Laminate Countertops

Laminate kitchen countertops are the most common options for kitchen countertops nowadays. They are made of several layers of synthetic materials that contain sheets of kraft paper materials, decorative paper, and melamine plastic coatings.

Laminate countertops are the least expensive among the other types of countertops, and they also come in the widest variety of colors and patterns. They are easy to maintain and resistant to stain. However, they are not designed to last. They are not made to resist cracks, scratches, and heat. They can only be used as an economical and temporary substitute to other more durable kitchen countertops.

Installing laminate countertops

Installing a laminate countertop in the kitchen involves gluing a laminate sheet onto a particleboard base that measures one and a half inches thick. The particleboard can be built by using standard blanks that are available at hardware stores. To get fancy edge styles on a laminate countertop such as bevels and curves, it must be brought to a designer or manufacturer to be custom made. To get a laminate countertop cosmetic revamp, a laminate sheet can be attached to an existing particleboard base. An under-mount sink can be installed with a laminate countertop by using coverseals.

Advantages of a laminate countertop

Low maintenance and easy cleanup
A laminate countertop is designed to be stain-resistant, so cleaning it is very simple. This can be done by wiping the surface with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. For removing stuck-on stains and residues, scrubbing the surface with a bristle nylon brush can do the trick.

Safe and harmless to food
A laminate countertop does not harbor the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Using bleach and other harsh cleansers are not necessary in cleaning the surface.

Widest color and pattern selections
Among all the other types of countertops, a laminate countertop offers the widest colors and pattern options. Most brands come in more than 250 choices. This diversity allows you to choose the exact design that matches the motif or theme of your kitchen.

Affordable
A laminate countertop is known to be the most affordable among all types of countertops. It costs as low as $5 per linear foot.

Disadvantages of a laminate countertop

No resistance to scratches and cracks
A laminate countertop is susceptible to scratching, chipping, cuts, and breakage especially along its edges. Sharp knives and other pointed objects can easily scratch the surface, so slicing and preparing food directly on the countertop is not advisable.

No resistance to heat
A laminate countertop does not have the ability to resist heat and burns. It can crack if it is exposed to hot objects such as hot skillets or a cup or steaming coffee. A laminate countertop requires the use of trivets and place mats when putting hot objects on its surface.

Cannot be repaired
A damaged laminate countertop cannot be repaired anymore. Most third-party seam-fill kits can reduce the damage on your countertop or make it less noticeable, they cannot completely repair a fragment that has been broken or cracked.