Hi Jess, Unfortunately it probably wont stop doing this, as the timber join is butted together that join will always move given the nature of timber. A solution but might not be a cost effective solution would be to router the underneath of the join out with timber and glue in some more timber to help hold the join (a patch kinda thing) this will make the join stronger (assuming this hasn't already been done) Then we only recommend either a oil or wax finish if you want it to be left with a natural look or we apply a clear epoxy resin finish, this is a very good product (about 2-3 mm thick) and it lets the timber move a little and the product moves with the timber rather than crack like the lacquer seems to do. We pretty much always have the same result with kitchen benches when it comes to the sink area and joins. The main cause I see happening is that the timber moves (and it will never stop moving) and then if the lacquer is not flexible it will split open causing a spot for moisture to get in and under the lacquer making it go all funky like that A easier option would be to sand the tops and apply a oil and keep maintaining it, then you will never get the funky cloudy stuff happening, but you will need to do some research on what product are best and available where you are Good luck :-)

I am about to finally order our kitchen and wonder what the opinion is on 20 mm benchtop (engineered stone) or 30 mm. We are having Heritage Ezi Venice extrusion handles and I am a bit worried that maybe they will overpower the 20 mm benchtop? The cupboards are white and the benchtop is Grigio Mist (grey) and still deciding on a handle colour! Cheers and thanks :_

Thanks Geoff, that’s a good point! We will paint the walls a white with slight grey to it, do you think a white splashback would work? We were thinking black to match the cooktop but also show off the benchtop. If anyone needs more info - the rest of the house is quite neutral, leaning towards a slight country theme but still keeping it modern.

I would like to hear from anyone who has actually had one in their kitchen and how did it perform. I'm talking about the hole in the benchtop where you put your compost waste into and it falls into a bucket underneath. I used one at a hired lodge with an industrial kitchen and really loved it but wondered what it would be like in your kitchen for everyday use. Does it end up getting smelly and is it easy to clean? Also, does other stuff (like cutley) end up down there too... by mistake!?