Why is Slab Size Important for Stone Benchtops?
Before you finalise the installation of your stone kitchen benchtop, stone vanity top, stone splashback, or any other stone application, homeowners must settle on design details such as slab size, edge profile, overhang, sink cut-out, joint form and much more.
When designing your next stone benchtop, it is crucial to consider every minor detail because once the stone has been cut, it is usually impossible to change the parameters later. In this article, we look at commonly overlooked stone benchtop considerations, e.g. slab size.
Slab size is one of the most essential design details of a kitchen benchtop because it is the most noticeable characteristic if the stone is installed improperly. Homeowners should be mindful of slab size because if your kitchen benchtop is very long – say more than 3 metres – there will be an inevitable join somewhere along the way. And remember, a larger slab eliminates the difficult process of vein matching that stonemasons undergo in order to deliver a seamless and matching visual design. This ultimately makes for a much simpler and smoother design and installation process.
The Benefits of Large Stone Slabs
In particular, there are three main reasons why a large stone slab is the best option for installation rather than smaller slabs that have to be joined together. To explore the benefits more deeply, a marble stone benchtop will be used as an example, as marble’s intricate details benefit massively from a larger slab size.
Firstly, a large marble stone slab benefits in cost savings, which is good news for almost everyone, especially for homeowners who are renovating. Builders and developers who buy larger slabs are considerably more cost-effective per-square-metre because the amount of marble stone and workmanship needed is reduced.
A larger stone slab results in lower material costs, so a more expensive stone can be more cost-effective than an inexpensive stone requiring more slabs. For example, home renovators and contractors can select a large natural marble benchtop that is more expensive and unique for roughly the same price as multiple slabs of cheaper engineered stone with a marble stone look.
Secondly, we all know there’s no such thing as too much bench space, for those wanting a large or extra-long benchtop, one larger slab is ideal, as the aesthetics are more seamless. With a one-piece slab, there are no visible joins or design mismatches in the surface, as the slab covers the whole bench section.
For example, matching the veined details on a marble benchtop is extremely difficult. When the slab covers the entire bench surface, it eliminates the need for stonemasons to vein-fit across the marble benchtop and significantly minimising the amount of work needed.
Finally, adequate preparation of choosing a large slab prevents you from being frustrated at the end of the process when you realise, “I didn’t want a join there.” Before any stone fabrication starts, it is essential you know where the joins will be, so you are happy with their positioning.
Our team at Made in Stone makes an effort to fit joins to the designs on the marble stone, but this isn’t always possible with every stone benchtop in our inventory. So, when planning your next kitchen benchtop, discuss the slab size with our team.
The Negatives of Large Stone Slabs
Without doubt, the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to installing a large stone slab over a small stone slab, but it’s important to recognise that there are a few logistical factors that might make a large benchtop impossible to fit in your home.
Due to the large size of the stone and the delicacy of the stone benchtop, it might be unfeasible to install such a large piece of material into your home. Some of the questions to ask yourself include:
- Am I renovating or building a new home? It is easier to get a large stone through an unbuilt house as there are fewer obstacles in the way.
- Does the stone need to go on the second floor of a two-story house? It might be impossible to get the stone up the stairs.
- Is the unloading location level or on a slight slope?
- Do I have any small corridors to navigate through?
So, when planning your stone benchtop installation, keep in mind our tradespeople who will have to physically move these parts into place, as large stone benchtops challenging to manoeuvre.
Typical Stone Slab Sizes
The maximum size available varies depending on the brand. The following are some of the various sizes that are available for the most common types of kitchen benchtops:
- 3200 mm x 1600 mm – 20% larger than normal slab dimensions, also known as jumbo scale.
- 3020 mm x 1500 mm – This scale comes in a few different shades of man-made stone.
- 3020 mm x 1400 mm – This scale accommodates all types of man-made stone.
- 3200 mm x 1900 mm – Which is the standard dimension for most natural stones like granite and marble stone types. Sizes can differ from slab to slab as these are natural goods. Check with our team to see our natural selection in person.
- Slab size: 3060mm x 1440mm
- Slab thickness: 13mm, 20mm
- Warranty: 10 Year limited warranty
- Slab size: 3050mm x 1400mm (Standard) and 3250mm x 1590mm (Jumbo)
- Slab thickness: 12mm, 20mm, 30mm
- Warranty: 25 Year lifetime warranty
- Slab size: 3040mm x 1400mm
- Slab thickness: 20mm
- Warranty: 10 Year limited warranty
- Slab size: 3200mm x 1600mm
- Slab thickness: 20mm
- Warranty: 15 Year limited warranty
Sourcing the Most Durable Kitchen Benchtops in Sydney
Not only will a new kitchen benchtop completely revamp your space to suit your liking, but it is the most effortless kitchen renovation, without requiring much work or an entire remodel. Ready to pick out your next stone kitchen benchtop?
If you are looking for high-end, affordable natural or engineered stone for your next bathroom vanity or your next kitchen benchtop, contact Made in Stone today on (02) 9756 4599 or get a FREE quote online.
With over 25 years of industry experience, you know you will only get the highest quality Engineered stones, Natural Stones and Porcelain Materials from Made in Stone. Call us today and ask us about our wide range of offcuts to choose from to help save some $$ in your renovations.
As a local Sydney stonemason, we cater to any customer requirement, whether you need a stone installation for your kitchen benchtop, bathroom vanity top, bar, outdoor barbecue area, fireplace, columns, etc. Our team are available to assist you. Speak to the stone experts today!