Stone Benchtops Vs Laminate Benchtops: Which is the Better Option?
Kitchen benchtops are one of the most functional areas of a kitchen. It may come as a surprise to you, but a benchtop is also the most frequently updated feature of a kitchen. In fact, according to the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 94% of participants had or were planning to upgrade their benchtop as part of their kitchen upgrade.
If you’re considering a kitchen upgrade, it’s worth also updating your kitchen benchtop. Stone and laminate are the most popular choices among the many kitchen benchtop materials. As a supplier of kitchen benchtops in Perth, I frequently receive enquiries about which option is superior. I’m sure you have the same question, so I’ll clarify this for you today.
Continue reading this post to find out. I’ll explain what stone benchtops and laminate benchtops are, and I’ll also outline the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the better option for you.
Key Takeaways
- Stone benchtops are durable, non-porous, and highly resistant to scratches, mould, and mildew, making them a low-maintenance option for kitchens.
- Since 1 July 2024, traditional high-silica engineered stone benchtops are banned in Australia. The most popular compliant stone options today are silica-free engineered surfaces (such as Silestone QXeron), sintered stone, granite, and marble.
- Stone benchtops are considerably more expensive than laminate and can be challenging to repair, as damage often requires full replacement.
- Laminate benchtops are an affordable alternative that can mimic the look of stone, with an extensive range of patterns and colours available.
- While laminate benchtops are water-resistant, they are more vulnerable to scratches, dents, and heat damage compared to stone.
- Laminate surfaces can lose shine over time and are susceptible to damage from water seeping into cracks, reducing their longevity.
- Ultimately, the choice between stone and laminate benchtops depends on budget constraints, with stone being the premium option for durability and luxury.
Stone Benchtops
Stone benchtops are an incredibly popular choice with homeowners. Since 1 July 2024, traditional high-silica engineered stone has been banned from manufacture, supply, and installation across Australia. The most popular compliant options today are silica-free engineered surfaces, sintered stone, granite, and marble — each offering excellent durability, low maintenance, and a premium look that laminate simply cannot match.
Stone benchtops are solid and require very little maintenance. They are non-porous, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and resistant to mould and mildew. And they are available in a great range of colours to match any colour scheme.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer an extensive selection of high-grade stone benchtops in Perth. Our stone benchtops are perfect for use in kitchens and bathrooms. They require minimal joints, are hygienic, and boast anti-bacterial properties.
Pros and cons of stone benchtops
| Stone Benchtop Pros | Stone Benchtop Cons |
|---|---|
| – Highly durable and long-lasting – Scratch, heat, and stain-resistant – Adds premium look and value to the kitchen – Low maintenance (especially silica-free engineered surfaces and sintered stone) | – Generally more expensive than laminate – Heavy, may require additional support – Can be prone to chipping or cracking if impacted – Limited colour and pattern range for natural stone |
Stone benchtops offer several benefits over laminate benchtops. If they are maintained properly, they can last a lifetime. They are stunning, luxurious, and extremely scratch-resistant.
However, there are certain drawbacks associated with stone benchtops. First of all, they are far more expensive than laminate benchtops. Furthermore, if a stone benchtop gets significantly damaged, it is very difficult to repair and may need to be replaced. Also, every slab of natural stone is unique, so combining multiple slabs can result in slight variation between sections.
Read our ultimate stone benchtop buying guide to find out everything you need to know before making a purchase.
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Laminate Benchtops
Laminate benchtops, on the other hand, are a popular alternative to stone benchtops. They are made out of laminate materials such as MDF board, ply or chipboard and can replicate the look of natural materials such as wood grain, granite, and even marble.
Laminate benchtops are water-resistant, but they are prone to scratching and denting and can be damaged by extreme heat.
We also offer one of the largest selections of laminate benchtops in Perth. Our laminate benchtops are manufactured to the highest standards of quality and are built to last. They, too, are available in a range of styles and colour options.
Pros and cons of laminate benchtops
| Laminate Benchtop Pros | Laminate Benchtop Cons |
|---|---|
| – Cost-effective and budget-friendly – Wide variety of colours, patterns, and textures – Lightweight and easy to install – Low maintenance and easy to clean | – Less durable and prone to scratching or heat damage – Shorter lifespan compared to stone – Can peel or bubble over time if exposed to moisture – Does not add as much value as stone |
Conversely, laminate benchtops do offer some benefits over their stone counterparts. Firstly, they are available in a choice of unlimited patterns and colours, and they can mimic the appearance of stone at a fraction of the cost. Although not widespread, they can also be used for splashbacks, eliminating the need for wall tiles. And while high-quality laminate benchtops are built to last, they will only last for a maximum of 20 years.
There are several disadvantages to using laminate benchtops as well. They are susceptible to scratching, scorching and burning, and the surface loses its shine over time. While quality laminate benchtops are water-resistant, they can be damaged by water seeping into cracks or scratches.
Read our Guide to Kitchen Laminate Benchtops to learn more about the styles, finishes, profiles, and why they’re still so popular in Perth.
Which Is the Better Option?
In the end, deciding which is the better material for your benchtop comes down to your budget. While laminate benchtops are not as luxurious as their stone counterparts, they have certainly come a long way in terms of design. They may even fool you into thinking they are stone. On the other hand, nothing compares to the luxury offered by stone benchtops. So, if you have the budget, splash out — I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Here’s an expert quote which I completely agree with: “Stone is always nice to have, but if you don’t have the budget, there are some great laminate bench top options.” — Fei Chui, Registered Architect, ClarkeHopkinsClarke.
Conclusion
The two main choices for benchtops in Perth are stone or laminate. Stone benchtops are far superior in appearance to laminate benchtops. They are also more hardwearing, scratch-resistant, and durable than laminate benchtops. On the other hand, laminate benchtops are available in unlimited patterns and styles, can mimic the look of stone, and cost considerably less.
Given you have the budget, I’d recommend stone over laminate — but you’ll end up with a great-looking kitchen either way. To help you create the perfect overall design, don’t miss our detailed guide on Kitchen Colour Schemes That Work, which includes expert advice on pairing benchtops with cabinets and other kitchen elements.
Whatever your choice may be, you’ll find an extensive selection of stone and laminate benchtops in Perth at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Come in and see us in Guildford or check out our range of benchtops online, and take a look at our kitchen cabinets while you’re at it.
For further help choosing a benchtop, read our article on How to Choose a Kitchen Benchtop.
