Thats an interesting question. Its all about what you want to achieve as the end result. I would imagine you could wrap the bench in chicken wire and then render. You would need at least 10mm thick and should probably add something to the mix to give it more flexibility. You will also need to seal it I suggest some sort of Boncote. Things to consider are re fitting of appliances or sinks ,are you doing it in situ? What will be the end bench height and suitability ? Hope that gives you a few starters. Let me know

Yours do look very nice but don't forget there are 1000s of homes with laminate bench tops with cook tops sitting directly on them. Don't think that the sides of a BBQ get hotter than a wok burner. I do like your first pic, the more compact one. What would be the approx cost sans BBQ?

Hi iggs85. I see your point re cost and how you think it may look. I'll attach a photo of one of my semi-recessed basins in stone. We had to use semi-recessed due to space restrictions as well. The benches are 440. Are yours narrower? I did Google stone benchtop offcuts. eBay has some in marble and granite. There appear to be businesses that do sell offcuts. Anyway, I think you would certainly be able to find a beautiful laminate you like. There is such a wide range. There are also some that look so much like stone. Will you have vanity cabinets/drawers under the benchtop? If so, what are your thoughts there? Same laminate or different? Have you visited any shops yet to look at samples?

Hi again. Finally took the plunge and had the kitchen resprayed. So much lighter and a great job by the professionals. Hard to remember the mustard kitchen now, except the photos remind me.