Natural Stone Benchtops Compared to Porcelain Slabs: Guide to Choosing the Best Kitchen Benchtops in Perth

Perth’s intense sun, coastal salt air and busy household use mean your benchtops must be extra tough. A wrong choice can lead to fading, stains or cracks under our harsh conditions.

That’s why more homeowners are turning away from ordinary engineered stone and choosing the timeless elegance of natural stone benchtops or the modern resilience of porcelain slabs. Both deliver durability and style, but in very different ways.

In this guide, Master Tops breaks down everything you need to know about natural stone vs porcelain benchtops in Perth. Keep reading to find out which surface is the perfect match for your kitchen renovation.

Let’s get started, and when you’re inspired, contact us to discover the stunning stone slab benchtops waiting for you.

What are Natural Stone Benchtops?

Natural stone benchtops are solid slabs (granite, marble, quartzite, etc.) quarried from the earth. They’re prized for unique veining and patterns which adds authenticity and luxury to your kitchen. No two slabs are the same. Each slab tells a story of millions of years of geology, giving your space a one-of-a-kind look that can boost resale appeal.

Stone is also prized for its hardness. However, natural stone does require care. It will slowly change over time (gaining a patina) and can be affected by liquids and acids.

Here are its core properties of natural stone:

• Hardness: Stone varies in toughness. Marble contains calcite (3 Mohs), so it scratches and chips more easily. Granite and quartzite are much harder (6–7 Mohs) and resist cuts and chips.

• Porosity: All stone can absorb liquids to some degree. Granite is relatively low-porosity, but even it needs sealing to prevent stains. More porous stones (like light marbles) absorb oils and juices quickly, causing dark stains if not sealed regularly.

• Acid Sensitivity: Stone’s reaction to acids varies. Marble’s calcite content makes it chemically reactive. A drop of lemon juice or vinegar will etch its surface. Granite and quartzite, in contrast, are mostly silica and resistant to acids. They won’t etch from normal kitchen foods.

The Top Natural Stones Explained – Marble, Granite, Quartzite

Marble

Marble is the classic luxury stone with iconic veining (think Carrara or Calacatta). Its smooth, white or grey surface elevates any room. Use marble for formal kitchens or bathroom vanities, where spills are less aggressive.

Pros: timeless elegance, naturally cool (great for baking), and very dense.

Cons: it’s softer (Mohs 3) and easily scratched or chipped. It also etches with acids (lemon juice or tomato sauce will leave a mark).

Marble must be sealed before use and cleaned carefully with gentle, pH-neutral products. If cared for, marble rewards you with beauty that lasts generations.

Granite

Granite is an igneous stone famous for durability and variety. Its large-grained look comes in many colours (from black and white speckle to pink and green flecks). Granite is very hard (Mohs 6–7), naturally heat- and scratch-resistant. It’s ideal for busy family kitchens or commercial spaces.

Pros: Extremely tough and cool (won’t warp with hot pots), and it hides wear well.

Cons: It is still porous enough to need sealing (every 1–2 years) to prevent stains.

Prepared properly (sealed and wiped promptly), granite stands up to spills and heavy use.Read more about pros & cons of granite benchtops in Perth.

Quartzite

Quartzite is the hardest common stone (Mohs 7) and is a metamorphic rock, often mistaken for marble. It typically comes in dramatic veined patterns (e.g. “Taj Mahal” quartzite) and ranges from whites to greens.

Pros: It combines beauty and toughness.  You get marble-like veining with granite-level durability. Quartzite won’t etch with acids (lemon juice won’t dull it), and it’s very heat- and scratch-resistant.

Cons: High-end quartzite can be expensive and can have subtle porosity, so sealing is still recommended. It’s heavier and sometimes harder to fabricate, adding cost.

What are Porcelain Benchtops?

Porcelain benchtops (also called sintered stone) are made from a blend of clay, minerals (feldspar, silica, quartz) and pigments compressed under extreme heat (around 1200–1400°C). This industrial firing creates ultra-compact, full-body slabs in which the colour and pattern run through the entire thickness (so the edges look the same as the top surface). The result is a surface that is 100% non-porous and extraordinarily dense.

