In New Zealand, benchtops are a focal point of kitchens, cafés, and workspaces. But many common options — like imported stone, engineered stone, or laminates — come with environmental and health downsides.

Why common benchtops aren’t sustainable

• Imported stone has heavy carbon miles and quarrying impacts overseas.

• Engineered stone contains resins and chemicals, and concerns have been raised about silica dust in fabrication.

• Laminate is affordable but short-lived, non-repairable, and destined for landfill.

The Innate solution: solid NZ timber benchtops
We craft benchtops from West Coast beech, Northland tōtara, and recycled rimu, all sourced and processed in Aotearoa. Timber is:

• Repairable and durable – scratches or wear can be sanded back and refinished.

• Naturally beautiful – each piece is unique, with grain and colour that bring warmth to any space.

• Healthy – finished with non-toxic oils, safe for food prep and indoor air quality.

• Sustainable – choosing NZ-grown timber reduces imports and supports local communities.

Finishes that matter
We use natural oils like Osmo and are pioneering UV-cured natural oils. This solvent-free, toxin-free finish reduces curing time from 7 days to minutes, cutting energy use and improving turnaround. Looking forward, we’re developing a NZ-grown oil system with AgResearch to make finishes even more sustainable and fully local.

Why timber is the best choice
Unlike stone or laminate, timber benchtops can last for generations with care. They age gracefully, gaining character, and can be refinished multiple times. By pairing solid timber with skilled NZ craftsmanship, we create benchtops that embody both sustainability and longevity.

So, what’s the best sustainable benchtop option in NZ? The answer is solid timber — local, durable, toxin-free, and built to last.