Dolomite vs Limestone: Which benchtop is best for your kitchen?

Short answer: Dolomite and limestone both offer soft, elegant natural stone looks — but Dolomite is generally harder and a bit more resilient day-to-day. Limestone is softer, a little more porous, and patinas faster.

Choose Dolomite if you want a light, natural stone aesthetic with slightly better durability. Choose Limestone if you love a lived-in, organic warmth and don’t mind regular sealing, gentle cleaning, and visible patina over time.

Quick side-by-side

Factor	Dolomite	Limestone
Look	Wide Variety	Earthy neutrals; warm, organic movement
Hardness	Softer than quartzite; harder than marble/limestone	Softer; scratches and chips more easily
Stain resistance	Needs sealing; wipe spills promptly	Needs sealing; wipe spills promptly
Etching (acids)	Etches from acids (calcium-based)	Etches from acids (also calcium-based)
Fixability	Repairable; can re-hone/polish; filling less noticeable	Repairable; can re-hone/polish; filling less noticeable
Heat tolerance	Good heat tolerance; avoid thermal shock	Good heat tolerance; avoid thermal shock
Maintenance	Moderate — seal, avoid acids, wipe spills	Moderate — seal, avoid acids, wipe spills
Typical slab cost	~$3.5k–$5k per slab	~$1.5k-2.5k per slab
Best suited for	Kitchens with mindful upkeep; bathrooms; laundries	Kitchens with mindful upkeep; bathrooms; laundries

Which should you choose?

Choose Dolomite if you:

✅ Want a bright, natural stone look

✅ Prefer better day-to-day durability than limestone

✅ Are happy to seal regularly and avoid acids

✅ Want a calmer, clean aesthetic

Choose Limestone if you:

✅ Love warm, earthy tones and natural texture

✅ Don’t mind patina and visible wear over time

✅ Will treat your stone gently (no lemons on the bench)

✅ Want a timeless European / Tuscan look

Reality check: Dolomite = slightly more durable and Limestone = softer, more neutral

Costing a typical Melbourne kitchen (rule-of-thumb)

For ~3 slabs (island + back bench + splashback):

• Dolomite: ~$10.5k–$15k (slabs only)

• Limestone: ~$4.5k–$7.5k (slabs only)

Fabrication, mitres, cut-outs & sealing apply separately.

Ways to keep costs down

• Choose in-stock slabs

• One waterfall instead of two

• Simpler edge profiles

• Use limestone on verticals or shelves vs. benchtops

• Consider dolomite benchtops + limestone features for warmth

  
  

Visit & select your slabs (Clayton South, Melbourne)

See full slabs in natural light, compare batch variations and thicknesses.

📍 9 Eileen Road, Clayton South

Walk-ins welcome. Bring plans or sizes if you have them.

FAQs

Is either stone maintenance-free?

No — both are calcium-based. Dolomite just holds up a touch better.

Will they stain and etch?

Yes if neglected. Seal, wipe spills fast, avoid acids.

Can they be repaired?

Yes — but limestone repairs will be more visible.

Hot pots OK?

Use trivets. Heat isn’t the enemy — sudden temperature change is.

Cutting on them?

Always use a board. Dolomite can dull knives; limestone will mark.