The kitchen benchtop is arguably the most impactful feature of any modern home, instantly adding a layer of luxury, durability, and significant property value. However, when you decide to upgrade, budgeting for a new stone benchtop can quickly become confusing, with prices fluctuating wildly based on material and complexity.
That is why we created this guide. Our promise is to provide a transparent, comprehensive guide to stone benchtop costs in Melbourne for the 2025 financial year.
This article will cover everything you need to know: the average cost per square metre for popular materials (Caesarstone, granite, and marble), the hidden installation factors that impact the final quote, and practical, actionable tips to save money on your dream kitchen surface.
How Much Does a Stone Benchtop Costs in Melbourne?
Providing an exact price is impossible without seeing your plans, as kitchen size and complexity vary widely. However, we can offer a reliable range. On average, a standard stone benchtop project (supply and install) in Melbourne falls between $2,000 and $6,000.
To help you get started, the summary table below provides a quick reference guide for the current average costs in Melbourne, including supply and installation for a standard, simple kitchen configuration.
| Material | Average Cost per m² (Supply) | Average Installed Cost (Standard Kitchen) | Notes |
| Engineered Stone | $400 – $600 | $2,000 – $4,000 | e.g., Caesarstone, Smartstone, Stone Ambassador |
| Granite | $500 – $1,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 | Natural, unique patterns, very durable |
| Marble | $800 – $1,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 | Premium luxury, requires sealing |
| Porcelain | $700 – $1,200 | $3,500 – $5,500 | Extremely durable, heat & scratch-resistant |
Stone Benchtop Costs in Melbourne per Square Metre: A Deeper Look
Understanding the stone benchtops cost per square metre is the most effective way to compare different materials before factoring in labour. The m² rate represents the cost of the raw material slab itself, making it a level playing field for comparison.
It is crucial to note what the m² rate includes and what it excludes:
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Included: The raw slab cost and delivery to the fabricator.
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Excluded: Fabrication (cutting/polishing), edge profiling, cut-outs for sinks, and installation labour.
The price variation within a single material range can be significant. For instance, a basic, uniform black Caesarstone (engineered stone) will sit at the lower end of the spectrum, while a premium range Caesarstone that mimics rare marble veining will cost considerably more per square metre. Similarly, the price for natural stone like granite and marble is dictated heavily by its rarity, colour, and veining complexity.
How Thickness Affects Price: 40mm Stone Benchtop Cost
One of the most frequent questions we receive is regarding the 40mm stone benchtop cost compared to the standard 20mm.
The industry standard benchtop thickness is 20mm. When you specify a 40mm thickness, the fabricator typically does not use a solid 40mm slab (which is costly and heavy). Instead, they use a standard 20mm slab and build up the visible edge using a strip of the same stone. This is known as a mitred edge or laminated edge.
This process significantly increases the price because it requires:
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Additional Material: The strip of stone used to create the edge.
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Significant Labour: The fabricator must cut the edge at a precise 45-degree angle (mitre) and join it seamlessly to the top surface. This requires high skill and is time-intensive.
Price Impact: Expect a 40mm mitred edge to add 30% to 50% to the fabrication cost compared to a simple 20mm pencil edge.
A Budget-Friendly Option: Stone Overlay Benchtops Cost
If you are looking for a stunning stone finish without the price tag or mess of a complete demolition, stone overlays are an ideal solution.
A stone overlay benchtop is a thin, durable slab (typically 6–12mm thick) of engineered stone or porcelain installed directly over your existing benchtop material.
Cost Comparison: Overlays can often be 30–50% cheaper than a full slab replacement. This saving comes from using less raw material and avoiding the high labour costs associated with demolition and disposal of your old benchtops.
When Overlays Are Ideal: They are perfect for budget renovations, updating a rental property, or preparing a home for a quick sale. However, they may present some limitations regarding complex edge profiles.
