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Guide to Laminate Countertops:Are Laminate Countertops Right for Your Kitchen? - You need to resurface or revamp your countertops: what are the questions you should be asking yourself? How easy are my new kitchen countertops going to be to install? How long will it take? Will I need a professional? How long will the countertop last? And, probably at the top of the list, how much is this going to cost? Who doesn't love the look of real granite countertops? Or engineered stone or concrete? These surfaces are indeed lovely, but they carry a not-so-lovely price of about $100 per linear foot. Laminate countertops, on the other hand, will cost you about $16 per linear foot. The savings seem to be clear, right? But what about the appearance and longevity of your countertops? What about installation? We'll take a look at these questions so you can make the best choice for your kitchen.
*Colors and patterns. There is no denying that granite makes a lovely surface, but laminate does offer the freedom to choose from unlimited patterns and colors. You can just as easily create a cozy, warm look as a sleek, sophisticated look, and all you need to do is choose your laminate. There is an astonishing array, and you can even get the look of real wood, stone, or tile work. Patterns also change so you can go as trendy as you like or as traditional as you like. *Single molded countertops and backsplashes keep liquids and debris from falling between the cabinets. With other counters, cleaning these very narrow spaces can be a chore. With a laminate counter, you simply wipe up your spills and move on. *Freedom. You can resurface laminate countertops easily when you want a new look. Try replacing that granite countertop. It will cost you almost as much as it did to install. *Ease of cleaning and maintenance. These countertops also do not allow mold and bacteria to grow. *They can be a temporary fixture until you get your "dream" kitchen with soapstone, concrete, or another pricy countertop. *Did we mention they're less expensive? It's worth mentioning again. A laminate countertop will cost you about a third of the price of a granite countertop. Are there disadvantages to using laminate for your countertops? As with most things in life, there are trade-offs. For the much lower price, you will find that your countertops may scratch more easily and are vulnerable to denting and heat. You can't put a hot pot on the countertop without at least cosmetically damaging the surface. This is something to consider in your decision. A granite countertop you install may be there in 100 years, 200 years. A laminate countertop will not. But remember, you won't be paying for it for 100 or 200 years either.
How Much Do Laminate Countertops Cost?:This depends on the brand and whether it is a basic preformed laminate top or a custom-made one (such as one with beveled edges) and if you are covering over an existing piece of laminate. It also depends on if you plan to install it yourself. If you do, look for tips online, take a countertop class at Home Depot, or check on YouTube. A convenient option is to go to a home store like Home Depot or Lowe's that offers installation from insured, licensed, and pre-screened professionals. The pricing for everything from installation to cleanup is very competitive. Best Laminate Countertops - The top names in laminate countertops are Wilsonart, Formica, Nevamar, Arborite, and Pionite. Typically, a solid-color, ready-to-install countertop measuring 8 feet costs from $80 to $100 (compare that to $800 or more for granite or other hard surfaces). Installation typically costs an additional $15 to $25 per linear foot. If you can do it yourself, you can save a few hundred dollars. Or that few hundred dollars may be well worth it to come home to a new (and clean) kitchen. Home Depot estimates that you can buy a Wilsonart countertop and have it professionally installed for $1000 or less. Again, it is worth it to compare to granite or other hard surfaces, which will cost you about $10,000. According to Wilsonart's spokesperson, Brenda Hill, premium laminate (like Wilsonart's HD line) provides "a nice new price niche...it's for people who can't spend another $2000 for a new look, but can spend a couple of hundred dollars to get this nice look. It's a huge look upgrade." What's the best way to buy laminate countertops? The first step should be to go to the websites of the leading manufacturers and order samples. Wilsonart, for example, offers free 2x3-inch and 3x5-inch samples. This is great because you can see the true color and get a sense of what it will look like in your kitchen. Another great feature is that you can test it out: run a knife over it, drop something on it, and do other normal kitchen activities. You can see how the laminate holds up. You can also go to stores like Home Depot or Lowe's and order samples. When you are ready to order, you can also inquire about prices for the laminate and installation. Prices will vary depending on the area in which you live. Laminate may not be granite, soapstone, or stainless steel - but that may be just what you're looking for. The cost alone makes laminate countertops well worth considering.
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