Gap between benchtop & Tiles

[nmturner90]

I’m about to start renovating my kitchen by first installing new bench tops. My current bench tops are 32mm thick. I’ve scoured the net and nowhere sells that thickness anymore. They’re either 38mm or 28mm. I obviously can’t get the 38mm because it won’t fit under the tiles but if I get the 28mm there will be at least a 4mm gap between the tiles and the bench top. Is this a manageable gap do you think that I could just fill with caulk or will this look ridiculous? Any thoughts would be great!

Nick

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @nmturner90. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about installing a benchtop.

A 4mm gap between the tiles and the bench top can be managed, but it’s at the upper end of what I would consider acceptable to fill with caulk. You could use caulk, but I’d recommend ensuring that it’s a high-quality, wet-area caulk that can be easily cleaned like Selleys 300g White Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant. If you’re concerned about the gap being too noticeable, another option is to cover it with a thin timber moulding or quad. This would not only cover the gap but also provide a neat, professional finish that blends well with most kitchen designs. You could paint it white to match the existing tiles or your new bench top for a seamless look.

Both solutions should work, but using a moulding would give you a more polished appearance if you’re concerned about the gap being visible.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell