Stone benchtops Vs laminate benchtops – which is the better option?

Stone benchtops Vs laminate benchtops – which is the better option?

Benchtops are one of the most functional areas of a kitchen. It may come as a surprise to you, but a benchtop is the most frequently updated feature of a kitchen as well. In fact, according to the latest Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 94% of participants had or are planning to upgrade their benchtop as part of their kitchen upgrade.

So, if you’re planning to upgrade your kitchen, you may want to consider updating your benchtop, also. Now, you have two options on hand – stone benchtops and laminate benchtops.

As a supplier of benchtops in Perth, I am often asked which the better option is. And I’m sure you’re thinking the same question, so I’ll shed some light on this 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 the better option for you is.

Stone benchtops

Et Marfil Stone Benchtop

Et Marfil Stone Benchtop

Stone benchtops are an incredibly popular choice with homeowners. They are typically made out of engineered stone, but they can also be made out of natural stone – there are, however, much more expensive.

Stone benchtops are solid and require very little maintenance. Moreover, stone benchtops 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 benchtops offer several benefits over laminate benchtops. If they are maintained properly, they can last a lifetime. Moreover, 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 even slightly damaged, it is impossible to repair and must be replaced. Also, every slab of stone is unique, so combining multiple slabs will result in a benchtop with different patterns.

View our Stone Bechtops

Laminate benchtops

Marmo Bianco laminate benchtop

Marmo Bianco laminate benchtop

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

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.

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.

View our Laminate Bechtops

Conclusion:

When it comes to buying benchtops in Perth, the two main choices 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, and they can even mimic the look of stone. Furthermore, they are much cheaper than stone benchtops.

So at the end of the day, given you have the budget, I’d recommend stone over laminate, but you’ll end up with a great-looking kitchen either way.

Whatever your choice may be, you’ll find an extensive selection of stone and laminate benchtops in Perth at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. So, come in and see us in Guildford or check out our range of benchtops online.

For further help choosing a benchtop, read our article on current kitchen splashback trends.