Why we don't publish a "from" price
A small galley kitchen with a drop-in sink and a large L-shaped kitchen with an island and undermount sink are both "a benchtop replacement", but their costs differ. A headline "from" price would be misleading. Photos and basic measurements are usually enough for a useful initial estimate or range; a site assessment follows before the project proceeds.
The total project price depends on the work actually included, not just the raw slab or fabrication price. A managed replacement may include removal and disposal, the new surface and specialist installation, plumbing, electrical or gas work, splashback removal or replacement, tiling and minor plaster repairs. Your estimate identifies the relevant scope so different options can be compared on the same basis.
What affects the price
- 01Size
- The total area of benchtop, measured in the lengths and depths of each run. An island adds area and usually an extra slab.
- 02Material
- Mineral surfaces, porcelain and laminate are priced differently, and within each material, builder ranges cost less than designer colours.
- 03Number of slabs or sheets
- Slabs come in fixed sizes. A kitchen that just fits on one slab can cost noticeably less than one that needs part of a second.
- 04Cutouts
- Each sink, cooktop, tap hole and power point cutout is an additional fabrication step.
- 05Sink type
- An undermount sink needs a polished cutout, which costs more than a drop-in sink. Reusing your sink is often possible.
- 06Cooktop
- Reusing the existing cooktop or fitting a new one both need a correctly sized cutout; flush-mount cooktops need extra work.
- 07Edge profile
- Simple pencil-round or arris edges are included in most prices. Thicker-look mitred edges add cost.
- 08Removal of the existing benchtop
- Removing and disposing of the old top is labour and tip fees. Glued-down or tiled-in tops take longer.
- 09Splashback
- A slab or tiled splashback adds removal, material and installation work. Coordinating it with the benchtop can avoid a second separate project.
- 10Access
- Stairs, narrow hallways or apartments can mean extra installers or equipment to get slabs into the kitchen.
- 11Plumbing and electrical
- Disconnecting and reconnecting sinks, taps and cooktops needs licensed trades. Moving services costs more than reconnecting them.
Laminate vs stone: compare the installed price
Laminate material is cheaper than a stone or mineral surface. But on a replacement, much of the cost is the work around the material: removing the old top, templating, manufacturing, cutouts, installation and reconnecting the sink and cooktop. That work applies to both.
So the installed price of laminate can sometimes be closer to an entry-level 20 mm mineral surface than people expect, depending on the project. We're happy to estimate both so you can compare. More on this in laminate benchtop replacement.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Choose from a builder or entry-level range rather than a designer colour.
- Keep a simple edge profile.
- Reuse your existing sink and cooktop if they're in good condition.
- Keep the sink and cooktop in their current positions so services don't need moving.
- Replace the splashback at the same time rather than later, to avoid a second installation.
What a replacement compares to
A benchtop replacement keeps your cabinets, doors, drawers and most appliances, and usually takes a few days of disruption rather than weeks. For kitchens where the cabinets are sound, it's typically a much smaller outlay than a new kitchen.
Getting a useful initial estimate
The estimate form asks what you are replacing, the surface you are considering, rough size, cabinetry condition, sink and cooktop plans, and optional photos. Customer measurements are for estimating only. If the range suits you, a site assessment and professional template follow before manufacture. See how the process works and material options.
Estimate questions
How much does a benchtop replacement cost in Canberra?
There is no responsible single figure without the kitchen details. Size, surface, cutouts, removal, splashback, access and licensed trades all affect the total. Send photos and basic measurements for an initial estimate or range within 48 hours.
How accurate do my measurements need to be?
They do not need to be trade-accurate. Rounded lengths and depths are enough for an initial estimate. The stonemason professionally measures and templates before manufacture.
Can I request an on-site assessment instead?
Yes. If you cannot measure or are uncomfortable doing so, select the on-site assessment option in the enquiry form.