the builder or homeowner.

NEW under 1% formula

NEW FORMULA UNDER 1% SILICA FREE

The new under 1% Crystalline silica is a new product that is free of Silica and complies with WHS and Government organisations code of practice. It is made without Quartz or Silica.

HAS IT BEEN TESTED?

Along with specific Australian testing on all brands, we also test every new product to ensure we can work with a new material. We test the cutting and installation of the product prior to offering as a benchtop option. If you would like further information please contact the intended brand or supplier and they can assist with providing more information.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

The new Silica Free formula is developed without Silica and utilises a recycled mineral mix, it cuts the same and has the same benefits of an engineered stone without the silica. It is a great solution for a durable benchtop at a reasonable price point. We still recommend to contact or visit the showroom for the brand for more information.

IS IT WITHIN GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS?

Yes we only use suppliers and brands that are tested in Australia and comply with a strict code of practice and safe work framework. We request all testing results and certificates on all brands. 

​Template Questions

WHAT IS A TEMPLATE AND WHAT HAPPENS AT TEMPLATE?

A template is a digital rendering of what your new benchtops will look like, fit to the walls and cabinets in your home. During this appointment, a template specialist will inspect your cabinets and walls, take measurements with a digital device, review all the details of your job and answer any final questions you may have before your benchtops are produced.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR A TEMPLATE?

All cabinets must be installed and ready prior to template taking place.  We generally require sinks, basins, cooktops or any other plumbing fixtures to be on site during template. 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY BENCHTOP TO BE MADE?

Depending on the type of benchtop, production times will vary and generally the lead time from template to install for stone benchtops is about 10 to 14 business days. If you have ordered a custom color, be advised that it will add to the normal stock lead time. Please speak to a showroom representative for lead times on specific materials.

​Installation Questions

HOW LONG DOES A BENCHTOP INSTALLATION LAST?

Installation times vary greatly depending on the type of material, layout of the job, levelness of the cabinets, and preparedness for the installation. On average, a general kitchen benchtop installation takes about three to four hours.

DO I HAVE TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR FOR MY INSTALLATION?

Accent Benchtops offers a full service installation to ensure that your new benchtop is installed correctly and on time. However, we do not organize other facilities such as electrical works, plumbing, tiling etc.

WILL THE BENCHTOP INSTALLATION BE NOISY/MESSY/SMELLY?

While we take the utmost care while installing your benchtops, there are loud tools required to complete the job. We have dust collection systems but no installation process is 100% dust free. You may want to drape or cover areas to contain the dust to the construction area. We will leave the job-site in “broom swept” condition. Additionally, chemicals are often used in the installation process. Epoxies and other glues can have a strong odor but are not a health concern with an open window.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF MY NEW BENCHTOPS?

Please have cabinets ready prior to the installation crews arrival and have all plumbing fixtures that needs to be installed on site. Due to the size and weight of the benchtops, we request that a clear path be provided and that the workspace is vacant.  

CAN I INSTALL MY OWN BENCHTOPS?

At ACCENT Benchtops we offer a full service experience that includes installation of benchtops. We do offer the option of you installing your own benchtops, however no warranty on workmanship will apply for self installed benchtops. 

IS THE SINK INSTALLED BY THE CREW OR DO I NEED A PLUMBER?

Yes. ACCENT Benchtops will offer installation of sinks.

DO I (HOMEOWNER) NEED TO BE THERE FOR INSTALLATION?

A decision maker over the age of 18 must be present, preferably one of the homeowners, should be at home for the duration of the install.  This person is needed to answer any questions about touch-up and finish, any questions regarding fixtures and appliances, and for final inspection and sign-off.

​Sinks Specific Questions

WHO REMOVES THE OLD SINK AND PLUMBING?

ACCENT Benchtops offers the service of removal and reinstall. Be sure to confirm this when placing the order, as this service will require more time on site during install. There is generally a charge for this service.

WHO INSTALLS THE SINKS AND FAUCETS?

All plumbing fixtures can be installed by ACCENT Benchtops if you do not already have a contractor for the job. ACCENT Benchtops will always ensure that the fixtures fit. Be sure to confirm that you want them installed when placing the order, as this service will require more time on site during install. Any plumbing hook-up is to be organised by the homeowner or builder.

WHO HOOKS UP THE PLUMBING?

A licensed plumber to be organised by the builder or homeowner.