Stone kitchen benchtops price

Stone benchtops are categorised into two groups - engineered stone, also called composite, and natural stone, for example granite.

Stone benchtops are a crucial part of most modern kitchens as they add beauty and elegance. Generally, natural stone comes at a higher price when compared to an engineered stone benchtop. There are some factors that influence the pricing of a kitchen benchtop such as width size, preferred colour, site accessibility and cut-outs required for both sinks and taps. For a benchtop five metres in size and 600mm in width, expect to pay around $825 for laminate, $3,696 for caesarstone, $4,356 for granite and $4,620 for a marble benchtop. In general, for quartz stone, you will pay at least $514 and a maximum of $726 per square metre. For natural stone, granite benchtops cost a minimum of $858 up to $2,640 while marble benchtops cost between $1,056 and $2,904 per square metre.

Determining the best kitchen benchtop relies on the specific features that appeal to your needs. Engineered stones are non-porous and can be easily cleaned. They are also stain-resistant, come in a range of colours and edges and can have a detailed profile. Quartz stones have some disadvantages which include visible grout joints, exposure to extreme heat leaves marks and exposed edges can develop chippings. For natural materials, marble stones are unique, prestigious and suitable for luxurious kitchens. They have a neutral tone, are translucent and the edges possess a detailed profile. They are susceptible to staining and are not scratch resistant. The slabs require surface sealing for them to last longer and it can also be hard to get identical slabs since they don't look the same. Another natural stone is granite. The colours can be really outstanding when well polished. It's easy to maintain, can withstand extreme heat and can resist scratches and stains. They are prestigious and provide a unique natural look. They however require sealing, are very cold and finding identical stones is difficult.

Stone benchtops are popular in many high-end kitchens, however, they are not necessarily suitable for every home. Laminate or polyurethane are durable and affordable options that look great. Premium stone benchtops cost more and can be expensive to maintain as they require sealing over time. They are also prone to staining and can be damaged by extreme heat. They are naturally outstanding and luxurious.