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We all agree that laminate countertops are the worst, right? Well, it might be time to rethink that notion. Today’s high-pressure laminates (HPLs) aren’t your parents’ old Formica countertops. Technological advances have led to higher quality and abundant design choices for all types of countertops. The most improved material over the years has been laminate. Read on to learn more as we discuss the pros and cons of laminate countertops.
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Formica, the company, invented laminate countertops as a reasonably durable alternative to heavy, expensive stone tops. Formica soon became the unofficial name for any laminate-like countertop. The basic construction of laminate has remained the same since its inception. Layers of kraft paper, plastic resins and protective resins are pressed together and heated to form a thin and durable decorative layer. That layer is then adhered to a solid substrate to create a functional surface.
Averaging $30 per square foot for materials, laminate is the most budget-friendly of today’s common countertops. The range can be from as low as $10 a foot, and as high as $50 for custom constructed tops. In addition to material price, professional installation hovers around $30 per square foot. An average DIYer should have little trouble installing them for close to nothing, though.
Material and installation costs can be kept even lower if you choose to install stock laminate countertops yourself. Retailers often have inexpensive, pre-cut lengths of laminate tops in stock that can be cut to fit your kitchen. An entire installation can cost just a few hundred dollars if you’re content with not having a custom-designed luxury countertop. You May Also Be Interested In Laminate Countertops Available On Home DepotAdvertisementTHIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.1 FORMICA 5 ft. x 12 ft. Laminate SheetCost $169Specifics 180fx Dolce Vita with Etchings FinishFeatures Scratch Resistant, Stain Resistant1 FORMICA 5 ft. x 12 ft. Laminate SheetBuy Now On Home Depot 2 Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetCost $87Specifics Typhoon Ice with Premium Antique FinishFeatures Stain Resistant2 Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetBuy Now On Home Depot 3 Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetCost $85Specifics Calcutta Marble with Premium Textured GlossFeatures Antimicrobial, Stain Resistant3 Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetBuy Now On Home Depot 4 FORMICA4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetCost $69Specifics Brite White with Matte FinishFeatures Scratch Resistant, Stain Resistant4 FORMICA4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetBuy Now On Home Depot 5 FORMICA 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetCost $66Specifics Black with Matte FinishFeatures Scratch Resistant, Stain Resistant5 FORMICA 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate SheetBuy Now On Home Depot
You May Also Be Interested In Laminate Countertops Available On Home Depot
FORMICA 5 ft. x 12 ft. Laminate Sheet
180fx Dolce Vita with Etchings Finish
FORMICA 5 ft. x 12 ft. Laminate Sheet
Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
Typhoon Ice with Premium Antique Finish
Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
Calcutta Marble with Premium Textured Gloss
Wilsonart 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
FORMICA4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
Brite White with Matte Finish
FORMICA4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
FORMICA 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
FORMICA 4 ft. x 8 ft. Laminate Sheet
(Note: All prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)
There’s not much to do when it comes to maintaining laminate countertops. No sealing is ever required. Normal cleaning with mild soap and water is plenty to keep them looking their best.
To properly care for laminate tops, there are just a few things to remember. Keep knife edges and hot pans from contacting the countertop. Use cutting boards and hot pads or trivets to avoid damage from these items. Avoid using harsh cleansers with added abrasives as they have the potential to leave permanent scratches.
Specialty cabinet retailers and local home centers offer huge design and color selections. Specially ordered laminate countertops can mimic the look of natural stone, quartz, marble, solid surface or any other look, in any color imaginable. Even stock items that don’t require pre-ordering have unique looks that may fit your needs.
Laminate countertops are often installed by moderately skilled homeowners. Professional installation is commonly used only for difficult situations. It’s readily available though, and inexpensive compared to other types of countertop installations.
The countertops are seamed together on-site at the corners which makes them easy to transport and maneuver into place. The seams are drawn together mechanically with special fasteners on the underside of the material. No special tools or adhesives are needed. Expect the seams to be visible for most styles. No special reinforcement of the cabinets below is required due to their relatively lightweight.
They can be purchased pre-cut, or as stock sizes to be cut on-site to fit. They are often specially built with sink cut-outs included. Modern undermount sinks can even be custom installed or DIY installed in some situations. Another option is to purchase just the decorative laminate sheet and adhere it with contact cement to custom-built shapes and sizes of substrate material.
With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they’ll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan. Exposure to unusual moisture levels, for even short periods, can cause them to delaminate and require replacement. They’re not designed for use in an outdoor kitchen.
Formica is a name commonly associated with laminate. They were the pioneers of laminate tops in the 1950s. Since then, several manufacturers have entered the field. Wilsonart and Panolam’s Nevamar line are top contenders, but Formica still holds the top spot. Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Kitchen Remodelers Free, No-commitment Estimates Find A Kitchen Remodeler
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The pros and cons of laminate countertops have remained virtually the same since their early years. They’ve come a long way, but haven’t ever been able to completely break away from their low-budget stigma. Look elsewhere for investment value or long-lasting usefulness. They may, however, be just the solution you need if you have a limited renovation budget and would rather spend money on high-end floors, cabinets and appliances.
Deane is a 30+ year veteran in the contracting, remodeling, maintenance, and home repair industry. His experience ranges from licensed building contracting to property maintenance company ownership. Currently operating a home repair and DIY consulting service, he empowers his clients to be self-sufficient in their home repair and remodeling endeavors.
Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.