How Can We Help?
This page provides help with the most common questions about our brand. If you have a more specific question please use the contact form and we will get back to you.
About Our Services
What areas do you service for stone benchtops in Perth?
We specialise in stone benchtop fabrication and installation across the Perth metropolitan area. Our services cover marble, granite, porcelain, and engineered stone benchtops, including Caesarstone, for residential and commercial projects throughout Perth.
Do you come out to measure and quote for stone benchtops?
Yes, we offer on-site measurement and quoting across most Perth metro areas. A site measure ensures accurate dimensions and allows us to assess your cabinetry, layout, and any special requirements before providing a detailed quote.
Do you repair or install stone benchtops from other companies?
Yes, we repair and install all types of stone benchtops regardless of the original supplier or installer. Whether you need a join repaired, a chip fixed, or a full benchtop replacement, we can help.
Stone Types & Materials
What types of stone benchtops do you offer?
We offer three main types of stone benchtops: natural stone (granite, marble, and quartzite), porcelain (Atlas Plan, Bella Series, Dekton, Vasari, and Laminam) and engineered stone (Caesarstone, Vitrum Surfaces, Zenith Surfaces, and Xeron) benchtops. Each material has different properties, price points, and aesthetic qualities to suit a range of kitchen styles and budgets.
What is Caesarstone?
Caesarstone is a leading brand of engineered quartz stone, composed of approximately 97% natural quartz and 3% resin binder. It is manufactured into slabs that are highly durable, low-maintenance, and available in a wide range of colours and finishes, making it one of the most popular engineered stone benchtop choices in Perth.
What is a porcelain benchtop?
A porcelain benchtop is made from large-format sintered porcelain slabs, produced by compressing refined clays and minerals and firing them at extremely high temperatures. The result is a dense, non-porous surface that is highly scratch-resistant, heat-tolerant, stain-resistant, and hygienic, ideal for modern kitchens.
What is the difference between stone benchtops and Corian?
Stone benchtops and Corian differ significantly in material composition and performance. Corian is an acrylic solid surface that can melt under heat and scratches easily, available only in a matte finish. Stone benchtops, whether natural, porcelain or engineered, are heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and available in multiple finishes including polished, matte, brushed, flamed, and leather.
Is a more expensive stone always better quality?
No, a higher price does not necessarily mean better quality. Natural stone prices are driven by supply and demand, rarer or more popular stones cost more regardless of durability. With engineered stone, complex patterns (such as marble-look designs) and pure white colours are more expensive because they are harder to manufacture consistently.
What grade of stone do you use?
We exclusively use A-grade slabs from reputable suppliers for all our natural and engineered stone benchtops. As a leading stone benchtop supplier in Perth, we never compromise on material quality.
Viewing & Selecting Stone
Where can I view stone slab colours and options in Perth?
You can view stone slabs at several locations in Perth depending on the material type. Porcelain slabs are available at our Wangara showroom. Natural stone slabs (granite, marble, quartzite) can be viewed at suppliers in Malaga, including CDK, Granite Warehouse, and Zuccari. Engineered stone slabs are displayed at Caesarstone, Stone Ambassador, Vitrum Surfaces, and Cosentino showrooms.
How big are stone benchtop slabs?
Porcelain and engineered stone slabs are typically 3200mm × 1600mm in select colours. Natural stone slabs such as granite and marble vary but are commonly around 3000mm × 1700mm, though some may be as small as 2000mm × 1000mm. Choosing a larger slab size can sometimes reduce the number of slabs required and save on overall cost.
Pricing & Costs
How much does a stone benchtop cost in Perth?
Stone benchtop pricing depends on several factors. Material selection has the biggest impact, entry-level stone starts around $50 per square metre, while premium exotic stone can reach $3,000 per square metre. Edge profile complexity also affects cost significantly: a simple 20mm square edge is the most affordable, while an 80mm double bullnose can be up to five times the price. If your first choice exceeds your budget, contact us, we can often suggest a similar alternative at a lower price point.
How is stone benchtop pricing calculated, per metre or per slab?
Stone benchtops are generally priced per slab, as this is how fabricators purchase material from suppliers. This is standard practice across the stone benchtop industry. For some commercial projects, pricing per lineal metre may be provided depending on the scope and requirements.
What do standard, mid-range, and exotic stone categories mean?
These are general price categories used to help guide your stone selection when visiting slab warehouses. Standard stones are the most affordable, mid-range offers a balance of aesthetics and cost, and exotic stones are typically rarer and more visually distinctive, making them the most expensive. These categories are a helpful starting point, not a measure of durability or quality.
Installation & Process
How long does stone benchtop installation take?
Stone benchtop installation typically takes a few hours to half a day, depending on the complexity of the project. From templating to installation, allow 10–20 business days under normal conditions. Turnaround times may be longer during peak periods.
Can I use my existing kitchen cabinets with a new stone benchtop?
