How to Upgrade Your Benchtop Without Replacing It: The Smarter DIY Method Behind Renovation Rescue

Most homeowners dream of giving their kitchen a fresh, modern look, but the moment they start pricing new benchtops, reality bites. Between materials, labour, demolition, disposal fees, and the inevitable wait for trades, a simple upgrade can jump into the $2,000 to $5,000 range fast.

And that is if you can even find a tradie who is available.

The truth is, thousands of perfectly good benchtops get ripped out every year simply because they are scratched, stained, or just plain dated. Not because they are broken, but because people do not realise there is a smarter, far more affordable way to transform them.

That is exactly why Renovation Rescue exists.

Why Renovation Rescue Started

We built Renovation Rescue on a simple belief:

A beautiful home should not require a huge budget or a huge renovation.

Most homeowners are not looking for a full remodel. They just want the big visual impact: a benchtop that looks clean, modern, and high end without the cost or chaos of replacing it.

So we set out to bring proven, DIY friendly stone resurfacing systems to NZ and Australia. Products that deliver designer level results without the need for tradespeople or specialised tools.

At the centre of that mission is our hero product, SpreadStone.

The Smarter Method: DIY Stone Resurfacing (Not Paint)

If you have seen cheap benchtop paint kits online, forget everything you know.

SpreadStone is not paint. It is a real stone resurfacing system that gives you an authentic mineral finish, the look and feel of natural stone without the price tag of replacing your benchtop.

Instead of covering your surface with a thin layer of colour, SpreadStone creates a textured, durable stone coating that bonds to laminate, MDF, wood, and even tile.

It is trusted overseas, proven in thousands of homes, and now finally available locally.

What Makes SpreadStone Different

Here are the four qualities homeowners love most:

Real stone finish

SpreadStone uses genuine stone particles to create a natural, textured finish that looks and feels premium. Not like a fake paint job.

Safe for indoor use (low VOC)

No harsh smells. No toxic fumes. Safe to apply inside your home.

Works on laminate, MDF, wood, and tile

If your benchtop is structurally sound, SpreadStone will bond beautifully.

Heat resistant

Built for real kitchens and everyday living.

A Real World Result

One of our early customers had been quoted nearly $3,000 to replace her worn laminate benchtop. She found us while searching for alternatives and decided to try SpreadStone over a weekend.

By Sunday afternoon, her benchtop looked brand new. Textured, modern, and clean.

Total cost was under $500.

Her takeaway: “It feels like a new kitchen. I cannot believe I did not know this was possible.”

This is the kind of transformation we see again and again.

How It Works (Simple 3 Step Process)

SpreadStone is designed to be simple, forgiving, and DIY friendly, even if you have never done a project like this before.

1. Clean and prep

Wipe down, lightly scuff sand, and dust off your surface. This helps the coating grip firmly.

2. Apply the stone finish

Roll on the textured stone layer to build your new surface. This is where the visual transformation happens.

3. Seal and protect

Finish with a clear, durable sealer that locks everything in and keeps your benchtop looking great for years.

No demolition.

No trades.

No special tools.

Just a weekend and a roller.

Why DIYers Love This Method

• Transform your benchtop for under $500

• Looks high end without the high end price

• Weekend friendly

• Minimal mess

• Increases your home’s appeal and value

• Perfect for updating kitchens before selling or renting

For budget savvy renovators, it is one of the highest impact upgrades you can make.

Is SpreadStone Right for Your Benchtop

Choose SpreadStone if:

• Your benchtop is structurally sound but looks dated

• You want a stone look without the stone price

• You are renting and want an affordable, landlord approved update

• You are prepping a home for sale

• You want a DIY upgrade without trades or demolition

If that sounds like you, you are in the perfect place to start.

Ready to Rescue Your Benchtop

SpreadStone makes it simple to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom without the cost or chaos of replacing anything.

Explore the SpreadStone range today and see how easy it is to transform your space. Your new benchtop could be only a weekend away.