Laminate has come a long way since the '50s
Laminate countertops rose to popularity in the 1950s.
This material is affordable and attractive.
It is not as durable as other materials, like granite or quartz.
Laminate is low maintenance and can last up to 30 years.
Laminate countertops have been around since the 1950s, but they have come a long way in the subsequent decades. Forget those memories of your grandmother’s kitchen; with hundreds of styles and colors available, you can find laminate counters that refresh your kitchen, turning it into a new and modern space. This versatile material is light, inexpensive, and relatively easy to work with. Learn all about laminate countertop pros and cons to determine whether it is the right choice for your kitchen.
Laminate countertops are often referred to as Formica (TM) countertops for the brand that invented them. They are generally constructed with layers of paper covered with a protective melamine resin top layer. The laminate is bonded to a solid material such as plywood or particleboard. In general, laminate is the least expensive countertop option. It is important to consider the pros and cons of laminate countertops before making the decision to install them in your kitchen.
Because they are one of the least expensive countertop materials, it is easy to wonder if laminate countertops are any good. But there is a lot to love about laminate countertops. Here are the main advantages.
New laminate countertops can look stunning in your kitchen. There are even laminate designs that mimic natural stone like granite or quartz.
You can clean laminate counters with dish soap and water or with a standard cleaning solution. Choose a nonabrasive cleaner to avoid scratching the seal, and stay away from bleach because it can damage and discolor the surface. With a simple cleaning, laminate countertops are great at warding off bacteria.
Laminate is the least expensive countertop material and can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, when you are remodeling a kitchen on a budget.
As a water resistant surface, you will not need to worry too much about spills and stains with laminate countertops. They are resilient.
Laminate comes in hundreds of colors and patterns. You can pick exactly what you want, allowing you to match stainless steel appliances or blend in with the rest of your kitchen colors. There are also several edge options available, including:
Bullnose (curved at the top and bottom)
Beveled (45-degree angled edge on top)
Ogee (a concave arc that flows into a convex arc)
Because the material is lightweight and easy to install, new laminate countertops are perfect for moderate DIYers. You can also hire a countertop contractor or compare counter install prices.
If properly cared for, laminate countertops can last 20 to 30 years. While some natural stone, such as granite countertops, can last up to 100 years, other options, including marble, quartz, and concrete countertops, have a similar life span to laminate but cost much more.
Despite its numerous benefits, laminate might not be the right countertop material for you.
Avoid setting hot pans and pots directly on your laminate countertops, as it could melt the synthetic surface.
Laminate tends to be more prone to showing damage like scratches, dents, and nicks. It can also start to look worn if not properly cared for. Always use a cutting board to avoid damaging the surface.
While other countertop materials might be able to be sanded or repaired, it is difficult to repair laminate countertops. With laminate, there is a risk of water seeping through cracks or joints and reaching the substrate underneath. If water reaches the plywood or particleboard beneath the surface, the wood is likely to absorb the moisture and warp or swell. Repairs can be time consuming and expensive and, without addressing the issue promptly, you may have uneven countertops.
When you install two pieces of laminate next to each other, you will have a noticeable seam. Soften the look by placing the seams in less central or visible areas.
If you sell your home, laminate will not boost your home’s price. Other, more expensive countertops, like granite or marble, are likely to bump up your home’s value.
Laminate countertops are easy to maintain if you follow a few simple tips:
Clean with an all-purpose cleaner or dish soap.
Avoid bleach or abrasive cleaners.
Do not set hot pans directly on the surface.
Clean up any spills immediately to avoid stains.
Do not leave any standing water on the countertops.
Laminate countertops have come a long way since Formica’s (TM) rise to popularity in the 1930s and the sales boom of the 1950s. Today, they can mimic the look of higher-end materials like granite and marble, though they will not fool your guests entirely. Laminate countertops come in a wide range of colors, and you can even paint your Formica (TM) countertop if it needs a refresh.
This material is especially relevant given the recent rise of mid-century modern decor, as it is authentic to the time period. But it can also complement simple, minimalist designs, as well as high-end designs, for kitchens that want to bring in a unique color or pattern.
If you are handy, laminate countertops are a great option for DIY installation, as it is easier to cut laminate than it is to cut granite countertops. You can cut laminate using a circular saw or jigsaw that you likely already have on hand if you have done other projects. You will also need a screw gun, appropriate-length screws, a measuring tape, a pencil, and a straightedge. Then it is just a matter of measuring, cutting to size, and attaching to the cabinets.
If you are not comfortable DIYing the job or simply do not have the time, hire a local laminate countertop installation professional. This will raise the overall cost of the project, but because the cost of materials is low, you can still achieve your kitchen countertop ideas on a budget.
Laminate countertops are relatively durable, but even with the most attentive care and maintenance, they will likely only last about 15 years. Sometimes they can last up to 20 or 30 years, depending on the amount of wear and tear. Natural materials, like granite and marble, and manufactured materials, like quartz countertops, will likely last for as long as your house does, and sometimes 100 years or more.
Comparing laminate prices to other countertops can help you decide what is best for your kitchen. Here is a breakdown of the most popular countertop materials installed, based on a 30-linear-foot kitchen:
Laminate: $1,575
Granite slab: $4,440
Carrara marble: $4,620
Concrete: $5,310
The average labor cost to install laminate countertops is between $30 and $40 per hour. Installing other materials, like marble and concrete countertops, tends to cost more per hour because their weight makes installation more difficult.
You can have a custom laminate countertop designed and installed, but it will raise the overall cost. Custom laminate countertops can cost between $50 and $80 per square foot, while a prefabricated piece of laminate countertop can be as low as $6.50 per square foot or less, plus installation costs. For a DIYer, laminate countertops are relatively easy to install, which can save on the overall cost.
It’s possible to DIY a countertop installation, but this is one project you may want to leave to the professionals. The weight and dimensions of a countertop—of any material, including laminate—make it virtually impossible to install by yourself. Also, installing countertops requires precise measurements, so if you accidentally make an error in the calculation, then you’ll have to absorb the cost and purchase a new countertop.
Yes, you can install an undermount sink with laminate. Installing an undermount sink with laminate countertops requires a superior adhesive to keep moisture away from the particleboard within the countertop. An undermount sink offers better hygiene since there’s no sink rim promoting bacteria growth, offers a streamlined appearance ,and makes wiping away messes a breeze.
Unfortunately, you cannot put hot pans directly on laminate countertops, as the heat can cause significant damage. The heat can cause chips, burns, and marks, plus weaken the laminate. If you do have something hot you need to set down, then be sure you use a trivet or towel as a barrier between the countertop and pan so you can prolong its life.
