How Much Do Stone Benchtops Cost in Melbourne? (2026 Price Guide)
Reviewed by Clarrie King, licensed stonemason · Premier Stone, Drouin VIC · Updated June 2026
As a general market guide, supplied-and-installed stone benchtops in Melbourne cost roughly $400 to $1,200 per square metre. Granite and porcelain usually sit around $400 to $1,000, while quartzite and marble run higher at about $600 to $1,200 or more. These are indicative Australian market ranges, not a fixed quote — your real price depends on the slab, thickness, edge and install.
“How much will it cost?” is the first question every Melbourne renovator asks, and the honest answer is “it depends” — but you can still budget with confidence once you understand the five things that move the number. This guide gives realistic ranges, explains what you are actually paying for, and shows how to turn a ballpark into an exact figure.
Want a real number, not a range? Premier Stone templates your kitchen on site and prices to your exact slab, from our Drouin workshop serving Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula. Book a measure & quote → or call 1300 282 065.
What is the average cost of a stone benchtop in Melbourne?
Most Melbourne stone benchtop projects land between $400 and $1,200 per square metre supplied and installed, with the typical kitchen using 4 to 6 square metres. That means a complete benchtop commonly falls in a few-thousand-dollar range rather than a single fixed figure. Material is the biggest lever: a standard granite or porcelain top sits at the lower end, a premium quartzite or marble slab at the upper end. The table below sets the common materials side by side.
Stone benchtop price by material
Porcelain and granite give the best value for everyday kitchens; quartzite and marble cost more for the look and the geology. The ranges below are general Australian market figures for supplied-and-installed 20mm tops — treat them as a budgeting guide, not a Premier Stone quote.
| Material | Indicative range ($/m², supplied & installed) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Granite | ~$400–$1,000 | Hard-wearing natural stone; wide grade range |
| Porcelain / sintered | ~$400–$1,000 | Non-porous, large-format slabs; brand and thickness vary |
| Quartzite | ~$600–$1,200 | Hard, premium natural stone; sought-after patterns |
| Marble | ~$600–$1,200+ | Prized veining; Calacatta and Carrara command a premium |
Note: engineered (quartz-resin) stone has been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024 under Safe Work Australia rules, so it is no longer a costing option — the materials above are the legal choices.
What drives the price of a stone benchtop?
Five factors decide where your project lands in the range. Understanding them is the difference between a nasty surprise and a controlled budget.
1. Material and slab grade. The single biggest lever — a standard granite versus a premium book-matched marble can double the slab cost. 2. Total square metres. More bench, island and return = more slab and labour. 3. Thickness and edge. A 20mm top is the baseline; a 40mm mitred edge uses more stone and labour. 4. Cut-outs and features. Undermount sinks, cooktops, drainer grooves and a waterfall island all add fabrication time. 5. Install. Access, the number of joins, and travel to site all factor in.
Choosing a material first? See our kitchen benchtop materials guide and marble vs granite comparison, then come back for the costing.
How much does it cost to replace a kitchen benchtop?
Replacing an existing benchtop usually costs a little more per square metre than a new build, because the old top has to be removed and the new one templated to your existing cabinets. Budget the stone cost plus a removal-and-refit allowance, and factor a reconnection of plumbing and the cooktop. The cabinets must be sound and level — if they are, a straight swap is one of the fastest renovation wins in a kitchen.
How do you keep the cost down without cutting corners?
Choose a standard-grade slab in a material you love, stick to a 20mm top with a simple pencil or bullnose edge, and keep cut-outs and joins to a minimum. A single-level island instead of a raised bar saves slab area. Porcelain and standard granite deliver the most durability per dollar. Avoid the false economy of laminate if you want longevity — it is cheaper upfront but does not last like stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do stone benchtops cost in Melbourne?
As a general market guide, supplied-and-installed stone benchtops in Melbourne range from about $400 to $1,200 per square metre. Granite and porcelain usually sit around $400 to $1,000, while quartzite and marble run higher. The final figure depends on the slab, thickness, edge, cut-outs and install, so the only accurate number is a measured quote.
What is the cheapest stone benchtop?
Among genuine stone surfaces, entry-level granite and standard porcelain are usually the most affordable, typically from around $400 per square metre supplied and installed. Marble and premium quartzite cost more. The cheapest real saving comes from a standard-grade slab, a 20mm top and a simple edge.
How much does it cost to replace a kitchen benchtop?
Replacing a benchtop costs the stone price plus a removal-and-refit allowance, because the old top is removed and the new one templated to existing cabinets. A typical kitchen of 4 to 6 square metres is the usual project size. Premier Stone prices removal and install in the quote.
What drives the price of a stone benchtop?
Material and slab grade, total square metres, thickness (20mm vs a 40mm mitred edge), edge profile and cut-outs, and the install (access, joins, travel). A waterfall island or full-height splashback adds slab area and labour.
How do I get an accurate benchtop quote?
Get a measured quote rather than relying on per-square-metre figures. Premier Stone templates your kitchen on site from our Drouin workshop, serving Melbourne’s south-east and the Mornington Peninsula, then prices to your chosen slab, thickness and edge. Call 1300 282 065 or request a measure and quote.
More guides from Premier Stone:
- Kitchen Benchtop Materials Compared: A Melbourne Buyer’s Guide
- The Best Stone Benchtops for Australian Kitchens
- Granite Kitchen Benchtops: A Melbourne Buyer’s Guide
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