Laminate Countertops

Everyone loves the look of a stone kitchen countertop. But unfortunately, natural stone countertops are costly, difficult to install, and high-maintenance.

On the other hand, laminate countertops can give you the look of marble, quartz, granite, and other high-dollar materials at a fraction of the price.

You might be picturing old-school Formica countertops when you think of laminate. However, today’s laminate countertops have come a long way in terms of realism, durability, and stain resistance. And thanks to their ease of installation, they’re an ideal choice for DIY projects. 

There’s a whole world of features to choose from, so there’s a type of laminate countertop for just about every need.

Benefits of Laminate Countertops

Not sure what type of countertop to use for your next project? Laminate might fit your needs. Here are some of the advantages of laminate countertops:

• They Require Virtually No Maintenance: Laminate doesn’t require any kind of special care to keep it in good condition
• They Come in Plenty of Colors and Patterns: Many laminate countertops can replicate the look of stone, butcher block, and other materials
• They’re Very Affordable: Laminate is much less expensive than natural stone or wood
• They Resist Stains: Laminate isn’t porous, so dirt and moisture can’t get inside it
• They’re Easy to Install Yourself: In many cases, you can save money on installation fees by putting in your new countertop yourself

A well-cared-for laminate counter can often last 15 years or more. When you consider both its longevity and ease of maintenance, laminate can save you money in the short term and the long term.

Laminate Countertop Finishes and Materials

Laminate may be affordable, but that doesn't mean your options are limited. As you may have already found, laminate comes in an impressive range of finishes, textures, and more.

Finishes

Today’s laminate countertops often closely replicate the look of stone and other materials. Here are some popular finishes:

• Granite
• Marble
• Quartz
• Wood
• Brushed metal
• Slate

In addition to choosing the pattern, you can also choose how glossy you want your countertop to be. Glossy surfaces often look extra sleek, but be careful — glossier tops tend to accentuate scratches.

Other Features and Materials

As laminate countertops have become steadily more popular, manufacturers have developed convenience features and other options you may want to consider. Here are a few:

• Beveled Edges: These edges mimic the look of natural stone, so they can make your countertop look more realistic
• Wooden Edges: These have a unique and high-end look
• Rounded Edges: These are great for protecting toddlers and young children if they bump their heads
• No Drip Edges: These edges are slightly raised, making it harder for spills to reach the floor.

If you’re shopping for a laminate countertop, make sure to take your time and consider all available options — there’s a whole world of countertop types to consider.

How to Install Laminate Countertops

If you’re looking to install your own laminate kitchen counter, there are two main ways to do it — purchasing a pre-manufactured countertop or making your own. It’s much easier to use a pre-manufactured countertop, but building your own isn’t too difficult if you’re handy.

Once you have your laminate countertop ready, here’s how to install it:

• Measure your countertop to make sure it will fit
• Turn off the water supply and remove your sink (and cooktop if necessary)
• Remove the existing backsplash
• Slide out the old countertop
• Dry-fit the countertop to verify that it’s the right size
• Carefully measure and cut a new backsplash
• Secure the countertop to base cabinets using screws (usually, 1.25” screws work)
• Measure and cut a hole for the sink
• Install the backsplash

Remember that these are very general steps — it’s wise to seek more detailed instructions for your specific countertop type before installing!