When planning a kitchen renovation, one of the biggest style questions people ask—especially in suburbs with compact layouts like Surry Hills, Newtown, Redfern, Chatswood, Ryde, and Strathfield—is this:

“Should I choose a thick benchtop or a thin benchtop for my small kitchen island?”

It sounds like a tiny detail, but this single choice completely changes the look, feel and even how spacious your kitchen feels. In Sydney homes, where kitchens vary from classic Federation layouts to sleek contemporary apartments, the right benchtop thickness becomes a genuine design strategy.

Let’s break it down clearly, simply, and in a way that helps you confidently choose what suits your home best.

Understanding Benchtop Thickness

Before choosing, it helps to understand what “thick” and “thin” actually mean in renovation language.

Thin benchtops (20mm–30mm)

Common in minimalist, modern kitchens—think Zetland apartments or Darlinghurst terraces where a slim, elegant look suits the architecture.

Thick benchtops (40mm–60mm and beyond)

These create a bold, luxurious, high-end look. You often see these in larger family homes around Pymble, Turramurra, Castle Hill, or coastal homes in Maroubra and Cronulla, where the kitchen island acts like a furniture piece.

So which one works better for a small island?

Quick Answer: Thin Benchtops Are Usually Better for Small Islands

In most Sydney homes with compact kitchens—particularly inner-city suburbs—thin benchtops generally work better because they make the kitchen feel more open, modern, and lighter.

But!
That doesn’t mean thick benchtops are off the table. In the right design, a thick benchtop can look incredible, even on a small island.

Let’s explore both options with more detail so you can decide what’s right for you.

Why Thin Benchtops Work So Well on Small Islands

1. They Make the Space Look Bigger

Small kitchens rely heavily on visual space. Thin benchtops reduce bulkiness and help the eye travel across the room more easily.

If you live in a smaller Sydney apartment—Bondi, Waterloo, Parramatta, Wolli Creek—you know that every centimetre matters. A thin top avoids adding “visual weight,” making the entire kitchen feel more open.

2. They Match Contemporary Sydney Design Trends

Modern kitchens in Sydney lean towards clean lines, flat finishes, and a sleek European look. Pair thin benchtops with matte cabinetry and integrated appliances, and suddenly you’re competing with high-end display homes in Alexandria or Rosebery.

3. Material Flexibility

Materials like engineered stone, porcelain, and even stainless steel look fantastic when installed in thin profiles. They also work beautifully with waterfall edges, which remain popular in luxury Sydney kitchen renovations.

4. Easy to Pair With Small Appliances

Thin benchtops visually blend with compact appliances—think Smeg cooktops or Bosch induction units—making a small island feel purposeful, not crowded.

When a Thick Benchtop Makes Sense on a Small Island

If you love a dramatic, bold look—like something from a Mosman or Vaucluse designer home—a thick benchtop can still work beautifully, even on a smaller island.

Here’s when it makes sense:

1. You Want a Statement Piece

A thick benchtop can turn even a 1-metre island into a show-stopping centrepiece. Imagine a chunky stone slab with beautiful veining, sitting like a piece of sculpture in the middle of your kitchen.

This is popular in renovated terraces in Paddington and Balmain where homeowners want a high-impact focal point.

2. Your Kitchen Is Small But Has High Ceilings

High ceilings make the space feel larger, giving you room to introduce heavier design elements like thicker benchtops without shrinking the room visually.

3. You’re After a More Traditional or “Hamptons” Style

Suburbs like Beecroft, Willoughby, Kensington, and Carlingford often feature Hamptons-inspired kitchens. Thick benchtops suit shaker cabinets, classic profiles, and warm, inviting family kitchens.

4. You Love Durability and Solidness

Thicker stone gives a feeling of strength and timelessness. Some homeowners simply prefer the “grounded” look of a sturdy, substantial benchtop.

Design Tips to Help You Decide for Your Sydney Kitchen

Consider the Size of Your Room, Not Just the Island

If your overall kitchen is narrow—common in Newtown terraces or small Epping units—thin is usually safer.

If you’re in a larger home—say around Baulkham Hills or Hornsby—you have more freedom to go bold.

Think About Natural Light

Dark kitchens with limited windows benefit from a thin profile to reduce heaviness.
Bright kitchens with skylights or large windows can handle thicker tops without closing in the space.

Match the Benchtop to Your Cabinet Design

• Modern flat-panel cabinets = thin profile works best

• Hamptons or shaker cabinets = thicker is visually balanced

• Timber veneer or warm tones = either can work depending on contrast

Waterfall Edge or Not?

• Thin waterfall edges → ultra-modern

• Thick waterfall edges → luxury and boldness

Waterfalls are very popular in premium Sydney kitchen renovations, especially in Eastern Suburbs and Lower North Shore homes.

Most Popular Materials in Sydney for Thin vs Thick Benchtops

For Thin Benchtops

• Porcelain (Dekton, Neolith) – great for modern aesthetics

• Engineered stone – versatile & practical

• Stainless steel – perfect for industrial styles in Rozelle or Camperdown

• Solid surface (Corian) – seamless and soft-looking

For Thick Benchtops

• Engineered stone in 40–60mm – durable, premium look

• Marble (with proper sealing!) – luxury appeal in prestige suburbs

• Granite – classic and strong

• Layered or mitred porcelain – gives a thick look without the weight

Pros & Cons Summary

Thin Benchtops – Pros

• Create more space visually

• Modern aesthetics

• Ideal for small kitchens

• Lightweight and easier to install

• Works well in Sydney apartments

Thin Benchtops – Cons

• May look too minimal for traditional homes

• Doesn’t deliver the “chunky luxury” look

Thick Benchtops – Pros

• Premium, bold appearance

• Great for feature islands

• Matches classic and Hamptons homes

• Strong visual presence

Thick Benchtops – Cons

• Can overwhelm a small space

• Higher material and labour cost

• Requires strong cabinetry support

So What Should YOU Choose?

It depends on your style, home type, and renovation goals.
But if your kitchen is on the smaller side—as many in Sydney are—a thin benchtop is generally the safer, more modern, and visually expanding option.

If you’re after drama, personality, and visual punch—and your kitchen can handle it—a thick benchtop can be a knockout feature.

Either way, the best designs are the ones that match your home’s overall character and your lifestyle.

Speak to Sydney Renovation Experts for Personal Advice

Every Sydney home is different. The way the light enters your kitchen in Five Dock is different from a kitchen in Lane Cove or Burwood. The right benchtop thickness depends on the house’s age, layout, colour palette, cabinetry choices, and lifestyle needs.

If you want expert advice tailored to your space, MB9 Australia Pty Ltd specialises in creating kitchens that feel right—balanced, beautiful and practical for the way your family lives.

For more details about kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation and home renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au.