Yes, you can keep your existing cabinets as long as they are structurally sound and capable of supporting the weight of stone. We assess your cabinetry during the site measure to confirm suitability. Standard kitchen cabinetry is generally sufficient for most stone benchtop materials.
Do I need to remove my old splashback before installing a new benchtop?
No, removing your existing splashback is not required. Tile and glass splashbacks can usually remain in place, although minor chipping may occur during old benchtop removal. If you want to keep your splashback intact, let us know at the measure-up stage so we can plan accordingly.
Do you remove old benchtops?
Yes, we can remove existing stone or laminate benchtops as part of the installation process. Contact us for a quote on benchtop removal. Please note that plumbing and electrical disconnection is the customer’s responsibility and should be arranged before our visit.
Do stone benchtops need joins?
Most kitchen benchtops require at least one join due to the size limitations of stone slabs. We always aim to minimise the number of joins and position them as discreetly as possible. Before fabrication, we identify exactly where joins will be placed so you can approve the layout.
Can a popped or open join in my stone benchtop be repaired?
Yes, stone benchtop joins can be repaired. For benchtops we installed, we offer join repairs for up to two years. We also repair joins on benchtops installed by other companies, contact our office for a quote.
Durability & Maintenance
How do I clean a stone benchtop?
Clean your stone benchtop daily with warm water and a mild detergent using a microfibre cloth. For tougher marks, use a non-abrasive kitchen cleaner or diluted vinegar or isopropyl alcohol. Avoid harsh scouring pads, especially on polished finishes, as these can dull the surface over time.
Do stone benchtops need sealing?
It depends on the material. Natural stones such as marble and granite require periodic sealing, marble more frequently due to its porous nature, and granite typically once a year. Engineered stone (including Caesarstone) and porcelain benchtops do not require sealing as they are non-porous.
Can I put a hot pan directly on a stone benchtop?
Granite is the only benchtop material that can handle direct contact with hot cookware without damage. Engineered stone is heat-resistant but may crack or discolour under extreme heat. Porcelain has excellent heat resistance but trivets are recommended to protect edges and adhesive joints. For all stone benchtops, using a trivet or heat pad is the safest practice.
Can I cut food directly on a stone benchtop?
Stone benchtops are highly scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Cutting directly on the surface may leave marks over time and will dull your knives. Always use a cutting board to protect both your benchtop and your kitchen knives.
Can stone benchtops chip?
Stone benchtops are extremely durable, but edges can chip if struck with a hard or sharp object. This applies to all stone types including granite, marble, engineered stone, and porcelain. The risk of chipping is greatly reduced through precision fabrication, careful handling, and professional installation — which is why choosing an experienced stone mason in Perth matters.
What is etching on a stone benchtop?
Etching occurs when acidic substances (such as lemon juice, vinegar, or alcohol) react with a polished stone surface, dulling the finish and creating a rough texture. This can happen with marble. Other material such as granite, porcelain or engineered stone is not affected by household acids.
Can I stand on my stone benchtop?
No, standing on a stone benchtop is not recommended. While stone is very strong, excessive weight on unsupported areas, such as overhangs or sections between cabinets, may cause cracking or structural damage. Always use a step ladder instead.
Do you repair Corian benchtops?
Yes, we offer Corian benchtop repairs in Perth including crack repair, chip repair, and resurfacing. While we do not supply or install Corian benchtops, our team can restore damaged Corian surfaces to a smooth, clean finish. Contact us for a quote on your Corian repair.
Outdoor Stone Benchtops
Can I use stone for an outdoor kitchen, BBQ, or alfresco area in Perth?
Yes, stone benchtops are an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas in Perth. Granite and porcelain are the most suitable materials, granite is extremely durable against the elements, and porcelain is UV-stable, frost-resistant, and impervious to moisture. Engineered stone can be used outdoors but must not be exposed to direct sunlight. Marble is not recommended for outdoor use due to its porous and softer nature.
Is porcelain suitable for outdoor benchtops?
Yes, porcelain is one of the best materials for outdoor benchtops. It is UV-stable, frost-resistant, and completely impervious to moisture, making it ideal for alfresco kitchens, BBQ areas, and pool surrounds in the Perth climate.
Can marble be used outdoors?
Marble can technically be used outdoors but requires regular sealing and ongoing maintenance due to its porous nature. For outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas, granite or porcelain are generally better choices as they offer superior durability and weather resistance with far less upkeep.
Technical Specifications
How heavy is a stone benchtop slab?
A standard 20mm engineered stone slab weighs approximately 220kg. A 12mm porcelain slab weighs approximately 148kg. Natural stone slabs such as granite and marble can weigh up to 400kg depending on slab size and stone density. This is an important consideration for transport, handling, and ensuring adequate structural support.
What structural support is needed for a stone benchtop?
Standard kitchen cabinetry provides sufficient support for most stone benchtops. If using alternative structures such as timber frames, stainless steel, or aluminium supports, they must be capable of bearing approximately 50–100kg per square metre to safely support the weight of the stone.
