Looking to get some benchtops for your home? Laminate benchtops are a go-to for many Australians due to their incredible range, versatility and affordability. They can be a great addition to any bathroom, kitchen or laundry in your home. 

Read on for some information for a kitchen renovation, including:

• Advantages and disadvantages of laminate benchtops
• How much does laminate benchtop installation cost?
• Alternatives to laminate benchtops
• How to hire a laminate benchtop installer
• Does my laminate benchtop installer need to be licensed?
• Getting quotes for a laminate benchtop installer

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate benchtops 

Like any material, there are advantages and disadvantages of using laminate benchtops in your home. 

Advantages of laminate benchtops

There’s a reason that laminate benchtops are a common option in kitchens. The benefits of make them a popular choice for many Australians and include:

Affordability: One of the biggest benefits of laminate benchtops is their affordability. They are the most budget-friendly option on the market, making them an obvious choice for many households. The best part is that you don’t sacrifice much for the lower price tag. 

Versatility: These benchtops can be made to look like almost any other material. They can be painted, textured and finished to mimic any look or material that you want in your home at a fraction of the cost.

Durability: Laminate benchtops are incredibly durable and low maintenance, along with being impact-resistant. Their lifespan is also incredibly long without needing the same regular upkeep that other benchtops need. 

Easily replaced and installed: They’re incredibly easy for tradies to replace or install. This often comes with a reduced price for the service, making them even more affordable. 

Disadvantages of laminate benchtops

Laminate is not perfect, and like any other material, there are a couple of drawbacks that you may want to consider. 

Lower resistance to heat: Laminate doesn’t tolerate heat as well as other materials and can burn, blister or brown if exposed to high heat. This is something to consider for kitchens, as the hot underside of a pot or pan can cause damage.  

Susceptible to water damage: Though the surface itself is usually treated against water, the joints of a laminate benchtop can be susceptible to water damage. If water gets into the joints around a sink, the material can swell and de-laminate, amongst other issues. 

Limited edging options: Edges for laminate benchtops generally need to be square. This could be an issue for island benches and other layouts that involve rounded corners. 

How much does laminate benchtop installation cost?

The cost of laminate benchtop installation can largely depend on the size, number of benchtops being installed and the design. In general, expect to pay roughly $120: $350 per square metre for laminate. 

Some of these costs may change depending on the type of tradie you use for the installation. They can be installed by a kitchen builder, dedicated kitchen benchtop installer, bathroom builder, carpenter, or cabinet maker.

Alternatives to laminate benchtop

If you’re not sure that you want laminate benchtops for your home, there are a range of other options that you can choose from. 

Stone benchtops: Stone benchtops can be made with a range of materials and give your surfaces a natural and elegant look. They’re usually long-lasting and incredibly durable but often come with a heftier price tag. 

Timber benchtops: Timber can add some beautiful warm tones to your surfaces and there is a wide range of species available. Wooden benchtops can work well when combined with glass or stone in other areas. Timber benchtops require more regular upkeep than other benchtops but the aesthetics they offer can often be worth the extra effort. 

Porcelain benchtops: Porcelain benchtops are becoming an increasingly popular option in Australia. Porcelain is incredibly strong and versatile, offering resistance to heat scratches or spills. Most surprising is that porcelain benchtops are a very affordable option for your home. 

Solid surface benchtops: Solid surface benchtops are another versatile option that come in pieces that fit together without any visible seam. Solid surface benchtops are made with acrylic resin and alumina, and any damage to a panel can be replaced without needing to replace the whole benchtop. 

Metal benchtops: The most common metal option for benchtops is stainless steel. More and more Australians are using stainless steel to give their home a contemporary look, capitalising on its elegance and the ease with which you can incorporate splashbacks or walling into the design.

Does my laminate benchtop installer need to be licensed?

This may depend on where you live. If you are installing a stone benchtop in NSW for example, you either need a builder, Minor Tradework Licence or a stonemasonry licence. If your kitchen builder is taking care of it all for you, they will need to be appropriately licensed or employ qualified contractors.

If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check with your local licensing authority or council before you start getting quotes.

How to hire a laminate benchtop installer 

When you call a laminate benchtop installer it can be a good idea to ask them several questions to make your choice easier. Some of these questions include:

• Do you have experience with the job?
• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up on?

Getting quotes for laminate benchtop installers

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for. One way to do this is to request a written quote. This will make it easier to compare the quotes you receive and choose the right installer for you.