Countertops are one of the most used surfaces in any home or business, so choosing a sustainable option matters for both durability and health.

Common countertop options
Imported stone or engineered stone is often marketed as durable, but it comes with hidden costs: carbon-heavy transport, chemical resins, and quarrying impacts overseas. Laminate, another common option, is cheaper but lacks longevity and is difficult to repair or recycle.

The Innate alternative: solid NZ timber
At Innate Furniture, we specialise in solid timber countertops made from West Coast beech, Northland tōtara, and recycled rimu. These are locally sourced, processed, and finished here in Aotearoa. Solid timber is:

• Durable and repairable – scratches and stains can be sanded and refinished.

• Sustainable – using NZ-grown timbers reduces carbon miles and supports local sawmills and forestry.

• Healthy – finished with natural oils, not synthetic coatings, so you avoid toxins in your kitchen or workspace.

Innovation in finishes
We use natural oils like Osmo and are pioneering UV-cured oils, which are solvent-free, toxin-free, and cure in minutes instead of days. This improves efficiency, reduces energy use, and creates a healthier environment.

Why local matters
Every countertop we make supports NZ raw material suppliers, fabricators, and delivery partners. By cutting out unnecessary imports, we keep value in local communities and reduce environmental impact.

Whether for kitchens, bathrooms, or commercial spaces, the best sustainable countertop option in NZ is solid, locally sourced timber finished naturally. With nationwide delivery, Innate makes it easy to choose a healthier, more sustainable surface.