What are stone benchtops?
Stone benchtops are solid kitchen, bathroom and outdoor benchtops cut from quarried natural stone, such as granite, marble and quartzite, or from fired stone-look slabs such as sintered stone and porcelain. Asetica supplies sintered stone slabs to stonemasons, cabinet makers and builders, who fabricate and install the benchtop.
What is the best stone for kitchen benchtops?
It depends on the look you want and how much upkeep you accept. Sintered stone is non-porous, never needs sealing, resists heat, stains and acids, and is UV stable, so it suits busy kitchens and outdoor kitchens. Granite, marble and quartzite give a one-off natural slab but need periodic sealing, and marble can etch.
How much do stone benchtops cost?
Ask us for a quote. Asetica supplies the slab and your stonemason quotes the final installed price, which depends on the colour, thickness, edge profile and how much fabrication the kitchen needs. Our sintered stone price guide explains what moves the cost.
What thickness should a stone benchtop be?
Asetica slabs are 3200 x 1600 mm and come in 12 or 20 mm depending on the look. A 12 mm slab is about 40% lighter, which suits splashbacks, vanities and vertical surfaces, and a mitred edge can make either thickness read as 40 or 60 mm.
Which edge profile should I choose?
Pencil round, arris, square, bullnose and mitred edges are the most common. Arris and square edges are the simplest to fabricate, pencil round is softer around children, and a mitred edge joins two pieces at 45 degrees for a thicker waterfall look. Talk to your stonemason early about what suits your slab thickness.
Do stone benchtops need sealing?
Sintered stone and porcelain never need sealing because they are non-porous. Granite, marble and quartzite are porous natural stones and need resealing on a schedule to resist staining and etching.
Can stone benchtops be used outdoors?
Sintered stone is UV stable and frost resistant, so it holds its colour in outdoor kitchens and alfresco areas, and it is warranted outdoors. Natural marble can yellow outdoors, and granite can fade in direct sun and needs sealing outside.
Is sintered stone affected by the engineered stone ban?
No. Engineered stone has been banned in Australia since 1 July 2024. Sintered stone is not covered by the ban because it is made from natural minerals with no resin binder. Like porcelain and natural stone, it contains natural minerals including crystalline silica, and stonemasons cut and polish every stone with water-fed machinery and dust controls as standard practice. Once installed it is an inert surface.
Where can I see stone benchtops near me?
See full slabs at Asetica showrooms: 101 Fairford Rd, Padstow NSW (by booking only), 14 Wilson St, South Yarra VIC (walk in Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) and Home Base Subiaco, 55 Salvado Rd, Subiaco WA (walk in Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 8:30am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm). You can also order up to 3 free samples, sent the next business day (NSW, VIC and WA).
What warranty comes with Asetica sintered stone?
Asetica sintered stone is backed by a 25-year Asetica warranty.
