That’s easy – the durability! While a stone top will definitely cost a little more, it is certainly going to handle the everyday wear and tear a lot better than a laminate benchtop. A stone top is 100% waterproof as well as scratch and stain resistant. It can be shaped to suit most applications. Laminate, however, has been around forever and with care will last for years and years – too much water can damage it and cause swelling, and it does scratch quite easily. Colour range however, is excellent!