20 mm vs Thicker-Look Stone Benchtops: Comparing Strength, Weight & Cost for Your Kitchen Design
19 November 2025
Hans International helps Melbourne homeowners select the perfect stone benchtops. Compare 20 mm vs thicker options to balance style, strength, and budget.
Strength Considerations for Stone Benchtops
A well-installed 20 mm slab provides ample durability for most kitchen applications. Correct cabinet support and precise installation techniques ensure long-term stability.
Overhangs or breakfast bars may require reinforcement brackets or steel supports to prevent flexing or cracking under weight. Thickened edge profiles do not enhance the core slab’s structural strength, serving primarily as an aesthetic upgrade. Hans International uses industry-approved reinforcement methods to maintain safety and compliance for every project.
Weight Comparison by Thickness
Stone benchtops are dense materials, and accurate weight estimates are essential for planning installation, transportation, and cabinetry reinforcement. Granite, marble, and engineered quartz typically range between 2,600–2,800 kg/m³ in density, which allows reliable weight calculations across different stone types.
| Thickness Profile | Approx. Weight per m² | Weight for 3 m × 0.6 m (1.8 m²) |
| 20 mm Standard Slab | 50–60 kg | 90–108 kg |
| 30 mm Solid Slab | 75–90 kg | 135–160 kg |
| 40 mm Solid Slab | 100–120 kg | 180–216 kg |
Use the Petros Stone Weight Calculator for accurate estimates based on your stone type, thickness, and dimensions.
These figures illustrate how weight increases significantly with thickness. Higher weights affect delivery methods, safe handling, and the level of structural support required for the cabinetry beneath the benchtop. Professional planning ensures the kitchen framework can safely accommodate the chosen stone profile.
Cost Factors in Stone Benchtop Selection
The cost of a stone benchtop extends beyond the material itself. Complex fabrication processes such as mitred edging, intricate cut-outs, and edge detailing require precision workmanship and specialised tools. These additional steps add both labour and fabrication costs.
Kitchen layout, access for installation, and the level of reinforcement required also affect final pricing. Larger spaces with multiple seams, splashbacks, or custom finishes demand skilled craftsmanship and more advanced fabrication techniques. Selecting a thickness profile should reflect both the desired aesthetic and budget constraints.
Key Factors When Choosing Stone Benchtop Thickness
Consider the following factors to determine the most practical and cost-effective option:
1. Design Style – Minimalist kitchens often feature a sleek 20 mm profile, while traditional or luxurious designs favour bold, chunky edges.
2. Structural Support – Heavy installations require reinforced cabinetry and, in some cases, wall bracing or steel framing.
3. Budget Allocation – Standard 20 mm slabs are economical, whereas mitred thicker-look profiles involve higher material and labour costs.
4. Installation Complexity – Larger kitchens with multiple seams and cut-outs demand advanced fabrication techniques and skilled stonemasons.
5. Maintenance and Longevity – Strong support and proper sealing ensure a longer lifespan and resistance to chipping, staining, and structural failure.
Balancing Style, Strength, and Cost in Stone Benchtops
Standard 20 mm stone benchtops deliver strength, modern styling, and cost efficiency for most kitchens. Thicker-look mitred edges create a luxurious visual effect without the extra weight or expense of full 30–40 mm slabs.
At Hans International, we supply and install granite, marble, and engineered stone benchtops, offering tailored solutions for both residential and commercial projects. Our expert team provides precision fabrication and professional installation to achieve the ideal balance of style, performance, and budget.
Contact us at Hans International today to explore premium stone options that bring lasting value and elegance to your space.
Related Blog Article: Stone Benchtop Installation: Different Types to Consider for Your Kitchen Renovation Project
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