Keep the cabinets, change the top
If your cabinets are in good shape, you can replace only the benchtop and skip the cost of new cabinetry. Swapping swollen laminate or dated stone for porcelain, sintered stone or granite changes how the whole room looks.
How a benchtop replacement works
- Quote: send photos and rough sizes. A fabricator quotes on the new tops and removal.
- Check and measure: the fabricator checks your cabinets can take the weight and measures precisely.
- Removal: the old tops come out once your sink and cooktop are disconnected.
- Install: the new benchtops go in. Your plumber and electrician reconnect the sink and cooktop.
Things to plan for
- Splashbacks: tiles behind the old benchtop may chip when it comes out. Many people replace the splashback at the same time.
- New sink or cooktop? Decide before measuring, as the cut-outs are made to the exact models.
- Trades: you'll need a licensed plumber, and an electrician or gas fitter if the cooktop is hard-wired or gas.
- Old engineered stone: needs careful removal under current rules. See our engineered stone page.
What it costs
You pay for the new benchtops plus removal and disposal. See the price guide for material ranges.
Frequently asked questions
Can stone go on my existing cabinets?
Usually, yes, if the cabinets are level, solid and in good condition. Stone is heavy, so the fabricator will check the carcasses when measuring. Porcelain is lighter and can be an option for older cabinets.
How long will I be without a kitchen?
The old tops come off, the fabricator measures, and the new tops are installed once they're cut. With good planning, many replacements leave you without a working bench for only a few days. Your quote will set out the timing.
What happens to my sink and cooktop?
They're disconnected and lifted out before removal, then refitted in the new benchtop. A licensed plumber and, for gas or hard-wired cooktops, a licensed gas fitter or electrician must reconnect them.
Can you remove my old engineered stone benchtop?
Removing existing engineered stone is allowed but must be done following the safety controls that apply since the 2024 ban. Make sure whoever removes it is set up to do that.
Ready for new benchtops?
Send your sizes or plans and get a written, itemised quote from a local Adelaide fabricator.