About JT Benchtops
where we started
JT Benchtops was founded by timber specialist John Toole, whose lifelong passion for timber and craftsmanship shaped the business into one of South East Queensland’s most respected timber benchtop specialists.
From kitchens and bathroom vanities to large commercial projects, JT Benchtops has always focused on one thing — creating beautiful timber surfaces that showcase the natural character of the material.
Each piece of timber is unique, and when handled properly it becomes a striking feature in any home or commercial space.
A Tradition of Fine Furniture Making
Behind JT Benchtops is a deep background in traditional furniture making.
Dave and Mark have spent more than 45 and 40 years respectively building high-end furniture, and founded Smith and Gray Furniture Makers more than 20 years ago.
For many years, John entrusted Smith and Gray to manufacture and finish JT Benchtops’ timber tops because of their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Today, following John’s retirement, Mark Smith and Dave Gray proudly carry forward the JT Benchtops legacy, maintaining the same commitment to quality that built the business in the first place.
Built the right way
There are many ways to manufacture a timber benchtop — some fast and cheap, others slow and done properly.
At JT Benchtops we build things the old-school way.
Proper Board Joinery
Every board is carefully jointed together to create the strongest possible bond. Many manufacturers simply glue boards edge-to-edge without proper joinery.
No Unsightly End Joints
We avoid stitching small pieces of timber together along the edges, ensuring the finished top looks seamless and natural.
Full Length Timber
Where possible we use full-length boards rather than gluing together multiple short pieces. It produces a far cleaner visual finish and a stronger final product.
Stronger Adhesives
We use slow-curing two-part epoxy adhesives which greatly reduce the chance of joints creeping or moving over time. Many manufacturers use quick-dry PVA glues because they are faster, but they’re not as stable long-term.
Wider Boards
Using boards that are as wide as practically possible allows the grain and character of the timber to really stand out. Most manufacturers use narrow pieces of timber because they are cheaper to buy and easier to handle.
NO unsightly joints like those on the face edge of an imported top.
NO benchtops made out of short end jointed boards like this.
YES JT Benchtops/Smith and Gray Furniture Makers create beautiful finger joints using full length wide boards.
sustainable timber sourcing
Timber is one of the most beautiful renewable materials available when sourced responsibly.
We take great care with choosing suppliers who share our commmitment to sustainability.
We also perate a Wood-Mizer LT35 hydraulic sawmill, allowing us to mill locally sourced logs that might otherwise be discarded or turned into firewood.
Instead of going to waste, these logs can become stunning benchtops, tables, beams and architectural features that will last for decades.
It’s a practical and sustainable way of giving remarkable timber a second life.
Working With Builders & Designers
JT Benchtops works closely with:
- Cabinet makers
- Builders
- Architects
- Designers
- Homeowners
We help select the right timber species for each project, saving time, minimising labour and finishing cost pitfalls, and delivering stunning results that stand the test of time.
From small bathroom vanities to large commercial installations, every job receives the same attention to detail.
Honouring John Toole
JT Benchtops was founded by John Toole, whose passion for timber and dedication to quality craftsmanship built the reputation the business enjoys today.
Due to a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), John made the difficult decision to retire from the business he loved. His legacy, however, lives on through the work itself and through the craftsmen who continue the tradition.
If you would like to support the important work being done to help people living with MND and to fund research into a cure, you can learn more or donate through MND Queensland.
We remain deeply grateful to John for everything he built and are proud to carry forward the standards of craftsmanship he believed in.
Each piece of timber is a gift from nature. If we treat it with the love and respect it deserves, it rewards us with its beauty forever.
Our Projects
No job is too large or too small. We craft small bathroom vanities with as much care and attention to detail as we do large expanses of timber fittings for clients such as the Hilton Hotel Sydney, or Gonwana Land at Southbank.
