Stone vs Laminate Benchtops: What to consider
Benchtops are one of the most used areas of a home. It’s where you cook and prepare meals and do the laundry, while a bathroom benchtop serves as an aesthetically pleasing and functional place to start your day. Before you decide on colours and sizes, it’s important to consider whether you want stone or laminate benchtops. What are the differences and what makes one material better than the other?
Stone benchtops – quality, aesthetics and longevity
Stone adds luxury to your kitchen, bathroom or laundry. As well as being an aesthetically pleasing focal point, the stone is durable and practical. When properly maintained, stone benchtops can last a lifetime. Although they are usually more expensive than other materials, they are usually of higher quality and a smart investment, increasing your home’s value.
What colours do stone benchtops come in?
Smooth to touch, stone benchtops are available in many colours and patterned finishes, from swirling light shades to moody dark hues. Choose from large chunky chips to blended monochromatic neutral tones. Stone benchtops come in various thicknesses to suit your individual requirements.
What are some of the creative applications for stone benchtops?
From custom built-in BBQ benchtops to luxurious dining tabletops, you are limited only by your imagination. For inspiration, browse our gallery. Do you have a special request? Send your query to .
Are stone benchtops difficult to maintain?
Known as one of the strongest minerals in the world, the stone is tough and long-lasting. It can be cleaned using a mild detergent with water and is resistant to stains and scratches. If you want to increase the value of your home and are happy to spend a little more on quality benchtops, the stone is a great choice.
Laminate benchtops – economical, versatile and hard-wearing
There are several advantages to using laminate for your kitchen, bathroom or laundry benchtops. It is one of the cheapest materials on the market and comes in a huge range of colours and styles. It can even replicate the appearance of other materials such as natural stone or timber. If you choose a high-pressure laminate – e.g. Laminex – for your benchtop, it will be easy to clean and will resist scratching and staining. Because Laminex weighs less than other benchtop materials, it is easier to install. If you decide to use laminate, look for post formed laminate that eliminates the joins between the top and sides of the benchtop. Post formed laminate not only looks better; it greatly reduces the risk of laminate peeling. At Craftsman Built, we use Laminex.
What are some of the creative applications for Laminex?
Laminex has been the material of choice for many contestants on the renovation reality show, The Block. Laminex can be used for wall panels in dry and wet areas, splashbacks, outdoor covered areas, kickers, tabletops and much more. For inspiration, view the Laminex gallery.
Are there any limitations of laminate benchtops?
Laminate is vulnerable to cuts and heat. We don’t recommend cutting food directly on the laminate benchtop or placing hot pans directly on the surface. Unlike stone benchtops, chipped laminate cannot be repaired.
Discover the best stone and Laminex on the Gold Coast at Craftsman Built
By utilising quality stone and Laminex products from a host of reputable Australian suppliers, our team at Craftsman Built produce kitchen, cabinetry and joinery solutions of the highest quality. From the initial design process, to manufacture and installation, Ashley and his team will guide you through the entire process, minus the fuss.
Craftsman Built Stone Vs Laminate Benchtops go head-to-head in the battle of aesthetics versus practicality, offering homeowners a tough choice to make.
Does your kitchen, bathroom or laundry need an update? If you live on the Gold Coast and are considering renovating your space, Craftsman Built has all the expertise, professional knowledge and design tips to give you an expert opinion.
Browse our gallery here or give Ashley a call on 0413 028 331 to arrange a free onsite consultation. You can also fill out a quote form here.