Practically, porcelain won’t absorb liquids or stains at all, and it’s impervious to mould. It also boasts outstanding toughness. It’s resistant to heat, scratches, stains and UV. Even a hot pot from the stove won’t damage it, and you can install it outdoors (it won’t fade or warp under sun). Porcelain comes in large slabs (thinner than stone) and offers consistent, printed patterns. It can mimic marble or wood, or be solid colours. This uniformity allows for neat mitred waterfall edges or exposed cuts without seeing a different core.

Read more about > Pros & Cons of Porcelain Benchtops

Key benefits of porcelain:

·       Zero porosity: Won’t absorb spills or grow mildew, so no sealing needed.

·       Heat/fire resistance: Hot pans and open flames won’t burn or scorch it.

·       Scratch resistance: Extremely hard surface (often harder than most granites).

·       UV/outdoor safe: Fully UV-stable and weatherproof – perfect for Perth’s patios.

·       Consistent aesthetic: Full-through pattern means flawless mitred edges and repeatable looks.

Check out our benchtop gallery to see these beauties in action.

Care & Maintenance Tips

Natural Stone Care: 

To keep stone looking great:

• Seal it regularly (usually once a year) with a good-quality stone sealer.

• Always use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and mild detergent for daily cleaning.

• Wipe up spills quickly as acid (citrus, wine) can etch marble, and oil can stain porous stone if left.

• Avoid vinegar, ammonia or abrasive scrubbers (they dull the polish).

• If etching or stains do occur, stone repair kits or professional restoration can restore the finish.

• For toughest stains, a poultice (baking soda paste) or commercial stone cleaner helps draw out oils.

Never leave wet sponges or metal pads on your stone.

With proper sealing and gentle care, natural stone will age gracefully, developing a patina that many find beautiful over time.

Porcelain Care: 

Porcelain’s low maintenance is a big perk. No sealing is ever needed.

• Simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent for routine cleaning.

• For hard water spots or grease, a gentle household cleaner or ceramic tile cleaner works fine.

• Avoid abrasive scourers or bleach (these aren’t necessary and can dull the surface over years).

• While porcelain is heatproof, it’s still wise to use trivets or mats under extremely hot pans or industrial cooktop edges. Otherwise, porcelain benches resist scratches and stains – you’ll rarely find a stain that penetrates.

With simple care, a porcelain benchtop in Perth will look like new for decades.

Natural Stone vs Porcelain: Perth Price Guide

On price, porcelain and natural stone overlap but have different highs.

In Perth, porcelain slabs (12–20mm thick) usually range about $700–$1500 per m² installed (fabrication included). Premium or extra-thick porcelain designs can approach $2000/m².

By contrast, natural stone varies by type. Common granite runs roughly $600–$2000/m² installed, depending on colour and slab grade. Marble is pricier; expect $1000–$2500/m² or more for exotic patterns. These are guide ranges; actual quotes vary widely with slab quality and finish.

Key cost drivers include:

• slab rarity (imported or rare stones cost more)

• thickness (30mm stone costs more than 20mm)

• edge complexity (waterfall edges and mitres add labour)

• cutouts (each sink/tap hole costs extra),

• site access/lift requirements

What’s the Difference Between Natural Stone and Porcelain Benchtops?

Porcelain slabs are manufactured by fusing 100% natural minerals under intense heat and pressure. This creates an impervious, ultra-hard panel that is fully non-porous and uniform. In contrast, natural stone is quarried and each slab has its own mineral structure.

Porcelain’s engineered nature means it never absorbs spills or needs sealing. It’s stainproof and heatproof. Natural stone, while hard-wearing, will slowly wear in use: marble will etch if hit with lemon or sauce, and even granite/quartzite will acquire a patina or light surface wear over time.

Here’s everything you need to know at a glance. Let’s compare.

Natural Stone vs. Porcelain Benchtops | Which One Wins?

