Stone or terrazzo benchtops – cracked, damaged

Causes

Benchtop is unevenly supported 

Benchtop is rigidly fixed at edges with no provision for thermal movement 

Benchtop at end of serviceable life

Listed under: Interior, fixtures and fittings, masonry, stone, benchtops

Cause

Benchtop is unevenly supported 

Repair

  • if the benchtop is only a few years old, call back the supplier/installer
  • for small cracks or fissures (a fissure is a separation that occurs at crystalline boundaries in a natural stone benchtop) filling with an epoxy resin is one option. A low viscosity epoxy resin can move deep into a crack and develop a strong bond. Colouring products are available to make it less noticeable. Some hardware stores have DIY repair kits specifically made for granite, marble and other surfaces. If the benchtop is still under warranty but you want to make a repair yourself, check with the supplier that what you plan to do will not void the warranty
  • if there is a major structural break in the benchtop – a full break through the stone – look for a strong epoxy to make the repair, or else seek expert advice from a stone or terrazzo benchtop supplier
  • only attempt a repair yourself if you have the tools, knowledge and experience to do the job well – in all other circumstances, call in an outside expert
  • be aware that cracking around unusual shapes in benchtops may not be covered by the supplier’s warranty. Ideally, stone benchtops should be designed in rectangular or square or pieces, joined where needed (expertly made joins can be almost invisible). Benchtops installed over multiple appliances (dishwasher etc.) should be supported underneath. 

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Cause

Benchtop is rigidly fixed at edges with no provision for thermal movement 

Repair

  • follow the repair advice above

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Cause

Benchtop at end of serviceable life

Repair

  • the only satisfactory long-term option will be to replace the benchtop

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