Stone benchtop process: from planner to completion
This guide explains what happens after you plan and order a stone benchtop through Cabjaks. Stone benchtops require a few extra steps compared with laminate benchtops, including order checks, site templating, stone manufacture and professional installation.
Before you start: Stone benchtops are custom made to suit your space. Your cabinets need to be installed, level and ready before the final template can be completed.
Process overview
Plan, order and confirm timeline
Create your benchtop plan, choose your stone option and submit your order details. Your cabinets will need to be in place before templating can begin, our stone partner will contact you after you place your order to set up a timeframe.
Template & confirm
Your kitchen or project area is measured and templated before manufacture begins.
Manufacture & install
Your stone benchtop is manufactured, delivered and professionally installed on site.
The stone benchtop process
Create your stone benchtop plan
Start by using the Cabjaks Stone Benchtop Planner to enter your benchtop sizes, layout and project details. The planner helps us understand the shape of your benchtop, any joins, exposed edges, sink or hob cut-outs, and the overall requirements for your space.
You will need to confirm:
- Your benchtop layout and dimensions
- Stone colour or range
- Edge polishing details
- Sink, cooktop or tap hole requirements
- Your site post code and site contact
Cabjaks checks your order details
Once your order or enquiry has been submitted, the Cabjaks team will review the information provided. We may contact you if anything needs to be clarified before the job is passed through to our stone benchtop partner.
This step helps make sure the stone company has the correct information before arranging the next stage.
Please note: If needing to cancel your stone benchtop order, this will need to be done before templating to receive a full refund. Once our supplier has come out on-site, we may only be able to offer a partial refund.
Common things we may check:
- Measurements that appear incomplete or unusual
- Sink or appliance cut-out details
- Site location and access
- Any special project requirements or order notes
Stone supplier contact
Once your order has been processed, you will receive a phone call from our stone supplier to confirm some details about your site, requirements and timeframes. Before your stone benchtop can be templated, your cabinets need to be installed in their final position. They should be level, secure and ready for the benchtop to be measured.
If cabinets are moved after templating, the stone may no longer fit correctly. For this reason, templating should only happen once the layout is final.
At this stage, you may be asked:
- When your cabinets are due to be installed
- To ensure your appliances will be on site for the scheduled templating
- Site access requirements
The stone company completes the final measure
A templating appointment is arranged so the stone company can complete a final site measure. This is where the exact benchtop shape, joins, cut-outs and site details are confirmed before manufacture.
The template is used to manufacture your stone benchtop, so it is important that the area is ready and that all final details are available at this stage.
If the templating comes back different to what was originally ordered/paid for this can affect the overall price. Any increase in cost will need to be paid to the stone supplier directly and any decrease in cost can be refunded through us.
During templating, they may confirm:
- Final benchtop measurements
- Wall angles and out-of-square areas
- Join locations
- Sink and cooktop cutout dimensions and positions
- Overhangs and exposed edges
- Access for delivery and installation
Your stone benchtop is manufactured
After templating has been completed and the details are confirmed, your stone benchtop is manufactured. This includes cutting the stone to size, creating cut-outs, polishing edges and preparing the benchtop for installation.
Lead times can vary depending on the stone option selected, site location, workload and any custom requirements.
Note: Any changes requested after templating may affect the final price, lead time or whether the benchtop needs to be re-templated.
The stone benchtop is delivered and installed
Once the stone benchtop is ready, an installation appointment will be arranged. The installers will bring the stone to site, position it on the cabinets, complete any joins, secure the benchtop and check the final fit.
Stone benchtops are heavy and should only be handled and installed by the appropriate installers.
Before installation, please make sure:
- Someone is available on site if required
- The area is clear and accessible
- Cabinets are still in the same position as they were during templating
- Appliances, sinks or tapware required for checking are available if requested
- There is safe access from the delivery vehicle to the installation area
Final checks after installation
After installation, check that your benchtop has been installed as expected. Look over the joins, edges, cut-outs and overall fit. If you have any concerns, contact AGB as soon as possible so the issue can be reviewed.
Things to check:
- The benchtop is sitting correctly on the cabinets
- Joins are neat and secure
- Cut-outs are in the expected locations
- Exposed edges match the order details
- There is no obvious damage from transport or installation
Important things to know
Can my stone benchtop be made from the planner measurements only?
Planner measurements help us quote and understand your project, but stone benchtops require a final site template before manufacture. This ensures the benchtop is made to suit the real site conditions.
Do my cabinets need to be installed before templating?
Yes. Your cabinets should be installed, level and fixed in their final position before templating. If the cabinets are moved after templating, the stone may not fit correctly.
Can I change my stone benchtop after templating?
Changes after templating may not always be possible and may affect the cost or lead time. If you need to make a change, contact AGB as soon as possible.
Who installs the stone benchtop?
Stone benchtops are installed by our stone partner company. Stone is heavy and requires specialist handling, so it should not be installed like a standard laminate benchtop.
What can delay the process?
Delays can happen if cabinets are not ready, site access is difficult, details are missing, appliances or sinks are not confirmed, or changes are requested after templating.
Ready to plan your stone benchtop?
Use our online Benchtop Planner to start your project today. You can quote stone benchtops instantly based on your required shape, size, cutouts and finishing options.
Start the Benchtop Planner