Very Small Project? Here’s How to Do Stone Smart

Benjamin De Worsop
1d
2 min read

Short answer: A small kitchen might not need a full 3.0 × 2.0 m so you can either use a slab on clearance, an offcut from a natural stone stonemason, or consider doing other small areas to use the rest of a slab.

What slab formats exist?

A typical slab is 3.0 × 2.0 m = 6 square meters. Marble, limestone, and Travertine can tend to be a bit smaller (approx. 5 sqm) as they are a softer material.
Offcuts come in a range of different sizes.
Clearance slabs are usually approximately 6 square meters but priced as if they are 3-4 square meters usually.

Best-value paths

1) Clearance slabs (supplier stock)

What: Full slabs priced sharply (overstock, end-of-block, older batches, minor quirks).
Why: Big savings vs current-batch premium, with the flexibility of a full slab.
Tip: Map your usable area and confirm yield with your fabricator.

2) Offcuts (via your stonemason)

What: Leftover pieces from past jobs.. Stone masons do slab cutting/manufacturing so they will have lots of offcuts from previous jobs.
Why: Lowest entry price for small pieces (small fireplaces, shelves, side benches).
Caution: Sizes are fixed; stock is limited, matching multiple pieces can be tricky.

3) Stretch the slab:

Laundry benchtop + upstand
Bathroom vanity & ledge
Entertainment unit/credenza top
Window sills / hearth details
Floating shelves (20 mm/30 mm or mitred)

Often, once you’re cutting a slab, adding these pieces is modest cost and finishes the home cohesively.

Visit & find value fast (Clayton South)

Check our Clearance section for sharply priced full slabs, then plan a small-project layout that uses the slab to the max. Ask your stonemason about offcuts for fillers and extras.

Address: 9 Eileen Road, Clayton South (Melbourne)

What to bring (optional): Sizes, basic plan, photos of the space, Other samples to match against slabs.

Walk-ins: Welcome

FAQs — Small Projects & Stone

Do I need a full slab for a small kitchen?

You might not. Many compact layouts fit within one slab with room to spare. A full slab still offers flexibility, colour continuity and options to use leftovers elsewhere.

Will a clearance slab look “second grade”?

Not necessarily. Many are overstock or end-of-block. Inspect in person, mark the usable area, and plan cuts around edges or minor quirks.

Can I do everything from offcuts?

Sometimes for very small areas, yes. For a cohesive look across multiple pieces, a full (or clearance) slab is more reliable.

Honed or polished for small spaces?

Polished surfaces reflect light and can make spaces feel larger. Honed reads softer and reduces glare. Choose to suit your lighting and style.

How do I keep costs down?

Design for yield, keep edges simple, and plan extra pieces (laundry/vanity) from the same slab.