Granite Kitchen Benchtops: A Melbourne Buyer’s Guide
Reviewed by Clarrie King, licensed stonemason · Premier Stone, Drouin VIC · Updated June 2026
Granite kitchen benchtops are a hard-wearing natural stone that rates around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, handles heat well and lasts decades. Unaffected by Australia’s engineered stone ban, granite remains a top choice for Melbourne kitchens — it needs a reseal every 12 to 18 months, comes in unique slabs, and typically costs around $400 to $1,000 per square metre supplied and installed.
Granite has been the workhorse of quality kitchens for generations, and the 2024 ban on engineered quartz stone has only renewed interest in genuine natural stone. This guide covers what granite costs in Melbourne, the colours available, how much maintenance it really needs, and how it stacks up against porcelain and marble.
Considering granite for a Melbourne kitchen? Premier Stone supplies and fabricates granite from our Drouin workshop, serving Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula. See our benchtop services → or call 1300 282 065.
Why choose granite for a kitchen benchtop?
Granite is an igneous rock — formed from cooled magma — which makes it exceptionally hard and durable. It resists scratches and heat, takes a high polish, and every slab carries unique movement and colour. Because it is 100% natural with no resin, granite sits entirely outside the engineered stone ban. For renovators who want genuine stone with proven longevity, granite is the benchmark.
How much do granite benchtops cost in Melbourne?
As a general market guide, granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne run about $400 to $1,000 per square metre supplied and installed. Standard, widely-available granites sit at the lower end; rare or exotic slabs with dramatic movement cost more. The total also depends on thickness (20mm vs a 40mm mitred edge), the edge profile, sink and cooktop cut-outs, and install access. For an exact figure, see our stone benchtop cost guide or request a measured quote.
How does granite compare to porcelain and marble?
Granite is harder and lower maintenance than marble, and offers natural character porcelain can’t replicate — but porcelain wins on never needing sealing. The table sets the three side by side.
| Factor | Granite | Porcelain | Marble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | High (~6–7 Mohs) | Very high (fired) | Moderate (~3 Mohs) |
| Maintenance | Reseal 12–18 mths | None | Frequent; avoid acids |
| Heat | Very good | Excellent | Good (can mark) |
| Character | Unique natural grain | Consistent, large-format | Prized veining |
For a deeper comparison, read our marble vs granite guide and the full materials comparison.
Do granite benchtops need much maintenance?
Less than people expect. Granite needs resealing roughly every 12 to 18 months — a quick wipe-on, wipe-off job — and dense dark granites often need it even less. Day to day, you clean it with warm soapy water or a pH-neutral stone cleaner; avoid harsh acids and abrasive pads. A simple water-drop test tells you when to reseal: if water beads, the seal is fine; if it darkens the stone, it is time.
What granite colours work best in a kitchen?
Because granite is natural, every slab is one of a kind, so it is always worth viewing the actual slab before committing. Black and speckled grey granites are the most popular in modern Melbourne kitchens — they hide marks and pair with both timber and white cabinetry. White, brown, green and blue granites suit warmer or more dramatic schemes. If you want a specific look, choose the slab first and design the kitchen around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are granite benchtops still a good choice in 2026?
Yes. Granite is a natural stone unaffected by Australia’s engineered stone ban and remains one of the most hard-wearing benchtop surfaces available. It rates around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, handles heat well, and lasts decades. With periodic sealing it suits busy family kitchens.
How much do granite benchtops cost in Melbourne?
As a general market guide, granite kitchen benchtops in Melbourne cost roughly $400 to $1,000 per square metre supplied and installed, depending on the slab grade, thickness, edge and install. A measured quote is the only accurate figure.
Do granite benchtops need sealing?
Yes. Granite should be resealed roughly every 12 to 18 months, though some dense dark granites need it less often. Sealing is a quick wipe-on job that keeps the surface stain resistant. A water-drop test shows when it is time.
Is granite better than porcelain or marble?
Granite is harder and lower maintenance than marble and offers natural character porcelain cannot replicate. Porcelain beats granite on maintenance because it never needs sealing. For a hard-wearing natural stone, granite is the safe all-rounder; for zero maintenance, choose porcelain.
What colours do granite benchtops come in?
Granite ranges from classic black and speckled grey to white, brown, green, blue and exotic multi-tone slabs. Because granite is natural, every slab is unique, so view the actual slab before you commit. Black and grey are the most popular for modern kitchens.
More guides from Premier Stone:
- Kitchen Benchtop Materials Compared: A Melbourne Buyer’s Guide
- Marble vs Granite Benchtops: Which Is Better?
- How Much Do Stone Benchtops Cost in Melbourne?
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