Have you seen Caesarstone's concrete range - Cloudburst (new one) Raw, Rugged, & Sleek? I mention them because you suggested a cement polish finish. Is the existing black bench still in good shape? Is it engineered stone?

Hi Adrienne. Since I wrote my comment I have been to the caeserstone showroom in Melbourne and I questioned them about the staining. The lady was really good and explained the material and how is it very resistant to staining. Also she said that pretty much anything will stain any kind of stone bench top and even more so, if you let the stain sit and soak in. She gave me two sample pieces of the airy concrete and also a sample bottle of their stone bench cleaner. She said to spill something in one of the samples and test out the cleaner. To be honest I haven’t done that yet. But a friend of mine said they used it when they spilt red wine on white stone bench and concrete flooring and used the cleaner. He said that you wouldn’t even know that the wine was spilt, no stain at all. I’m still going with it. I just love it. Fell more in love with it when I saw the huge slab of it at the caeserstone showroom!!

Hi Tim we don't have photos but you can check it out on the Caesarstone website http://www.caesarstone.com.au/Portals/0/Images/Colours/4011.jpg or if your close to Crows Nest we have just installed a reception desk in our showroom using Cloud Burst Concrete and it looks fantastic your more than welcome to pop in and have a look! We are at 360 Pacific Highway Crows Nest. Ph 9439 8112

The gloss Ceaserstones are durable, workable kitchen surfaces, but like any kitchen benchtop they are not indestructable, and still need to be cleaned. Usually a quick daily wipe down with a damp cloth is enough, but don't let spilt red wine sit around too long as it will stain. I can't vouch for the Raw Concrete and Cloudburst Concrete as I would not recommend them to a client. They are currently too fashionable and will date. A more classic look is better long term value when you consider that most new kitchens are around for fifteen to twenty years. The plainer the pattern the more obvious it is that it will need cleaning. Benchtops with a stronger pattern, such as Atlantic Salt are better at disguising mess, but still need to be cleaned. It is your money and your kitchen and if you are unhappy with your architect suggesting a product you need to let them know that you want something more practical. It sounds like you have done your research on Raw Concrete and Cloudburst Concrete, and they haven't! If you really want a concrete look benchtop then checkout the GFRC benchtops made by Slab Culture. https://www.slabculture.com.au/ Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls