A Buyer’s Guide to Laminate Kitchen Benchtops

Your kitchen benchtop is one of the most hard-working surfaces in your home. That’s because it’s not exclusive to kitchen activities like food preparation or quick breakfasts. For example, you and your family have most likely used your kitchen benchtop for school or office work. You may also have done a bit of household management from this spot, such as preparing a budget or paying bills online. Your kitchen benchtop has surely witnessed hundreds of family meals and get-togethers as well.

Simply put, your kitchen benchtop sees a lot of daily activity. As such, it must be stylish yet practical. It has to be able to withstand heavy usage, even as it complements the decor. Natural stone and timber benchtops are some of your best options. However, these materials can also get quite expensive. If you really prefer the look of stone or hardwood, you may opt for their engineered counterparts to save a bit of money.

Another great option if you have a limited budget are laminate benchtops. Thanks to modern technology, laminate kitchen benchtops have undergone an “image overhaul,” so to speak. Indeed, they’re currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. With a wealth of designs and colours to choose from, laminates can give your kitchen a whole new look without draining your pockets.

What’s even better about laminate kitchen benchtops is that they offer even more benefits aside from affordability. Below, we delve into more detail about this versatile kitchen component.

What Are Laminate Kitchen Benchtops?

Laminate kitchen benchtops have two components: the actual benchtop and the decorative laminate attached to the surface of the benchtop. The benchtops are often made from engineered wood. Meanwhile, the laminates are made from plastic or other laminate materials such as medium density fibreboard (MDF) or chipboard. 

Benefits of Laminate Kitchen Benchtops

As earlier mentioned, laminate kitchen benchtops are much more affordable than other materials. Consider natural stone benchtops, for example. They usually cost up to $2,000 per square metre for marble and up to $1,600 per square metre for granite. Laminate benchtops, on the other hand, cost only $150 per linear metre. If you want a premium finish, the price goes up to about $450 per linear metre. That’s easily $500 to more than $1,000 in savings.

To further convince you of the benefits of using laminate benchtops in the kitchen, check out the list below.

Wide Variety of Styles and Colours 

Back in the 1960’s and 1970’s, laminate kitchen benchtops were actually considered tacky. However, laminate benchtops have benefited from the advent of new technology. Today, they are among the top choices for those who are looking for affordable yet stylish options.

What’s great about laminate kitchen benchtops is that they can replicate almost any material. Whether you like granite or marble, oak or ironbark, you can be sure to find a laminate benchtop that will meet your design preferences. Aside from natural stone and hardwood, laminate kitchen benchtops can also mimic metallic surfaces. These include brushed and polished metal. There are also various textures and finishes to choose from, including high gloss, semi-gloss, and matte. Moreover, you won’t be running out of colour options. From muted hues to bold shades, you’re guaranteed to find a colour you love. You can even sand and paint laminate benchtops if you want!

Value for Money

Laminate kitchen benchtops are not just affordable. They also give you more value for money. This is because they are lightweight, which means they are quick and easy to install. In turn, you don’t have to spend a lot on labour. Laminate kitchen benchtops are also easier, faster, and cheaper to repair or replace in case of damage.

You can also use laminate kitchen benchtops for backsplashes. This is an affordable alternative to purchasing tiles, especially if you’re also aiming to achieve the look of natural stone.

Hassle-Free Maintenance

It’s easy to take care of a laminate kitchen benchtop. A simple cloth or rag, dampened with a little water, is more than enough to remove splatters and spills. For something more stubborn, all-purpose cleaners will do the trick. Laminate benchtops also have a durable surface that is highly wear- and stain-resistant even without special coatings.

Long-Lasting and Durable

As long as you take care of a laminate kitchen benchtop properly, you can expect them to last up to 10 years or more. Again, all you need is a cloth or rag for cleaning. Make sure to avoid abrasive and acidic cleaners so as not to damage the laminate. You also shouldn’t put hot pots, pans, and dishes directly on top of a laminate benchtop. Use a thick cloth or wooden trivet if you need to put something hot on the benchtop. Coasters are also handy for hot beverages. Finally, when chopping or slicing food, make sure to use a chopping board.

You may also want to consider post-formed laminate, which is more resistant to peeling. Post-formed laminate goes completely around the benchtop, which eliminates the joints between the top and the sides.

Eco-Friendly

You might think that laminate kitchen benchtops are not environmentally friendly because they are mostly made from plastic. However, technology has made it possible to make laminates greener. In particular, most decorative elements used in laminate benchtops are chlorine-free. In addition, when you use laminates, you don’t have to worry about ethical and sustainable sourcing. This is a major concern when it comes to timber and stone benchtops.

Another benefit of laminate kitchen benchtops is that they’re easy to come by. There are plenty of reliable cabinet makers and kitchen furnishing experts that can give you high-quality options. These companies can even provide you with valuable input regarding design trends.

Laminate kitchen benchtops sometimes get a bad rap. However, with a bit of research, you’ll find that laminates are truly quite underrated. They’re cheap, stylish, and long-lasting, which is definitely a combination that you want in a benchtop. Consider these details the next time you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen. Choosing laminate kitchen benchtops might be the best course, both for your budget and style preferences.