What is the maximum overhang for a stone benchtop?
The maximum unsupported overhang for a stone benchtop is 300mm. With support brackets installed every 600mm, the overhang can be extended up to 450mm. Overhangs beyond these limits risk cracking under load.
What edge profiles are available for stone benchtops?
Edge profile availability depends on the material. For porcelain benchtops, the most common options are mitred laminated edges, pencil-round, micro-bevel, and square arris. Heavy bullnose profiles are less common with porcelain due to its slab structure. Natural and engineered stone offer a wider range of profiles. Edge profile selection significantly affects the overall cost of your benchtop.
Can you do mitre joins and waterfall edges?
Yes, our stone masons cut precise 45-degree mitre joins in the factory, enabling seamless waterfall edges and laminated edge details. Mitre joins are commonly used to create a thicker edge appearance on porcelain and engineered stone benchtops.
Can sink routing or grooving be done on a stone benchtop?
Yes, sink routing and grooving can be performed on stone benchtops, but it is a costly process and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Under-mount sinks must be provided on the day of the check measure so they can be factory-fitted for a precise result. Contact us for more details.
Porcelain Benchtops
Is porcelain suitable for kitchen benchtops?
Yes, porcelain is an excellent choice for kitchen benchtops. It is highly scratch-resistant, heat-tolerant, non-porous (making it very stain-resistant), and hygienic. Porcelain benchtops are widely used in both residential and commercial kitchens across Perth.
How durable is porcelain compared to natural stone?
Porcelain benchtops are typically harder than marble and limestone, and comparable to or harder than many granites. Porcelain is also significantly more resistant to acid etching than marble. Like all slab materials, porcelain can chip if impacted sharply on edges, but under normal kitchen use it is extremely durable.
How thick are porcelain benchtop slabs?
Porcelain benchtop slabs are commonly available in 6mm, 12mm, and 20mm thicknesses. Many kitchen installations use 12mm slabs with laminated mitred edges to create a 40mm visual profile, achieving a substantial look while keeping weight and cost manageable.
What finishes are available for porcelain benchtops?
Porcelain benchtops are available in a wide range of finishes including polished, matt/satin, textured/grip, and soft-touch surfaces. Design options replicate the look of marble, concrete, metal, limestone, and solid colours, offering versatile aesthetics for any kitchen style.
Can porcelain benchtops stain?
Staining on porcelain benchtops is very rare because the material is completely non-porous. Dried pigments from common culprits like wine, turmeric, and coffee typically wipe off easily with a standard kitchen cleaner.
Can a damaged porcelain benchtop be repaired?
Minor chips in porcelain benchtops can often be filled and colour-matched by a professional. However, large cracks or structural breaks usually require full panel replacement, as porcelain cannot be seamlessly bonded in the same way as some other stone materials.
Are porcelain joins visible?
The visibility of joins in porcelain benchtops depends on slab size, kitchen layout, pattern direction, and installation quality. Techniques such as book-matching and vein-matching can significantly reduce the visual impact of joins, creating a more continuous appearance.
Is porcelain an environmentally friendly benchtop material?
Porcelain slabs are made from natural minerals and fired in kilns. While production is energy-intensive, porcelain benchtops are extremely long-lasting, chemically inert, and require no sealants or chemical treatments over their lifespan, contributing to strong lifecycle sustainability.
What are the most well-known porcelain slab brands?
The most recognised porcelain slab brands globally include Neolith, Dekton, and Laminam. These manufacturers produce large-format sintered slabs in a wide range of designs, thicknesses, and finishes suitable for kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, and outdoor applications.
Is porcelain the right choice for my kitchen?
Porcelain benchtops are ideal if you want ultra-low maintenance, modern aesthetics, outdoor durability, and excellent heat and stain resistance. It may not be the best fit if you prefer thick solid stone without laminated edges, are working on a very tight budget, or your installer lacks specific porcelain fabrication experience. Contact us to discuss whether porcelain suits your project.
Splashbacks & Additional Services
Do you fabricate and install stone splashbacks?
Yes, we fabricate and install splashbacks in marble, granite, and engineered stone, ranging from 5mm to 20mm in thickness depending on the material. Stone splashbacks create a seamless, premium look when paired with matching or complementary benchtop materials.
What additional fabrication services do you offer?
We offer a full range of stone fabrication services including on-site templating, angled and custom-shaped designs, stone splashbacks (5–20mm), and mitred edge details. We can also assess your existing cabinets and splashbacks to determine whether they can be reused with a new benchtop installation.
Deposits & Payments
What deposit is required for a stone benchtop order?
A 50% deposit is required to commence fabrication of your stone benchtop. The remaining balance is payable upon completion of the installation. This deposit structure is standard across the stone benchtop industry in Perth.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and direct bank transfer for all stone benchtop orders. Payment is split between a 50% deposit to begin fabrication and the remaining 50% on completion.
Let’s bring your project to life
From first cut to final polish, we’re here to help. Get in touch and let’s talk stone.