Stone Benchtop Thickness: Which Is Best For Your Home?

Your Complete Guide to Choosing Between 12mm, 20mm, 40mm, and 60mm Stone Benchtops

Picking the right stone benchtop thickness for your family kitchen might seem like a small detail to consider, but it can make a big difference. Many people get confused or overwhelmed when comparing 12mm vs 20mm vs 40mm vs 60mm benchtops because they’re not clear about the most important factors.

Stone thickness affects the overall visual appeal of your kitchen, how much you’ll spend, and the installation process.

At Talostone^®, we help homeowners, designers, and builders make these choices every day. This post aims to explain everything in plain language, so you can pick the kitchen benchtop thickness that is the most practical for your space, fits within your budget, and best aligns with your overall design preferences.

Understanding How Stone Benchtop Thickness Works

Before diving into comparisons, it helps to understand how thicker benchtops are actually created. Talostone^® slabs are manufactured in both 20mm and 12mm thickness. Our 12mm thickness is available exclusively in our Artsense^® Sintered Stone collection, a material that delivers exceptional strength despite its ultra-slim profile; MinQ Zero^® and Natroccia^™ are both 20mm thick. When you see a 40mm stone benchtop or 60mm benchtop in a showroom or magazine spread, that substantial edge has been achieved through a technique called mitring.

What is mitring? It’s simply the process of cutting stone at precise 45-degree angles and joining the pieces together to create the appearance of a thicker slab. A skilled stonemason can professionally bond pieces of slab seamlessly, resulting in that “chunky”, architectural look that has become synonymous with high-end kitchen design in Sydney and Melbourne homes.

Achieving this luxury appearance requires additional material, specialist skill, and time—all of which affect the cost of the job.

12mm Sintered Stone Benchtops: The Ultra-Slim Innovation

The newest addition to thickness options, 12mm sintered stone benchtops represent a breakthrough in material technology. Available exclusively through our Artsense^® Sintered Stone collection, these ultra-slim slabs challenge traditional assumptions about what stone can be.

What makes 12mm sintered stone different:

Unlike natural stone, sintered stone is crafted from a blend of natural raw materials subjected to extreme pressure and heat. This manufacturing process creates a material with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The full body composition means the colour and pattern remain consistent throughout the entire 12mm thickness, unlike laminated or surface-printed alternatives.

When 12mm works exceptionally well:

The lightweight nature of 12mm sintered stone opens up applications that would be impractical or impossible with heavier materials. For wall cladding, feature walls, and fireplace surrounds, the reduced weight simplifies installation while maintaining visual impact. The slim profile also makes 12mm ideal for commercial fit-outs where weight restrictions matter, or for renovation projects where existing structures can’t support heavier materials.

In contemporary kitchens pursuing an ultra-minimalist aesthetic, 12mm sintered stone delivers the sleek, barely-there appearance that thicker materials cannot match. The edge profile is noticeably slimmer than 20mm, creating visual lightness that complements handle-less cabinetry and floating joinery.

The performance advantage:

Don’t let the slim profile fool you. Sintered stone exhibits exceptional resistance to scratches, stains, heat, and UV radiation. The non-porous surface resists moisture absorption and bacterial growth, making it remarkably low maintenance. For outdoor applications or areas exposed to direct sunlight, sintered stone’s UV resistance prevents the fading that can affect some natural stones.

Cost considerations:

The 12mm thickness requires less raw material than thicker options, which can translate to cost savings. However, sintered stone is an engineered product with its own pricing considerations. The overall value proposition comes from combining reduced material costs with exceptional durability and minimal maintenance requirements over the life of the installation.

Can 12mm be mitred?

Yes, 12mm sintered stone can be mitred to create the appearance of thicker edges. This approach allows you to achieve a 24mm or even 36mm profile while working with the lighter, thinner base material. The technical expertise required for mitring sintered stone is similar to that for natural stone, though the specific cutting and bonding techniques may differ.

20mm Stone Benchtops: The Practical Foundation

A standard 20mm benchtop remains the most popular choice across kitchens in Melbourne & Sydney, and for good reason. This thickness provides excellent durability for everyday use while simplifying the fabrication process and limiting the cost.

