In the past, stone was the go-to choice for benchtops in apartment and townhouse builds. Its premium look and perceived durability made it a popular option for developers and buyers alike. But in recent years, more builders, cabinet makers, and fitout teams are shifting toward alternatives such as laminate, acrylic, and compact surfaces.
This change isn’t just about style—it’s driven by practical, financial, and logistical factors that are reshaping how multi-residential projects are designed and delivered.
1. Managing Weight for Multi-Storey Builds
Stone is heavy—often requiring additional structural support and specialist handling. In multi-storey apartment projects, this can add complexity to installation, extend timelines, and increase costs.
By comparison, laminate, acrylic, and compact benchtops offer significant weight savings. These lighter surfaces make transport, lifting, and installation easier, especially in upper floors or tight-access buildings. This also reduces the need for cranes or specialised lifting equipment, helping projects move faster and with fewer logistical challenges.
2. Speeding Up Installation
In multi-residential construction, time is money. Stone benchtops often require longer lead times, specialist fabrication, and careful on-site handling. Any delays in these processes can cause hold-ups for other trades, pushing out project completion dates.
Alternatives such as acrylic and laminate can be cut, fabricated, and installed more quickly. Compact laminate also arrives ready to handle without the need for sealing or additional edge treatments. The faster installation process means builders can keep kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries on schedule without compromising on quality.
3. Controlling Project Costs
Cost pressures are a constant reality in apartment and townhouse builds, particularly in today’s market where materials and labour prices are rising.
While stone still carries a premium cost, laminate, acrylic, and compact surfaces provide visually impressive results at a more manageable price point. Acrylic offers seamless joins and a high-end look without the price tag of natural stone, while laminate can replicate a wide range of stone and timber patterns for a fraction of the cost. Compact laminate delivers durability and moisture resistance at a mid-range price, making it a strong choice for high-use areas.
4. Meeting Design Flexibility Needs
In multi-res projects, there’s often a need for different finishes across various units or levels to appeal to different buyer markets. Stone options can be limited and costly to vary.
Laminate comes in a vast colour and pattern range, acrylic can be shaped and thermoformed for custom designs, and compact laminate works in both residential and light commercial applications. This flexibility allows designers and builders to achieve varied aesthetics while keeping within budget and build timelines.
5. Reducing Risk of On-Site Damage
Stone is prone to chipping or cracking during installation—especially if it needs to be manoeuvred into tight spaces. For multi-level builds, the risk increases as materials are moved between floors.
Lighter materials like laminate and acrylic are easier to handle and less likely to be damaged before handover. Compact laminate is highly impact-resistant, making it a safer choice for busy construction environments.
For many builders and developers, moving away from stone in multi-residential projects is less about compromise and more about smart construction decisions. By choosing laminate, acrylic, or compact benchtops, they can speed up installation, control costs, improve handling safety, and still deliver a high-quality finish that buyers will value.
At AMS, we work with builders, cabinet makers, and fitout teams across Brisbane and beyond, supplying cut-to-size laminate, acrylic, and compact benchtops ready for site or workshop delivery. Whether it’s for kitchens, bathrooms, or communal spaces in your next apartment or townhouse build, we can help you find the right material for the job.
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