What affects the price of stone worktops

The stone itself

Material and colour have the biggest effect. Within quartz, porcelain, granite and marble there are budget, mid and premium ranges, and rare natural stones and large-format slabs cost more. If you like a premium colour, it can be worth using it on the island and a more modest stone on the runs.

Thickness and edges

A 30 mm worktop takes more stone than a 20 mm one. Mitred edges, which make a slim slab look thick, and waterfall ends take extra cutting and finishing. A simple eased or pencil-round edge is the most economical.

Size, shape and joins

The total area matters, but so does how it is cut from the slabs. An L-shape or U-shape may need more slab than its area suggests, and every join adds work. Long, simple runs are the most efficient use of stone.

Cut-outs and details

Each opening is priced: undermount sink, hob, tap holes, drainer grooves, pop-up sockets and downdraft extractors. Upstands, splashbacks and window sills are extra pieces of stone on top of the worktop itself.

Removal, access and location

Taking out and disposing of old worktops adds time. So does difficult access: upstairs flats, narrow passages, steps or long carries from the van. Tell us about these up front so the quote is accurate rather than revised later.

Comparing quotes

When you compare quotes, check each one includes the same things: templating, delivery, fitting, cut-outs, edges, upstands, sealing for natural stone and removal of the old tops. A low headline price that leaves several of these out is not a saving.