For comparison's sake - based on five metres of benchtop and a standard 600mm depth, here is a sample of the approximate cost of each benchtop material:
Laminate (with rolled edges): $500-$700
Caesarstone: $2500-$3000
Granite: $3000-$3500
Marble: $3500+
Stone benchtops are perennial favourites in the kitchen and can even be specified elsewhere, such as in a bathroom or even in an outdoor kitchen. It is easy to see why they are so popular - they look spectacular and are hard wearing.
Stone is definitely at the upper end of the price range for a kitchen benchtop, so getting an idea of their cost is pretty important. You do need to be aware that there are two types of stone benchtops, natural stone - such as granite and marble - and engineered stone or composite which are marketed under a variety of brand names. Natural stone tends to be slightly more expensive than its composite cousin.
Choosing a stone benchtop - what to consider
If it's a choice between natural and engineered stone, price is not the only difference between these two materials:
Stain resistant: Granite and marble are both porous and must be sealed to be protected from stains. Darker, denser granites are more stain-resistant than their paler cousins and conceal stains better. Composites are more forgiving but not totally immune to staining.
Density: Natural stone is very dense and heavy so your cabinetry needs to be able to withstand its weight. One of the biggest reasons why some people switch from granite to another benchtop material is because of frequent breakage.
Scratch resistance: Both natural stone and engineered stone are scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. When scratches appear in the glossy surface of a uniformly coloured benchtop, they are very apparent.
There is a fair amount of personal preference and opinion as to which is the best stone benchtop material out there. It is safe to say whatever you choose, they all require some maintenance and care.
The difference between natural and engineered stone
Natural stone is mined from a quarry and cut into slabs and polished. Popular options include granite, marble and limestone. Part of the natural charm of stone lies in the rich variety of subtle colours and patterns, so each slab is unique.
Engineered stone or quartz is made from a combination of ground quartz or granite mixed with polymer resin or cement. Engineered stone looks similar to natural stone, but is more uniform in appearance though you can get versions that look just like natural stone.
As a rule, natural stone costs slightly more than engineered stone, but it depends partly on the type of natural stone you choose. Paler colours of natural granite are usually less expensive than the darker blacks.
Natural costs are more expensive
How much does a stone benchtop cost?
Factors that can affect the price of your stone kitchen include its thickness, colour, kitchen size and height, access to the site and location. The number of cut-outs you need - for a sink, taps, etc - will also add to the overall cost, as will drainage grooves.
For comparison's sake - based on five metres of benchtop and a standard 600mm depth, here is a sample of the approximate cost of each becnhtop material:
Laminate (with rolled edges): $500-$700
Caesarstone: $2500-$3000
Granite: $3000-$3500
Marble: $3500+
These are average prices and you'll find significant price variations when you get quotes, but laminate will always cost far less than either engineered or natural stone. Expect to add around $2500 to $3000 to your kitchen budget for any type of stone benchtop.
Engineered or quartz stone cost
Expect to pay around $400 to $600 per square meter for an engineered stone benchtop, plus installation. Stone is sold in slabs, so you may also be quoted this way. Caesarstone comes in slabs 3000mm x 1400mm. Expect to pay:
$1500-$2000 for Nimbus, a standard 20mm polished slab
Around $2000 for Buttermilk, a deluxe 20mm polished slab
$2500 for Taj Royale, a supernatural 20mm polished slab
$3500-$4000 for Calacatta, a marble looking quartz polished slab
Caesarstone has the highest profile of the engineered stone brands - there are others including Quantum Quartz and Essastone.
Natural or engineered stone benchtops
Natural stone cost
Expect to pay anywhere between $700 to $2000 per square metre for natural stone, including installation. Expect to pay:
$700-$2000 per square metre for a new granite benchtop
$1000-$2500 per square metre for a new marble benchtop
If you have your heart set on a granite benchtop but are on a budget, then stick to paler colours of natural granite, which are usually more affordable than darker granites. Absolute black granite is easily one of the most expensive natural stone materials for benchtops. Paler natural granite is usually more affordable than darker coloured granite
Stone benchtops are popular for kitchens
Alternative materials for benchtops
If you are unable to afford stone benchtops or you’re looking for alternative benchtop materials, you might want to consider:
Laminate (around $100-350 per square metre)
Timber (around $500 per square metre, although you can get higher end timber benchtops for around $1000+ per square metre)
Stainless steel (around $800-$1200 per square metre)
Hiring a benchtop installer
When it comes time to hiring a service to install your stone kitchen benchtop, you need to ask the right questions before you hire. You want to make sure they are right for your job. Questions like:
Are you licensed?
Are you insured to work in my home?
How long will my job take?
Can you provide a written quote?
Do you have references I can follow up?
Can I see examples of your work?
It is best to get at least three quotes before you commit to hiring anyone, so you can compare the prices and level of service.
Does my stone benchtop installer need to be licenced?
It depends where you live. If you are installing a stone benchtop in NSW for example, you either need a builder, minor trade work licence or stonemasonry licence. If your kitchen builder is taking care of it all for you, they will need to be appropriately licensed or employ qualified contractors.
Overall, it is best to check with your local licensing authority or council before you start getting quotes.
Getting quotes for your stone benchtop
To find out exactly how much the difference will be in your kitchen, get quotes for the different types of materials from kitchen builders or benchtop suppliers. Don't forget to ask about installation costs too. Stone benchtops cost more to install than laminate benchtops as there is more work involved in cutting it to size.
If you're looking for a black stone benchtop, compare natural granite prices and appearance with engineered stone first. Absolute black granite, for example, is one of the most expensive natural stones. As the name suggests, it is almost completely black, with few if any veins or other distinguishing features. Because of this, a similar engineered stone product might be a more cost-effective choice.
The best way of finding out the cost of your stone kitchen benchtops is to get quotes from local kitchen benchtop installers. This will give you a sense of what you can afford.
*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.
Get quotes from local kitchen benchtop installers now