I very successfully repainted every surface in my kitchen with great results. I used a product called ESP and after application ( following instructions) I painted over cupboards and bench tops in oil based enamel paint. I let it dry for 24 hours and after a very light sand gave it another coat. After another 24 hours and another light sand I gave it a final coat. It looked fantastic...what was a disgusting all laminex mustard coloured kitchen became white with green plants. I had decided that if the bench tops didn't work I would replace them . Using boards they were completely fine. HINTS> Take doors and cupboard handles off before you paint and replace door handles later. Wooden knobs etc look great with white. Plan to stay completely out of kitchen for at least four days. Don't skimp on paint. Best quality and test the colour. I used satin but could have used gloss. Worth a try.

Hi iggs85. I see your point re cost and how you think it may look. I'll attach a photo of one of my semi-recessed basins in stone. We had to use semi-recessed due to space restrictions as well. The benches are 440. Are yours narrower? I did Google stone benchtop offcuts. eBay has some in marble and granite. There appear to be businesses that do sell offcuts. Anyway, I think you would certainly be able to find a beautiful laminate you like. There is such a wide range. There are also some that look so much like stone. Will you have vanity cabinets/drawers under the benchtop? If so, what are your thoughts there? Same laminate or different? Have you visited any shops yet to look at samples?

Hi Michelle, There are many independent designers (both kitchen & interior) that would be happy to put together a colour schedule to suit the kitchen design that your cabinet maker has prepared, so a few phone calls in your local area should have this sorted for you. Alternatively, we offer a cost effective 3D rendering service at The Interior Difference (check out the examples on our Houzz profile) customised to your colour selections to assist you in ensuring that you have made the right selection before you commit to the colours. We find this is really helpful for client's who have a good idea of what they think they want but just need a visual to give them the confidence to proceed. Feel free to send us a message if you have any queries. Good luck with your project!! Rebecca - The Interior Difference

Hi Newbie. That's such a good question. They both have their pro's and con's. Laminate can be easier to maintain on a daily basis because it doesn't show scratches as easily (from furniture, pets etc) and it's really easy to wipe clean. BUT- because the top layer isn't actually a wood veneer and it's thinner than engineered boards- once it's worn you can't repair it. With engineered boards you can sand them back and re stain (how many times you can do this depends on the thickness of the board you buy- thicker the board the higher the cost. If you have furniture protectors under dining chairs, and ideally rugs in the room to create a finished look, you will reduce scratching greatly on engineered boards. Engineered boards are nicer to walk on IMO, also warmer in winter. Laminate can sound hollow, even with an underlay. Laminate can also be slippery without a slip resistant layer. Engineered boards are more expensive and much harder to lay. If it's affordable you won't regret engineered boards for long term repairability and/or re sale value. Like everything in interiors it all comes down to budget- and the laminates are getting much better these days. But they will never have the prestige of an engineered board to a future buyer if that's something that could be of concern down the track. I'd recommend going to showrooms where you can see both options and walking on them- especially with bare feet. Hope that helps :) Fiona Jack www.fionajackinteriors.com.au