Laminate

Laminate, a product that has been around for decades, which offers an affordable option for benchtops within kitchens and bathrooms.

Advantages of Laminate:

📌 Available in a wide range of colours and styles, some of which imitate natural stones and timbers.

📌 It is one of the most cost-effective benchtop materials.

📌 If using high-pressure laminate, it is relatively easy to clean and maintain and is generally resistant to scratches and stains.

📌 It is easy to install as it weighs much less than stone.

📌 Post-formed edges won't have the issue of laminate edge striping peeling away, which can be an issue with laminate.

📌 It is very low maintenance.

Disadvantages of Laminate

📌 Some products are not UV resistant, so fading may occur over time.

📌 Scratching can occur, don't cut directly onto the bench.

📌 Laminate won't tolerate heat the same way as stone, so it is more likely to get damaged if a hot pan/pot is placed directly upon it.

📌 Join locations need to be carefully considered, and placed away from a sink, if water gets under, the laminate will swell.

📌 Rolled edge laminates tend to need to finish in a squared end, this is due to the way the benchtop is formed. This isn't a problem if the benchtop finishes against a wall

📌Ensure abrasive cleaners are not used on the benchtop

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