Thank you we are looking forward to it :-) I have already done a whole floor plan for the renovations and additions and I have done elevations for the kitchen, which have already had a few changes due to seeing something on Houzz and thinking hmmmm that would work better etc. I will also run the drawings past an architect just to make sure there isn't a better way of doing things. Also we will live in the house as is for quite some time before starting the renovations which will give us a feel for how things should be. Very much appreciate all the advice. Regards Lynda

I think your benchtop material choice really depends on how both you and your husband live and what level of natural wear you are comfortable with showing. Natural wood benchtops to me are very similar to natural stone or stainless steel. The surfaces will naturally age and show use, scratches and imperfections much more than say a caesarstone if it's a high use area but some people love that look and it goes well with an industrial or natural style. My wife and I thought long and hard about it but realised we want the benchtop to look as new and clean each time as possible so opted back for caeserstone (Ocean Foam) which hid small stains and dust :)

thanks how2girl, but I guess my question is more about polishing concrete that has been sealed/oiled than it is about concrete benchtops (hence those threads were a bit generic). A bit more research suggests to me that a sander is the tool to use. I'm thinking of attaching some used carpet to a sander. I'm still unsure of whether to use a polishing cream - I think it perhaps can't do any harm though, and may add to the shine. Then the question becomes whether it makes sense to add bees wax over the top. To me, it seems it would protect the shine. But I'm guessing all of this.

Full residential underbench drawers are better for you, less noise. Not many options though. Sub Zero has 610 and 760mm https://au.subzero-wolf.com/en/sub-zero/counter-refrigerator Fisher Paykel has 900mm (855 to be exact) https://www.fisherpaykel.com/au/kitchen/fridges-freezers/built-in-refrigeration/cooldrawer-multi-temperature-drawer.RB90S64MKIW1.html Both has customizeable front panel (I am sure sub zero can, f&p pretty sure you can do it, just like their dishdrawers) Going commercial, you have more range, built like a tank, and more noisy Adande is the top range drawers, Best available for commercials, they have double sided one as well, you can push and pull from either side Turboair / Polar is another option for more drawers. Williams / Skope only has the 2door - 3door - 4door type but they look very commercial, mostly stainless or glass door only.