The Difference Between Laminate and Stone Benchtops
06 February 2023Renovating your kitchen can be the simplest way to increase the value of your property. The question of whether to choose stone or laminate benchtops arises when homeowners intend to upgrade them when they begin kitchen renovations because benchtops are one of the kitchen’s most used and functional areas. While stone benchtops are more scratch-resistant, durable, and hardwearing than laminate benchtops, you may be torn between the two due to the price difference. Laminate benchtops can even mimic the look of stone benchtops. Continue reading to find out which benchtop is best for your home’s kitchen.
Advantages of Laminate and Stone Benchtops
Laminate is popular because it is the most cost-effective option compared to the other materials you can utilise for benchtops, such as stone. However, laminates can cost more or less depending on whether you buy the more expensive options. Laminate is difficult to compete with because it offers unparalleled appearance versatility, allowing you to create any design for your kitchen benchtops. It comes in a wide range of colours, patterns, textures, and styles, and it has a cheap top layer that will help you get the right look for your home. The majority of laminated benchtops are made of materials such as MDF board, ply, or chipboard that can mimic wood, marble, or even stone finish. Additionally, the laminate-style benchtops weigh less than those made of other materials, making them easier to install. This can come in handy for you and the installer, especially if you plan to install them throughout your kitchen.
Stone, on the other hand, is a one-of-a-kind and stunning material that is nearly impossible to replicate. Stone can add a luxurious feel to any kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room and serve as a focal point in each of these spaces. All Stone is well known for its beauty and elegance, which will undoubtedly increase your property’s value. Stone is a durable material that can last a lifetime if properly cared for. The stone’s quality is one of its most well-known and obvious advantages. Because of its heat resistance, it is also waterproof and can withstand high temperatures. It is easy to clean and is not only stain-resistant but also scratch-resistant.
Disadvantages of Laminate and Stone Benchtops
Laminate is not as long-lasting as other materials, such as stone, and will typically only be in excellent condition for the first ten years. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to scratching, scorching, and burning, and their surface can lose its natural shine over time. Some laminates, such as the premium varieties, are waterproof. However, regular laminate benchtops are not water-resistant and can be damaged if water seeps into any cracks or scratches they may have. Not only is laminate sensitive to water, but it is also vulnerable to heat. Placing hot pans directly on the surface is not recommended, nor should food be prepared directly on the laminate.
As previously stated, stone benchtops can be considerably more expensive than laminate. They could double the value of your laminate. Another disadvantage of stone is that when one or more slabs are needed, they may not be perfectly matched, as each piece of stone has a unique appearance. This can be a problem if an offcut of stone is used to construct a portion of your kitchen and there are no remaining remnants of the offcut to match the original piece in your kitchen. In contrast, this is not an issue with laminate benchtops, which have consistent finishes and are readily available if replacement parts are required.
Stone is the most popular material for kitchen benchtops, particularly in luxury homes. However, this debate is heavily dependent on personal preference. To know which is the better option for you, don’t hesitate to seek help from the stone masonry professionals at Hans International. Contact us today, and you may also visit and like our Facebook page for more updates and promos.
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