A good custom benchtop has to solve the practical details without losing the character of the timber. This recycled rimu project does exactly that. The L-shaped surface includes purpose-cut openings, vertical timber end panels and a removable matching insert, all brought together with a clear PU finish.
There are no installation photographs, written dimensions or appliance specifications in the project record, so this story stays in the workshop. That’s no bad thing. These images make the planning and finishing work unusually easy to see.
Recycled rimu across an L-shaped layout
The first wide view shows how the main sections relate to each other. Rather than treating the benchtop as one uninterrupted rectangle, the design turns through the workspace and creates distinct working zones. The clear finish brings out long golden and reddish-brown grain lines across the recycled rimu.
One of the most practical details is the large rectangular cut-out. Its position and clean edges show why a custom kitchen benchtop in Auckland needs to be planned around the equipment, cabinetry and room—not trimmed as an afterthought once everything else is fixed.
Seeing the structure before the finish
Earlier workshop photographs reveal the same layout before the clear PU has deepened the timber colour. Vertical timber panels continue down at the outer ends, giving the long surfaces visible support and a cohesive solid-timber profile.
From above, the pale unfinished surface makes the grain selection and joins easier to read. It also shows how the purpose-cut openings are integrated within the broader layout.
The contrast after finishing is striking. Clear PU doesn’t hide the variation in the recycled rimu; it makes the lighter streaks, darker runs and small natural marks more apparent while giving the working surface a consistent sheen.
A connected workspace, not separate pieces
The longer workshop views show the whole assembly spreading around the central work area. Each section has its own role, yet the repeated timber and matching finish keep the arrangement visually connected.
This image was selected as the project cover, and it’s easy to see why. It captures the main working surface, the return, the rectangular opening and the timber end panels in one view.
A closer angle makes the outer end especially clear. The grain runs from the horizontal surface into the vertical panel, giving the edge of the workspace a furniture-like presence rather than leaving it as a purely functional termination.
Cut-outs designed into the benchtop
Purpose-cut openings need to be considered as part of the overall composition. Their position affects the remaining work surface, the relationship between sections and whatever sits beneath. Here, the openings are framed by substantial runs of timber rather than squeezed into narrow margins.
The next view shows a matching rectangular panel sitting within one recessed opening. When closed, its grain and finish allow it to read as part of the broader timber surface.
Look closely and a fine outline reveals the removable panel. This is a small detail, honestly, but a useful one: the insert keeps the surface visually tidy while remaining identifiable and accessible.
The curved finger pull gives the panel a clear way to be lifted without adding a separate projecting handle. Its position near the edge is practical, and the shape is cut directly into the timber.
With the insert lifted, its thickness, finished edges and underside fixing points become visible. The final image closes the loop between the isolated panel shown at the start and its place within the complete benchtop.
You can view the complete Recycled Rimu Countertop gallery to inspect all 14 workshop images.
Planning a custom timber benchtop in Auckland?
Start with accurate information about the room and what the benchtop must accommodate. Useful enquiry material includes a plan or rough dimensions, photographs of the space, cabinet layout, appliance or sink details, preferred timber character and reference images. Final pricing will depend on the size, material, finish, cut-outs and installation requirements.
If you’re considering a custom recycled rimu kitchen benchtop in Auckland, discuss your benchtop project with INWOOD Furniture. Send through the layout and key cut-out details so the design conversation can begin with the practical constraints already visible.