5 Key Factors That Affect Your Final Stone Benchtop Price
The material cost per square metre is just the starting point. The final quote for your project is heavily influenced by five key fabrication and installation factors:
1. Material Type & Brand
As noted, a premium, exotic marble or a top-tier Caesarstone colour will inherently command a higher price than a standard, readily available engineered stone range.
2. Thickness & Edge Profiles
Simple, straight edges (like a ‘pencil round’ or ‘square edge’) are the cheapest to fabricate. More complex, decorative edges such as ‘bullnose,’ ‘ogee,’ or high-end ‘waterfall ends’ require significantly more cutting, polishing, and labour, dramatically increasing the price.
3. Fabrication Complexity
This refers to the number and type of cuts required. Undermount sinks, which sit flush beneath the benchtop and require the stone’s edge to be polished inside the cut-out, cost considerably more to fabricate than simple top-mount sinks. Similarly, complex curves or unusual corner cuts add labour time.
4. Installation & Labour
The ease of installation matters. Factors include site access (e.g., carrying heavy slabs up multiple flights of stairs), complexity of joins (long, unbroken runs of benchtop), and the labour involved in the removal and disposal of your old benchtops.
5. Location
While the core pricing is standardised, costs in the Melbourne metro area may differ slightly from quotes in regional Victoria due to the inclusion of travel time and logistics fees.
H2: Cost of Stone Benchtops in Australia (by City)
While the cost of materials imported into Australia is relatively consistent, local competition and operational logistics cause minor variations in final installed prices. This table provides national context for the cost of stone benchtops australia:
| City | Average Price Range (per m² – Supply) |
| Melbourne | $400 – $1,200 |
| Sydney | $450 – $1,300 |
| Brisbane | $400 – $1,150 |
| Perth | $450 – $1,250 |
How to Save Money on Stone Benchtops
A beautiful stone benchtop does not have to break the bank. Here are actionable, practical tips to reduce your total project cost:
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Choose a Thinner Slab: Opting for a 20mm benchtop with a simple edge profile is the most cost-effective option available.
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Select from Standard Ranges: Choose readily available engineered stone colours (Level 1 or Level 2) over premium or custom-order designs that require special importing.
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Work with a Local Supplier: Choosing a Melbourne-based fabricator and supplier like Emporium Stone reduces transport and logistic costs compared to using inter-state services.
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Simplify Your Design: Minimise complex curves, keep your joins simple, and opt for a cheaper top-mount sink installation instead of an undermount.
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Get a Package Deal: Always ask your supplier if they offer a better price for bundling the supply, fabrication, and installation services together.
Get a Free, Accurate Stone Benchtop Quote in Melbourne
The only way to move beyond estimates and get a 100% accurate price for your specific project is to get a custom quote. This ensures all your dimensions, material choices, and complexity factors are accounted for.
Position Emporium Stone as a trusted, local Melbourne supplier known for competitive pricing and quality installation. Contact emporiumstone today for a free, no-obligation stone benchtop quote in Melbourne.
FAQs About Stone Benchtop Costs
Q1: What is the average cost of stone benchtops in Melbourne?
A: On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,200 per square metre for the stone slab itself. A fully supplied and installed stone benchtop for a standard Melbourne kitchen typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the material, size, and complexity.
Q2: How much does a 40mm Stone Benchtop Costs in Melbourne?
A: A benchtop with a 40mm edge profile typically costs $700–$1,500 per square metre. This is 30–50% more than a standard 20mm edge due to the extra material and precise labour required to create the thicker, seamless look (mitred edge).
Q3: Are stone overlay benchtops cheaper?
A: Yes, stone overlays are a more budget-friendly option. They typically cost 30–50% less than a full slab replacement because they use less material and avoid the cost and mess of demolishing your old benchtops.
Q4: Is installation included in stone benchtop prices?
A: Not always. A “supply-only” price is just for the slab. A “supply and install” quote includes the cost of measuring, fabricating (cutting), delivering, and professionally installing the benchtop. Always check your quote to see what is included, as installation alone can add $300–$800 or more to the total.