Feature	Natural Stone	Porcelain
Origin	Quarried from earth (granite, marble, quartzite, etc.)	Engineered from clay & minerals, fired in kilns
Porosity	Some porosity – requires sealing to prevent stains	0% porosity – completely non-absorbent
Heat Resistance	High (granite/quartzite); lower for marble	Exceptionally high – heatproof, safe near cooktops and hot pans
Scratch Resistance	High (granite/quartzite); low (marble scratches easily)	Extremely high – harder than most natural stones
Maintenance	Requires periodic sealing; avoid acids/bleach	No sealing; simple wipe-clean with mild soap
Outdoor Use	Granite & quartzite often suitable; marble fades/etches outdoors	Fully UV-stable & weatherproof – ideal for alfresco kitchens
Typical Perth Cost	Granite $600–$2000/m²; Marble $1000–$2500/m²	Porcelain $700–$1500/m² (premium designs up to $2000/m²)
Aesthetic	Each slab unique with natural veining & texture	Consistent patterns; can mimic marble, timber, concrete
Edge Finishing	Edges polished, but core cross-section visible	Full-body material allows seamless mitred or waterfall edges

So, Which One to Choose for Your Stone Benchtop Kitchen in Perth?

We get it. It’s a big choice.

Porcelain is “nature, perfected” – offering consistent strength and easy care – whereas natural stone offers unique natural beauty that matures with age.

• If you want ease of care with total durability → choose porcelain.

• If you want luxurious, natural character and don’t mind the upkeep → choose natural stone (marble/quartzite).

• If you want maximum heat/chip resistance → choose granite or quartzite.

• If you want an alfresco-proof benchtop → choose porcelain or a specially sealed stone.

Still not sure which stone benchtop is best for you? 

See & Choose Now! Find Premium Natural Stone Benchtops & Porcelain Slabs for Your Kitchen at Master Tops

At Master Tops, we can help you choose the perfect stone benchtop kitchen material. Our silica-free benchtop options are safer for you and our installers, while our expert craftsmanship ensures a flawless finish.  

Ready to see your perfect benchtop in person? 

Book a free slab viewing at our Willetton showroom today and experience the difference firsthand. Browse our kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities online for inspiration, or get in touch to start your project today.

Have questions about natural stone countertops, porcelain vs engineered stone, or anything else? Drop us a line—we’d love to chat.

FAQs: Natural Stone vs. Porcelain Benchtops in Perth

1. Are porcelain benchtops better than natural stone? 

It depends on your priorities. Porcelain is tougher and lower-maintenance; it won’t stain, chip or etch, making it ideal for busy Perth kitchens. Natural stone (granite, marble, etc.) offers unique, luxurious patterns that porcelain mimics but can never truly match. So, if you want fuss-free durability, porcelain wins; if you want classic, one-of-a-kind beauty, natural stone wins.

2. Is porcelain more expensive than natural stone in Australia? 

Generally, natural stone tends to be pricier. Most granite costs $700–$2000/m² installed, while porcelain is slightly lower on average, roughly $700–$1500/m². High-end natural stones (certain quartzites, marbles) can exceed porcelain costs, whereas entry-level granites or porcelain options will be similar. Installation costs also tend to be higher for complex stone work.

3. Are porcelain benchtops banned in Australia? 

No. The Australian ban covers engineered quartz stone (high-silica countertop slabs). Porcelain or sintered stone contains no added resins or binders and has negligible crystalline silica dust, so it remains legal and widely used in Perth and across Australia.

4. What is the best material for kitchen benchtops in Perth? 

The best material balances your lifestyle and style. For a high-end look, natural stone like granite, marble or quartzite is unbeatable for its natural beauty. But for sheer practicality (heat and scratch resistance, easy cleaning), porcelain is hard to beat. Many Perth homeowners now choose porcelain for busy families and outdoor kitchens, while picking a statement marble or quartzite island for aesthetic impact.

5. Is natural stone worth the investment? 

Yes, if you love its look and don’t mind a bit of care. Natural stone adds long-term value and elegance to a home. It’s durable and, with sealing and smart cleaning, will last for decades. However, it does require maintenance (sealing, wiping spills) and can show wear (patina or etches). If you want a surface that basically never needs attention, porcelain or engineered quartz would be more “maintenance-free” for Perth kitchens.

6. Does porcelain get hot in the sun? 

Porcelain is very heat-resistant and doesn’t absorb much heat, so it actually stays relatively cool underfoot or under the sun compared to darker materials. That makes it a smart choice for Perth’s sunny climate and outdoor kitchens. It won’t warp or retain heat like some stones or tiles might.

7. How much do porcelain benchtops cost in Perth? 

Typically, porcelain benchtops cost around $700–$1500 per square metre installed, including fabrication. The final price depends on slab thickness, pattern complexity, and installation difficulty.