January Sale - Free Installation

calacatta-gold-6

How to Budget for Worktops in Your Renovation Project

When you plan a kitchen or bathroom renovation, worktops often sit near the end of the decision list, but are actually a key consideration in your budget. If you understand how worktop pricing works from the start, you stay in control of costs, avoid last-minute compromises, and choose a surface that delivers long-term value. This […]

Speak to a Specialist

When you plan a kitchen or bathroom renovation, worktops often sit near the end of the decision list, but are actually a key consideration in your budget.

If you understand how worktop pricing works from the start, you stay in control of costs, avoid last-minute compromises, and choose a surface that delivers long-term value.

This guide breaks down how to budget properly for stone worktops, based on real installation experience.

Know Exactly What You’re Paying For

Many people only budget for the stone itself.  In reality, a worktop price includes several elements:

  1. The material (quartz, granite, marble etc.).
  2. Site templating and digital measuring.
  3. Fabrication and finishing.
  4. Cut-outs for hobs, sinks and taps.
  5. Delivery and installation.

Some lower quotes exclude key steps, leading to unexpected costs later.

Make sure you ALWAYS confirm whether a quote includes templating and installation.

You can see the customer journey with us on our website.

Use Material Type to Set a Realistic Budget

Different material come with different cost profiles, maintenance needs, and long-term values.

  • Quartz worktops offer predictable pricing, consistent appearance, and low maintenance.
  • Granite worktops vary more in price but deliver unique natural appearance.
  • Marble and specialist stones sit at the premium end and need more care.

Quartz often works well for homeowners who want budget certainty, while granite appeals to those prioritising natural variation and longevity.

Many quartz surfaces come from established manufacturers such as Caesarstone or Silestone, whose published performance and warranty guidance helps homeowners compare quality confidently. We also have our own range of stone, the Eterno range, with 12 popular quartz colours, providing value and provenance to our customers.

Let the Layout Drive Your Cost Planning

Two kitchens using the same material can cost very different amounts. Layout has a major impact on fabrication time and installation complexity.

Cost typically increase with:

  • Large islands or breakfast bars
  • L-shaped or U-shaped runs
  • Waterfall ends
  • Complex seam placement

If you need to control costs, simplify the layout before changing the material. A well-designed straight run often has the same visual impact for less money.

Treat Thickness, Edges, and Finishes as Budget Decisions

Design add character……….and cost.

  • There is a difference in cost between thickness of stone.
  • Decorative edge profiles cost more than simple eased edges.
  • Honed or specialist finishes may increase labour depending on the stone.

Ask your supplier which edge profiles and finishes deliver strongest visual impact for the lowest cost.

Account for Cut-Outs and Extras Early

Small features add up quickly if you don’t include them in the initial budget:

  • Undermount sinks
  • Drainer grooves
  • Tap holes
  • Upstands and splashbacks

Because each cut-out requires additional machining, these details influence the final price more than many people expect.

Build in a Sensible Contingency

Stone worktops require precise measurement and fitting.  Late changes, such as cabinet adjustments or appliance swaps often mean retemplating or in the worst case recutting sections.

A 5-10% contingency protects your budget and avoids rushed decisions near the end of the project.

Balance Initial Costs With Long-Term Value

Choosing the cheapest option rarely delivers the best outcome.

High-quality worktops:

  • Last for decades
  • Resist heat, staining and daily wear
  • Reduce future repair or replacement costs
  • Improve resale appeal

Worktops sit at our level and anchor the entire design. Buyers and guests notice them immediately.

You can explore durable, lasting options on our quartz and granite pages.

Finalise Your Budget at the Right Time

You get the most accurate pricing when you involve your worktop supplier:

  • After you select your units
  • Before cabinet installation
  • Well ahead of final decoration

Early engagement allows for better material availability, fewer delays and clearer cost control. Our team supports your projects from early planning through to installation.

A strong worktop budget doesn’t mean spending more, it means spending with clarity.

When you understand the factors that affect cost, you avoid surprises and choose a surface that supports both your design and your long-term plans.

If you’d like an accurate quote or advice tailored to your layout, you can contact us to discuss your job in detail.

Related Articles

Modern kitchen with Calacatta-style quartz worktops, warm wood breakfast bar, and deep green cabinetry showcasing 2026 kitchen design trends.
How to Budget for Worktops in Your Renovation Project
When you plan a kitchen or bathroom renovation, worktops often sit near the end of the decision list, but are actually a key consideration in your budget. If you understand how worktop pricing works from the start, you stay in control of costs, avoid last-minute compromises, and choose a surface that delivers long-term value. This […]
Read more
Modern yellow kitchen with bold yellow island, teal cabinets and white quartz worktop with marble veining
Why Long Term Value Matters More Than Trends in 2026
Kitchens Should Feel Great For Years Many homeowners are moving beyond design fads and prioritising choices that deliver long-term value kitchen design. While visual trends inevitably evolve, the underlying decision-making framework is becoming more intentional and value-driven. https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/kitchen-trends? Increasing people aren’t asking “What’s popular“, they’re asking “What will still work well for years to come?”. What […]
Read more
A close-up of a white quartz countertop with subtle grey veining, featuring a vintage-style brass kitchen tap, white ceramic sink, and stone-framed window in a rustic kitchen.
New Year, Same Kitchen? When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Worktops
Why the New Year Is the Right Time to Reassess Your Kitchen Worktops The new year often comes with time to reflect on your home and how spaces can be improved.  Homeowners review how spaces function and whether they still feel right.  Kitchens, in particular, sit at the heart of everyday life and they often […]
Read more
Modern kitchen featuring a grey sintered stone worktops and a marble effect island with contemporary cabinetry
What Is Sintered Stone and Why Is It Growing in Popularity?
Sintered stone is one of the fastest-growing materials in kitchen and interior design, but many homeowners still aren’t entirely sure what it is, or how it differs from quartz, granite or marble. In recent years, it has moved from a niche architectural material to a mainstream choice for worktops, splashbacks and feature surfaces. So what […]
Read more