How Much Do Kitchen Benchtops Cost?
When renovating your kitchen or building a new home, there are many different styles of kitchen benchtops for you to choose from. From natural stone benchtops, Caesarstone and laminate benchtops, to timber benchtops or hard-wearing granite benchtops, the material you choose will impact the overall look and functionality of your kitchen space. Your choice of material will also affect how much your kitchen benchtop costs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your best options for selecting a benchtop, including an overview of how much the different types of kitchen benchtop cost in 2023/2024.
The team at McColl Cabinetmakers offer full kitchen renovation services and has more than 25 years of industry experience. Our understanding of both the design and construction aspects of kitchen renovation means we’ll be able to help you choose the right benchtop to suit both your style and your budget.
How Much Do Kitchen Benchtops Cost?
This question is a bit like asking “How long is a piece of string?”. The total cost of your kitchen benchtop will be influenced, not just by the material that you select, but also by the overall size of your benchtop. Naturally, the bigger the benchtop, the more it will end up costing overall. For this reason, when discussing the average cost of kitchen benchtops, we’ll typically use a ‘per square metre’ range. This will give you an average kitchen benchtop price guide that will assist you in comparing the cost of different materials. If you’re looking for a more detailed costing that is specific to your proposed kitchen, then book a consultation with our design tea
Comparing Kitchen Benchtop Materials
Let’s start by comparing kitchen benchtop materials. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each kitchen benchtop material while also looking at the average cost of kitchen benchtops.
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Laminate Benchtops
Laminate benchtops are very popular due to their low price point, varied design options and easy installation. Products like laminates are easy to clean, low maintenance, stain and scratch-resistant and water-repellent. However, while they are scratch-resistant, laminate benchtops are not entirely scratchproof and can also be damaged by exposure to excessive heat (so some care will need to be taken when working on laminate benchtops). Laminate kitchen benchtops come in a gorgeous variety of colours and designs, making them a great choice for homeowners seeking a more individualised look for their kitchen. You can choose between solid finishes (in almost any colour!) or natural designs that expertly imitate more expensive materials such as timber, stone or concrete.
How Much Do Laminate Kitchen Benchtops Cost? Laminate benchtops are a very affordable material, making them a great choice for those operating on a tight budget. Laminate benchtops range in price from $420-$780 per square metre.
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Timber Benchtops
Choosing a timber benchtop is perfect for traditional themed kitchens. Timber finishes can add warmth and character when paired with “colder” materials such as glass or stainless steel in other parts of your kitchen. Timber selection is crucial for your kitchen benchtop – we can work your preferred timber into your project, or we can suggest a range of timbers that will suit the overall look of your kitchen design. A timber benchtop is slightly higher-maintenance, in that it needs to be coated with a food-safe oil to protect the surface. This will need to be reapplied every year or so to keep the timber benchtop in optimal condition.
How Much Do Timber Benchtops Cost? The cost of a wooden benchtop can vary widely depending on which timber you choose. Prices start from about $660 per square metre for bamboo, then increase for the more expensive hardwoods like Jarrah or Ironbark (ranging from $720-$2,400).
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Stainless Steel Benchtops
Stainless steel has long been used in commercial kitchens because it is durable, heat-resistant and hygienic. But residential kitchen benchtops made from stainless steel are becoming more popular as people start to realise just how versatile stainless steel can be. Stainless steel can be wrapped over worktops and island benches or can be designed to transition seamlessly into sinks and splashbacks. Stainless steel can also be fashioned into eye-catching feature shelves, creating a modern industrial feel for your kitchen.
How Much Do Stainless Steel Benchtops Cost? At about $1,200 per square metre, stainless steel can represent a greater kitchen benchtop cost initially. However, stainless steel is incredibly hard-wearing and long-lasting, ensuring great value for money over many years of use.
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Engineered Stone Benchtops
Engineered stone is a more durable alternative to natural stone and is a very popular choice in kitchen renovations. While several manufacturers are producing engineered stone benchtops, some of the most popular brands include Caesarstone and Essastone. Engineered stone is made using natural aggregates, like quartz, which has been mixed with resins. It is a very hard-wearing, easy-to-clean product, and has no ongoing maintenance requirements (making it ideal for busy family homes). Stone benchtops in this category have a wide assortment of style options, including solid blocks of colour or flecks of different coloured stones that create a more textured finish. Engineered stone benchtops are also available in a great range of colours, so you can choose from natural-looking bright whites and soft greys or opt for something a little bolder such as a jet-black finish.
How Much Do Engineered Stone Benchtops Cost? As an average kitchen benchtop price guide for engineered stone, expect to pay anywhere from $720-$2,000 per square metre. The total cost will depend on the product chosen, the overall thickness of the kitchen bench and the final design of the benchtop.
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Natural Stone Benchtops
Natural stone benchtops, such as granite and marble, are still a really popular material for new and renovated kitchen projects. Considered a high-end finish, natural stone benchtops are an excellent way to add a touch of luxury to a kitchen design. Although they give an “organic” feel to any space, they are also very heavy, and some natural stone products are susceptible to chipping and staining. For this reason, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of natural stone.
How Much Do Natural Stone Benchtops Cost? Marble is the most expensive option for your kitchen benchtop, ranging from $960-$4,800+ per square metre. Marble benchtops also come with significant upkeep, requiring professional application of sealant every few years. But there’s no denying that marble remains a classic, high-end product that will never go out of style. For a sophisticated kitchen with timeless appeal, marble can be an excellent choice.
Granite benchtops will, on average, cost marginally less than marble (approx. $780-$3,600 per square metre), but as a product, they are far more durable. If you’re after a stylish natural stone finish that won’t mark or chip easily, then granite is the ideal solution. Granite is also available in many different styles and colours, making it easy to find a finish that will harmonise perfectly with your kitchen style.
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Concrete Benchtops
Concrete benchtops can either be made of solid concrete or an aggregate mix of glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC). Concrete can be a versatile option for kitchen benchtops and can be made with many different colours, finishes and textures. Your concrete benchtop will be heat and scratch-resistant, however, it will need consistent upkeep with a regular application of sealer and wax to ensure proper protection. Concrete works brilliantly when paired with warmer materials such as timber, creating a natural contrast that is raw and simple. And because concrete is cast to meet your specifications, it allows for a high level of customisation and creativity.
How Much Do Concrete Benchtops Cost? As a product, concrete is very affordable. However, the labour-intensive construction process means you should expect a cost of between $1,200 and $3,000+ per square metre for a concrete benchtop (depending on the style and thickness).
Find Out More About the Average Cost of Kitchen Benchtops
The experienced team at McColl Cabinetmakers can help you find out more about comparing kitchen benchtop materials. Book a free consultation with us about your kitchen renovation dreams and we can advise on everything from kitchen benchtop cost considerations to overall design and planning. Get in touch today.