When 20mm works well:

The 20mm profile suits kitchens where the cabinetry, splashback, or other design elements are intended to be the focal point. It works particularly well in contemporary, minimalist spaces where clean lines and understated elegance take priority over visual bulk. For back benches that sit against walls, 20mm is often the logical choice—the thickness is less visible in these positions, making the additional expense of mitring harder to justify.

If you’re renovating a rental property or holiday home, 20mm delivers excellent value without compromising on quality or durability. The stone itself performs identically regardless of edge thickness, so you’re not sacrificing function for budget.

The 12mm vs 20mm Decision

When comparing 12mm sintered stone against 20mm natural stone, you’re not just comparing thicknesses—you’re comparing fundamentally different materials with distinct characteristics.

Material differences:

The 12mm option is exclusively sintered stone (Artsense^®), while 20mm is available across our full range of natural stones including marble, quartzite, and granite. If your heart is set on the unique veining of natural marble or the organic patterns of quartzite, 20mm (or mitred variations) will be your path. If you value the performance characteristics of sintered stone and prefer its engineered consistency, 12mm becomes the logical choice.

Visual weight:

A 20mm edge provides more visual substance than 12mm, creating a slightly more grounded appearance. In kitchens where the benchtop needs to balance larger design elements or architectural features, the additional thickness of 20mm can help the surface hold its own visually.

Application flexibility:

The 12mm sintered stone’s light weight expands your options for vertical applications and renovations where structural limitations exist. The 20mm natural stone delivers the traditional heft and presence that many homeowners associate with premium stone surfaces.

The 20mm vs 40mm Stone Benchtop Decision

When comparing a 20mm vs 40mm stone benchtop, you’re essentially weighing visual impact against cost efficiency. A 40mm edge creates a more substantial, grounded appearance that draws the eye and anchors the kitchen design.

The case for 40mm:

A 40mm profile introduces a sense of permanence and luxury that thinner edges struggle to replicate. On an island bench—particularly one that functions as a social hub for family and guests—this added visual weight can transform the entire space. The 40mm thickness also pairs exceptionally well with waterfall edges, where the stone continues down the sides of cabinetry to meet the floor.

The cost consideration:

Because achieving a 40mm appearance requires mitring, you’re paying for additional stonemason labour and, in some cases, additional material. The complexity of the mitred join means more time in fabrication. However, this doesn’t mean 40mm is out of reach for budget-conscious renovators—it simply requires strategic placement.

A popular compromise:

Many homeowners opt for a 20mm stone benchtop with 40mm edge on their island while keeping the back bench at a standard 20mm. This approach delivers the visual punch where it matters most while managing costs on benchtop surfaces that receive less attention. Your kitchen designer can help you assess whether this hybrid approach makes sense for your layout.

60mm Stone Benchtops: Making a Statement

A 60mm stone benchtop represents the bold end of the thickness spectrum. This substantial profile creates an undeniable focal point—the kind of design element that guests notice immediately upon entering the kitchen.

Where 60mm excels:

Large format islands with generous proportions benefit most from 60mm edges. In open-plan living areas where the kitchen island functions almost as a piece of furniture, this thickness helps the benchtop hold its own against surrounding spaces. The 60mm profile also complements homes with high ceilings and expansive rooms, where a thinner edge might appear lost or underwhelming.

The 40mm vs 60mm benchtop question:

When weighing up 40mm vs 60mm benchtop options, consider the scale of your kitchen and the overall design language of your home. A 40mm edge delivers noticeable visual weight without overwhelming smaller or medium-sized kitchens. The jump to 60mm makes the most sense in larger spaces where you want the benchtop to command attention.

From a cost perspective, 60mm requires more material and more complex fabrication than 40mm. If budget is a primary concern, 40mm often provides the best balance between impact and investment.

Mixing Thicknesses and Materials Within Your Kitchen

One of the most effective strategies for managing your stone benchtop budget involves using different thicknesses and even different materials in different locations. This isn’t about compromise—it’s about intelligent design.

Strategic combinations:

Consider specifying a 60mm benchtop for your island, where the full thickness is visible from multiple angles and the stone becomes a genuine centrepiece. Pair this with 20mm on your back bench, where the edge sits against a splashback and the reduced profile is far less noticeable.

Incorporating 12mm sintered stone:

For feature walls, splashbacks, or fireplace cladding, the 12mm Artsense^® sintered stone can complement your thicker natural stone benchtops while expanding the visual language of your kitchen. The weight savings make installation simpler for vertical applications, and the UV resistance makes it particularly suitable for areas with direct sunlight exposure.

