Unless you are looking for a specific retro feel in your kitchen or work space, there is little reason for anyone serious about creating signature living spaces to turn to laminate as a covering for bench tops or other working surfaces. Rich, luxurious hardwoods and the distinctive elegance of stone or polished concrete all offer aesthetically superior, high performance alternatives to the 'faithful' of old. Correctly finished and sealed, these materials will stand up to the rigors of heavy use while adding a distinctive, refined touch to the more practical spaces of your home.