Stone vs laminate benchtops – the pros and cons
Your benchtop has a major impact on how your kitchen looks, performs and fits within your renovation budget. From premium mineral and porcelain surfaces to modern laminate, there are more choices than ever.
At Nobby Kitchens, we partner with major surface brands including Caesarstone, Smartstone, Cosentino and Laminex, offering a huge selection and some of the best benchtop prices in Sydney and Newcastle.
Stone and Porcelain Benchtops
Premium stone and porcelain surfaces are popular for their combination of design and performance, with an extensive choice of colours, patterns and finishes available.
The Pros
Premium appearance: Stone and porcelain can create a beautiful high end finish, particularly across feature islands, benchtops and splashbacks.
Durability: Quality surfaces are designed to withstand the demands of everyday kitchen use, with performance varying depending on the material selected.
Porcelain performance: Porcelain is particularly well suited to kitchens because it is highly heat resistant, scratch resistant and has extremely low water absorption, making it highly resistant to staining.
Huge design choice: From dramatic marble inspired veining to subtle neutrals, there are options to complement almost any kitchen style.
The Cons
Higher cost: Premium stone and porcelain will generally cost more than laminate, although pricing varies considerably between products and designs.
Installation: These surfaces require professional fabrication and installation, which contributes to the overall cost.
Laminate Benchtops
Laminate remains a great option for homeowners looking for versatility and value.
Laminex offers an extensive range of colours and finishes, including realistic stone, timber and solid colour designs.
The Pros
Laminate is generally more affordable than stone or porcelain, easy to maintain and available in an enormous range of styles. It can be an excellent way to keep the overall renovation budget down without compromising on design.
The Cons
Laminate is more susceptible to direct heat, scratching and impact than porcelain and doesn’t provide the same depth or feel as a premium stone or porcelain surface.
Stone vs Laminate: Which Is Better?
Stone vs Laminate: Which Is Better?
There is no single answer for every kitchen.
If heat resistance, scratch resistance, stain resistance and a premium finish are priorities, porcelain is an excellent option to consider.
If budget and versatility are your main priorities, laminate offers excellent value and an enormous choice of designs.
At Nobby Kitchens, our designers can help you compare the different options from leading brands including Caesarstone, Smartstone, Cosentino and Laminex and find the right surface for your design and budget.
Visit one of our five showrooms in Pymble, Castle Hill, Belrose, Taren Point or Kotara in Newcastle to see and compare benchtops in person and discover some of the best prices on benchtop surfaces in Sydney and Newcastle.
Nobody but Nobby.
