Can you replace a benchtop without replacing the kitchen?
Yes, in most kitchens. A benchtop sits on top of the cabinets rather than being built into them. If your cabinets are sound, reasonably level and the layout still works for you, the old top can be removed and a new one templated to fit the cabinetry that's already there.
Replacing the benchtop can avoid the significantly greater cost, waste and disruption of replacing cabinetry that is still perfectly serviceable.
When a benchtop replacement makes sense
- The benchtop is chipped, swollen near the sink, burnt or stained, but the cabinets are fine.
- The kitchen looks dated mainly because of the benchtop colour or the tiled splashback.
- You're preparing to sell and want the kitchen to photograph well without a full renovation.
- You want an undermount sink or a new cooktop and need new cutouts anyway.
When it doesn't: if cabinets are water-damaged, sagging, or you want to change the layout, a benchtop alone won't solve that, and we'll tell you so.
What's included in a replacement
Every project is priced to your kitchen, but a typical replacement covers:
- Removal and disposal of the existing benchtop, and the splashback where required.
- Measure and template by the specialist stonemason while the existing benchtop is still installed.
- Manufacture of the new surface, including sink, cooktop and tap cutouts and your chosen edge.
- Installation, joins, silicone and finishing.
- Trade coordination for disconnecting and reconnecting the sink, tap and cooktop, where included.
Your new benchtop is professionally measured and installed by the specialist stonemason, with Canberra Benchtop Replacements coordinating the overall project, so you don't have to organise the stonemason, plumber and electrician separately.
Choosing the new surface
We work with major currently available brands and appropriate compliant mineral, porcelain, sintered and other replacement surfaces. See stone, mineral and porcelain benchtop options for how they compare.
Laminate is available too. Because removal and installation work is similar whichever material you choose, it's worth comparing the installed price of laminate and stone before deciding.
Sink, tap and cooktop
Your existing sink and cooktop can often be reused. If you're changing either, you generally select and supply the new item; tell us the model early so we can advise on suitability and the cutouts can be made correctly. Licensed plumbing and electrical trades are coordinated where required.
How long it takes
Manufacture is normally around three weeks after templating. Your old benchtop stays in place and your kitchen remains usable for most of that time. Removal is normally the day before the stonemason installs the new benchtop. The full sequence is set out on how a benchtop replacement works.
What it costs
Price depends mainly on size, material, number of slabs, cutouts and whether the splashback is included. Our benchtop replacement cost guide explains each factor.