This same logic applies to extending your stone selection beyond the kitchen. Leftover material from your kitchen slabs can often be used for bathroom vanities, laundry benches, or even window sills. By planning the full scope of your stone requirements upfront, you maximise every slab and minimise waste.

How Edge Profiles Interact With Thickness

The profile of your benchtop edge—whether pencil round, bevelled, bullnose, or square—works in combination with thickness to create the final visual effect. A chunky 40mm or 60mm edge with a simple square profile reads as contemporary and architectural. The same thickness with a more detailed profile can shift the aesthetic toward traditional or transitional styles.

At the thinner end of the spectrum, 12mm and 20mm edges typically pair best with simpler profiles. An ultra-slim 12mm edge with a square or slightly eased profile reinforces the minimalist aesthetic that makes this thickness appealing in the first place.

Keep in mind that elaborate edge profiles require additional stonemason time regardless of thickness. If you’re working within a tight budget but committed to a thicker edge, opting for a simpler profile can help offset some of the mitring costs.

Practical Considerations Beyond Aesthetics

Weight and support:

Thicker stone edges add weight to your benchtops, though this is rarely a structural concern when proper cabinetry is in place. The 12mm sintered stone option significantly reduces weight compared to all other thicknesses, which can be advantageous in renovations or commercial applications where load-bearing capacity is limited. Your joiner will account for any additional support requirements during the design phase.

Durability:

The performance of your benchtop depends primarily on the material itself rather than the edge thickness. Natural stone at 20mm performs identically to the same stone at 60mm in everyday use. The 12mm sintered stone, despite its slim profile, actually outperforms many thicker natural stones in scratch resistance, heat resistance, and stain resistance due to its engineered composition.

Resale value:

In “forever homes”, choosing the thickness that aligns with your personal preference makes sense. For investment properties or homes you may sell within five to ten years, the standard 20mm thickness appeals to the broadest range of buyers while keeping renovation costs in check. The 12mm sintered stone represents a newer option that educated buyers increasingly appreciate for its performance characteristics, though it may require explanation to those unfamiliar with the material.

Working With Your Designer and Stonemason

The right benchtop thickness for your home depends on factors specific to your project: the size of your kitchen, your overall design direction, whether you prefer natural or engineered stone, whether this is a forever home or a shorter-term investment, and of course, your budget.

At Talostone^®, our team recommends discussing thickness options early in the design process with your kitchen designer. They can model how different thicknesses will look in your space and provide accurate quotes that account for the additional fabrication involved in mitred edges.

Material selection matters:

If you’re drawn to the 12mm thickness, visit our Artsense^® Sintered Stone collection to explore the available colours and finishes. The range includes options from the Luxury, Classical, and Pure collections, each offering distinct aesthetic directions. If natural stone speaks to your design vision, our 20mm slabs provide the foundation for any thickness you choose to achieve through mitring.

Requesting samples is another valuable step. Seeing and touching the actual stone—observing how it catches light and how different thicknesses appear in your own kitchen environment—provides clarity that photos and descriptions cannot. This is particularly valuable when comparing the visual character of natural stone against sintered stone.

Making Your Decision

Whether you land on an ultra-modern 12mm sintered stone profile, a streamlined 20mm natural stone edge, a substantial 60mm benchtop, or something in between, the choice ultimately comes down to what serves your home best. Consider the scale of your kitchen, the statement you want your benchtop to make, the performance characteristics that matter most to you, and the budget you have available.

Strategic decisions—like pairing a 20mm stone benchtop with 40mm edge on your island while keeping secondary benches at standard thickness, or combining thicker natural stone benchtops with 12mm sintered stone feature walls—allow you to achieve high impact without stretching your resources too thin.

For inspiration and to explore colour options across our Premium Marble, Marble, Deluxe, and Standard ranges, visit our product collections online. To discover the innovative possibilities of ultra-slim sintered stone, explore our Artsense^® Sintered Stone collection at https://talostone.com.au/sintered-stone/. Experience the full range in person at our City Experience Centre, where you can see and touch different thicknesses side by side.

Ready to explore your options?

Get in touch with our team — Telephone 02 8783 0600 | Email info@talostone.com.au