Laminate countertops were introduced in 1958 as an affordable countertop option for kitchens and bathrooms. When these types of countertops were first introduced, they looked cheap; however, today’s laminate countertops look fantastic. Thanks to the latest technological advances in digital printing and laminate countertop manufacturing, you can find affordable countertops that imitate the more expensive countertop options, including marble and granite countertops.
If you have a tight budget and would like to update your kitchen or bathroom, laminate countertops are the answer. Laminate countertops are available in several different design options. You can choose countertops that mimic natural stone or wood, or you can choose solid color laminate countertops that match your home’s décor.
Laminate countertops are created using several layers of materials that are glued to a substrate. The backing is melamine. The core of the countertop is comprised of multiple sheets of Kraft paper that are coated in resin and pressed. A resin-coated printed layer is applied on top of the core. Finally, a clear topcoat is applied to protect the countertop from damage.
Laminate countertops are available in a variety of price points, ranging from $27 to $34 per square foot. The average price of 30 linear feet of laminate countertops is $900, not including supplies and installation costs. You should expect to spend around $1,500 in installation costs for 30 linear feet of laminate countertops. In addition to this, supplemental materials like mounting screws and silicone sealant will run you an additional $50.
If you are planning to install your countertops yourself, you will need a number of tools, including a radial arm saw to ensure your angle cuts are accurate, a table saw to make straight cuts, and a jigsaw to cut out the opening for your sink or drop-in appliances. If you’re installing an undermount sink, you will need a drill to bore out the holes for your faucet in your laminate countertop. Make sure the drill bits and saw blades are sharp to avoid damaging the laminate countertop.
Make sure you measure accurately to avoid making a wrong cut. There is no way to repair a laminate countertop that has been cut incorrectly. If this happens, you will need to purchase a new run of a laminate countertop. Therefore, if you are unsure how to measure or install countertops, or if your kitchen or bath requires multiple cuts, you may want to hire a countertop specialist to install your laminate counters.
Laminate countertops have both advantages and disadvantages that should be considered. Whenever you purchase items for your home, you want a good return on your investment. Updated kitchen and bathrooms increase the enjoyment and beauty of your home. Buyers want a home that has an updated kitchen and bathrooms. Transforming your space with new laminate counters can increase the marketability of your home.
Laminate countertops can have many of the same edge profiles found in solid surface, natural stone, and wood countertops. However, these edge profiles must be done by the manufacturer as any cuts made to the countertop will expose the inner parts of the countertop.
Everyone loves undermount sinks in their kitchen and bathrooms. These sinks make cleanup a breeze. While you are wiping down your counters, you can wipe the dust and food particles into your sink. Then, run your garbage disposal to clean up the mess. Unfortunately, in the past, an undermount sink was not possible if you had laminate countertops.
Today, with the development of high-pressure laminates, an undermount sink can be installed. These countertops have waterproof rolled edges that prevent water from seeping into the laminate countertop’s substrate.
To install an undermount sink, a special waterproof adhesive is applied to the sides of the countertop and sink. This adhesive prevents the substrate from becoming waterlogged. Special mounting brackets allow you to screw an undermount sink to a laminate countertop.
Undermount sinks should only be installed by a countertop specialist. If an undermount sink is not installed correctly, your laminate countertop can become damaged. For example, when an undermount sink is improperly installed, the sink can sag when the sink is filled with water. This sagging puts excess pressure on the countertop.
If the appropriate adhesive is not used or is not applied correctly, water can seep between the rim of the sink and the side the countertop, resulting in water damage. Over time, water damage can cause the inner layers of the countertop to swell. As the countertop dries after becoming wet, the substrate becomes brittle.
There are several backsplash options for laminate countertops. Some countertops come with a built-in backsplash, while other countertops do not have a backsplash. In addition to this, you can purchase laminate backsplash sheets.
In the past, laminate countertops were reminiscent of cafes and bars. Now, you can find laminate countertops that look like high-end countertops. There are patterns that look like metal, wood, or natural stone. Additionally, you can find laminate countertops that have a glossy, smooth finish, a textured finish, or a finish that looks like honed stone.
There are many different laminate countertop manufacturers. Many of these manufacturers, including Formica countertops, Pionite countertops, and Wilsonart countertops, have been producing high-quality countertops for decades.
Formica is the largest manufacturer of laminate countertops in the world. The company was founded more than one hundred years ago and has been providing homeowners with high-quality countertops for more than fifty years. The latest innovation from Formica is its 180fx Laminate countertops.
The company has created granite patterns that look just like granite, marble, and wood countertops. Formica has also created IdealEdge Decorative Edging to prevent seam lines and give your counters a more finished look.
Pionite has developed approximately 70 years ago. The company’s vision is to create fashion-forward color palettes to transform your home into the house you have always dreamed of. Their complete line of Pionite countertops is designed for traditional homes.
This laminate countertop manufacturer offers solid colored countertops, woodgrain countertops, and natural stone look countertops.
Wilsonart was founded in 1972 to provide homeowners with a high-quality laminate countertop. The company embraces technology to produce countertops that look beautiful and perform amazingly.
Wilsonart uses the most recent advances in digital printing to create countertops that mimic natural stone and wood.
Available at big box home improvement stores, Hampton Bay countertops provide you with a stain-resistant countertop with a built-in backslash for a seamless surface for your kitchen and bathroom. Available in a variety of colors and styles, these affordable countertops are sold ready to be installed.
Arborite countertops are environmentally friendly. These countertops are manufactured using 22 percent recycled materials and contain no formaldehyde. This beautiful eco-friendly countertop manufacturer offers flecked finishes, metallic finishes, and imitation granite finishes.
Lamin-Art is another environmentally friendly countertop option. These countertops are made using banana fibers for the layers that make up the substrate of the countertops. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, you are sure to find one that matches your kitchen and bath design.
Centuryply laminate countertops offer fire-resistant countertops available in a number of colors and patterns that work perfectly in contemporary kitchens.
Cleaning your laminate countertops ensures they look fabulous for a long time. Many people simply use mild soap and water to clean their countertops; however, over time, the detergents in the soap can dull the finish of the laminate countertop. Magic Countertop Cleaner is designed to not only clean up sticky messes from your countertops but also increase the longevity of your countertops.
Magic Countertop Cleaner uses Stay Clean Technology. This cleaner can be used daily on laminate countertops. The formula provides a protective coating designed to repel dirt, water, and stains. The unique formulation is pH balanced to provide a long-lasting, streak-free shine. It contains Brazilian carnauba wax, which helps restore the finish of your countertops and hide scratches. To use the cleaner, simply spray down your countertops and buff using a clean, dry cloth.
Laminate countertops are the answer to outdated, damaged, or worn countertops. The latest laminate countertops feature realistic colors and textures to bring your home into the twenty-first century. At affordable prices, homeowners around the world are turning to laminate countertops for a budget-friendly way to update their kitchens and bathrooms.
