Quick Step By Step Guide To Replacing A Benchtop
Replacing your kitchen benchtop can completely transform your space, enhancing both style and functionality. Whether your current benchtop is worn, outdated, or simply no longer suits your kitchen design, a replacement is the perfect way to breathe new life into your home.
At United Stone Melbourne, we’ve completed thousands of kitchen benchtop replacements with precision and care. Our expertise and technology ensure a seamless process, whether you’re upgrading to a sleek porcelain benchtop, a timeless natural stone surface, or considering a stone benchtop overlay for a budget-friendly refresh.
This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about replacing a kitchen benchtop—from planning to installation—so you can make informed decisions and achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
Step 1: Assess the Existing Benchtop
Start by evaluating your current benchtop. Consider:
- Condition: Is it damaged, outdated, or unsuitable for overlays?
- Layout Adjustments: Will new cutouts or changes to the placement of sinks, cooktops, or taps be needed?
- Options: Decide between full removal or a stone benchtop overlay, which can save time and costs while refreshing your kitchen.
Step 2: Choose Your New Benchtop Material and Any Upgrades
Selecting the right material and planning upgrades ensures your new benchtop suits both your style and functionality needs.
- Benchtop Materials: Decide between durable options like Porcelain benchtops, which are low-maintenance, or Natural Stone Benchtops, which adds timeless elegance.
- Upgrades: Consider upgrading sinks, taps, and cooktops. Adjustments to the size and location of cutouts can be made during installation to accommodate new fixtures.
This is the best time to finalise any layout changes, as adjustments become difficult once the benchtop is installed.
Step 3: Manufacturing and Preparation
Most benchtop components are cut, manufactured, and prepared at our in-house manufacturing facility prior to the installation date. By completing this step beforehand, we minimise downtime and ensure precision during installation.
Step 4: Organising Tradespersons for Disconnection
On the installation day, our team coordinates all required tradespersons to disconnect services, including:
- Plumbing for sinks and taps.
- Electrical for cooktops and appliances.
This ensures the area is fully prepared for a smooth benchtop replacement process.
Step 5: Remove and Dispose of the Existing Benchtop
Our professional team carefully removes the old benchtop to avoid damaging splashbacks or cabinetry. Improper removal can lead to costly repairs, so it’s important to leave this to experienced professionals. As part of our service, we also responsibly dispose of all materials.
Step 6: Install the New Benchtop
Our experienced stonemasons handle the installation of the new benchtop with precision and care. This step includes:
- Aligning and securing the benchtop to achieve a flawless finish.
- Ensuring proper handling of heavy materials like porcelain or granite to avoid damage.
Step 7: Reconnecting Services
After the benchtop installation is complete, plumbing and electrical services are reconnected. This includes:
- Reattaching sinks, taps, and cooktops.
- Ensuring all fixtures are securely fitted and fully operational.
For porcelain benchtops, the kitchen is ready for immediate use at this stage.
Step 8: Sealing for Natural Stone (If Applicable)
If you’ve chosen a natural stone benchtop, sealing is performed after installation. This protects the surface from stains and extends its durability. Each type of natural stone is sealed according to its specific composition to ensure optimal protection.
Natural stone benchtops may require curing time for the sealant to set fully before the kitchen is ready for use.
Transform Your Kitchen with United Stone Melbourne
At United Stone Melbourne, we’re your trusted experts for kitchen benchtop replacements, kitchen facelifts, and full kitchen renovations. Whether it’s a simple benchtop upgrade or a complete transformation, we tailor every detail to suit your style and functionality needs.
Why choose us?
- We deliver precision with laser templating and Waterjet CNC cutting for a perfect fit.
- All benchtop replacements are backed by a 15-year guarantee for peace of mind.
- Our in-house manufacturing facility in Melbourne ensures quality and efficiency.
- We manage all tradespeople and services for a seamless, one-day installation.
With premium materials and expert craftsmanship, we make upgrading your kitchen simple and hassle-free.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let’s create the kitchen you’ve always wanted!
