Laminate countertops are the most preferred kitchen countertops as they are beautiful and affordable. Because of the versatility of laminate, laminate countertops are available in various designs and finishes. Laminate can look like ceramic, stone or hardwood. That’s why you don’t have to worry about finding suitable laminate countertops to match your kitchen decor.
Laminate countertops are also available in an incredible spectrum of colors ranging from white to cream, to blue, red or black.
Laminate can be pre-formed into the desired shapes you want, or it can be purchased as a single sheet and custom-shaped or cut later.
Laminate is manufactured by combining plastic resin with layers of paper and treating them with heat and high pressure to form one solid sheet. This sheet is attached to a plywood or particle board base using a special glue to give it strength.
Cost of laminate countertops
When it comes to kitchen countertops, laminate is it one of the cheapest materials available, and costs about $5 per square foot. The exact cost will be determined by the manufacturer, the color, the design, the texture, the location, and in addition the size. It should not be difficult for you to find the type of laminate you like, within your budget.
Among the well-known brands are Formica and Wilsonart.
Buying tips for laminate countertops
1. You should keep the kitchen decor in mind before choosing the color and texture of your laminate countertop. From the wide assortment of laminates it is not difficult to choose the right type that combines with the decoration of your kitchen.
2. The key to color dynamics is the use of contrasting colors. To avoid monotony you must complement dark colored cabinets with warm and light colored laminate. Similarly, lighter colored cabinets can be highlighted with dark colored laminate.
3. Check some interior design magazines can give you a good idea of what color and style to choose. An interior designer can give you expert advice on how to make the right choice.
4. Laminate is not as hard as some other materials used for countertops such as granite. So you may want to combine laminate with granite to make your countertop more practical. The areas that receive the harshest treatment such as the cooking area and the washing area can be made of granite and the rest can be made of laminate. Care must be taken to blend the uniform color shade of the laminate with the inconsistent pattern of the granite.
Installation of laminate countertops
Do not attempt to install laminate countertops on your own. The laminate requires sensitive handling, and can be damaged during installation by inexperienced individuals. So, always have it installed by a professional.
If care is taken during installation, laminate countertops not only look elegant, but also last longer. If not, you may face the following problems in the long run:
- Penetration of water into the layers
- Swelling of the pellicle
- Separation of layers
- Unsightly edges and loosening of trims
Ask the professional what type of sink to install. The use of an undermount sink may not be advisable as the laminate may be damaged due to regular exposure to water from the side.
Maintenance of laminate countertops
A little care can make a big difference and make laminate countertops last longer. If laminate countertops are not handled with care, their layered structure can fall apart, making them irreparable.
- Always ask the manufacturer or contractor for instructions on how to maintain your countertop.
- Laminate countertops are easy to clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth; therefore harsh cleaning liquids and chemical cleaners should be avoided, as they can damage the surface.
- It also seems obvious that cutting jobs should never be done directly on the surface of the laminate; rather use a cutting board.
- Always use trivets or pot holders to place hot utensils on, and avoid placing heated pans or pots on the surface of the laminate as it can burn and discolour.
- Heavy utensils and appliances should never be dragged over the surface of laminate countertops, as laminate is prone to scratching.
- Laminate countertops can be chipped and damaged as a result of bumping or dropping heavy things on them. So be careful to be kind.
