The stone and the number of slabs
Within each material there are entry-level and premium designs, and the gap can be large. Bold veining and rare natural stones sit at the top. Just as important is how many slabs your kitchen uses. Worktops are cut from whole slabs, so a layout that needs a little more than one slab may need two. Matching veins round a corner or across an island can also use more stone.
Thickness
A 30 mm top uses more material than 20 mm of the same design and is heavier to handle. Thin porcelain with a mitred front edge looks thick but adds the cost of cutting and bonding the mitre.
Cut-outs and workshop details
- An undermounted sink needs a polished cut-out; an inset sink needs a simpler one.
- Hob cut-outs, tap holes and soap dispenser holes.
- Drainer grooves routed beside the sink.
- Cut-outs for sockets and switches in a splashback.
Each one is workshop time, so a kitchen with two sinks and a downdraft hob costs more to make than a plain run of the same size.
Edges, upstands and extra pieces
A simple eased edge is the standard. Profiled edges, mitred aprons and waterfall ends cost more. Upstands, full-height splashbacks, window sills and island seating supports are priced as extra pieces of work, so list everything you want when you ask for a price.
Access, parking and the old worktops
Carrying stone up two flights of stairs or through a narrow terrace hallway needs more people and sometimes an extra join. In much of Cambridge, parking near the door also needs planning: residents' parking zones mean a contractor may need a tradesperson permit, which Cambridgeshire County Council issues against a job sheet. Removing and disposing of old worktops is another line on the quote, or something you can do yourself.
Comparing quotes fairly
Make sure every quote you compare specifies the same stone and thickness, edge, cut-outs, upstands and splashbacks, and states whether templating, fitting, removal of the old tops and reconnection are included. A cheaper quote that leaves out templating or the sink cut-out is not cheaper. If something you asked for is missing, ask before you decide.
Questions we are asked
Why don't you publish a price per square metre?
Kitchens of identical size can use different numbers of slabs and need different cut-outs, so a single rate would mislead almost everyone.
Is the quote fixed once I accept it?
If the kitchen and specification are as described, yes. Anything added at templating, such as a second sink or a longer island, is priced and agreed with you before cutting starts.
Does templating cost extra?
It should be included in a full supply-and-fit quote. Check it is listed.
Sources
- Cambridgeshire County Council: Cambridge tradesperson parking permits (opens in a new tab)
We are not connected with the organisations linked here; they are listed for reference.