What Do Laminate Countertops Look Like?

You can easily distinguish laminate countertops from other types of countertops by their colorful surfaces that can complement and liven up any kitchen design. Their inexpensive cost and wide color and pattern selection make them popular among kitchen designers and homeowners who want to regularly change the look and feel of their kitchen. Laminated countertops can be purchased ready made or fabricated on the day of the installation at the installation site.

The composition and grade of laminate countertops

Laminate countertops make use of kraft and decorative paper. Kraft paper is a strong fiber-bonded product while decorative paper is multilayered. Treated with resin, these types of paper are joined together using heat and high pressure. Laminate countertops that are fully prefabricated come as a one-piece structure with particular edge styles and back splashes.

Depending on the brand and their intended use, laminate countertops are available in different thicknesses. The thinnest laminate material for a countertop has a vertical grade. Typically, it is used for low-impact vertical installations or horizontal applications as long as the surface is not intended for heavy use. The thickest variety of a laminate material has a horizontal grade. It is designed for use in flat, high-impact, and heavy-use applications because it can withstand heavy impacts. A slightly thin grade of laminate material is used in postforming where a decorative laminate is formed into simple shapes.

The physical look of laminate countertops

Laminate countertops come in popular brands such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They have the designs and physical look that resemble countertops made of granite, engineered stone, natural stone, and wood. Laminate countertops can appear very realistic if they are combined with unique edge styles.

Thanks to the advancements in print technology, laminate countertops make use of modern inks and finishes that improve their appearance dramatically. Most laminate countertop designs today give depth and dimension to the flat surface of countertops. They also offer high wear resistance compared to other countertops.

Just like the countertops made of granite and engineered stone, laminate countertops have seams where two laminate countertop sections are joined. Good fabricators and high-end brands can usually make these seams less noticeable.

The colors, patterns, and edge designs of laminate countertops

The colors of laminate countertops can range from solid rainbow colors, to bold graphics, to pleasing natural hues. Laminate countertop designs are considered visual upgrades of other countertop materials. The hundreds of available designs give you many choices on the kind of laminate countertop that would complement the overall appearance of your kitchen. Nevamar’s Hybrid Slate laminate countertop design gives a sophisticated and elegant effect that perfectly complements stainless steel appliances and modern cabinetry.

Laminate countertops offer a wide range of edge styles aside from colors and patterns. The edge styles give you many options to enhance the look of your countertop or integrate them with the backsplashes.