Are you thinking about installing laminate countertops in your kitchen? If so, you’re probably trying to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of this choice. Don’t fret; you’re at the right place. This article will help you examine the pros and cons of installing laminate countertops in your kitchen. However, when choosing a countertop, remember that every home is unique, and what might be a pro for one person might be a con for someone else.
Due to their high durability, low cost, and wide range of styles and colours, laminate countertops are a preferred option for many homes. If you need a countertop that will last, you should pick a high-quality laminate because low-quality ones can fade or scratch over time.
What Are Laminate Countertops?
Laminate is a sturdy decorative veneer used on furniture, cabinets, and other horizontal and vertical surfaces. It’s a manufactured material with multiple layers of plastic and paper. According to Black & Decker, a laminate is formed from layers of resin-soaked papers and plastic bonded together under extreme pressure to form a waterproof material.
After that, a protective coating is applied to the entire countertop. The decorative top layer is typically created to resemble genuine stone or other materials; it is best known as a countertop surfacing material.
Are Laminate Countertops Good Quality?
Although laminate countertops are reasonably impact-resistant and heat-resistant, they are not scratch-resistant. Also, moisture can penetrate the seams causing delamination, which is unfixable.
In addition, you can’t repair deep scratches and chipped laminate countertops; however, you can clear minor scratches with special resin paint.
What is the Cost of a Laminate Countertop?
Laminate countertops can range widely in price, depending on whether you have one built and installed to your specifications, construct one yourself from raw laminate, or use prefabricated countertop modules (called a post-form countertop).
However, the most affordable of today’s standard countertops, laminate, costs about $30 per square foot in materials. The price range can be as low as $10 per foot and as much as $50 for specially-made tops. In India, laminate costs in the range of 600 to 1500/- per square feet and the premium versions can exceed up to 2950/- per square feet.
Installation Cost of Laminate Countertop
You can save money by installing a laminate countertop yourself. It is a viable alternative because laminate is lighter compared to other countertop materials, such as quartz and granite. You won’t need extra help to drag about a large stone block. You only pay for the material, and install the laminate yourself.
Installation expenses will escalate if you employ an expert. A professional would install it for an average of $55 per square foot. The price usually rises even further if you want extras like custom edge treatments. The average cost of installing the entire countertop unit will be around 50,000/- in India.
The professional solution may be more expensive, but if you’re not too handy, it may be preferable to leave it to someone else. Mistakes can be costly, if it calls for replacement of the entire countertop.
What are the Pros of laminate countertops?
Installing laminate countertops in your home has a lot of benefits, including:
1. Appearance of Laminate Countertop
There are many colours and patterns available in laminate. So, if you need one that complements your house design, you can get it from the market. In addition, laminates come in several textures, including matte and glossy finishes.
With laminate, you may have both style and budget. For many project designers and homeowners, laminates that resemble real wood, granite, and stone are fantastic options.
2. Affordability of Laminate Countertop
Unlike some other countertop materials on the market, laminate won’t break the bank. Laminate is affordable compared to granite, quartz, and marble. It is an excellent alternative if you’re building your home for the first time on a small budget.
As said earlier, laminate typically costs $10 to $50 per square foot, with very little installation expense ranging from $500 to $1500, without including the possibility of DIY installation.
3. Durability of Laminate Countertop
Laminate is a reliable and durable countertop material. It is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms due to its durability and water-resistant qualities. It can withstand spills and other moisture-related damage.
4. Easy to Install
Because of its lightweight nature (as opposed to heavy stone counters), you can fit a laminate countertop without professional assistance. Installing it in your home can take as little as two days; it is a DIY thing.
You can independently install it if you feel confident using a hammer, saw, and drill.
What are the Cons of Laminate Countertops?
Installing laminate countertops in your home has a few drawbacks, including:
1. Durability
Laminate is a robust countertop material, but it is not as durable as other options. You must be careful with what you put on top of the laminate since it can easily scratch and dent. You must also be careful not to set hot pots and pans on laminate because it is not as heat-resistant as other materials.
2. Lifespan
Laminate has a shorter lifespan compared to other countertop materials. While other materials can last up to 30 years or more, a laminate lasts about 15-20 years. Daily use shortens this lifespan and degrades the overall beauty of your countertops.
Sharp materials and abrasive cleaning agents can leave your laminate counters unkempt. Also, irreparable damage may result if a hot skillet or pot is set down on the countertop.
3. Re-sell Value
Installing laminate kitchen worktops might not be ideal if you intend to sell your house in the future. Laminate is less expensive and may not increase the value of your home as much as some other countertop choices. Because of this, purchasers may quote less for a house with laminate countertops in the kitchen.
If you want to raise the value of your house, go for granite, quartz, and marble. They’re just a few examples of high-end countertop materials that can raise your house’s value. However, it would come in handy if you’re looking for a low-maintenance countertop with high-end appearance laminate.
Summing up
So, what’s the final word? Are laminate countertops a viable option for you? The reply is that it depends. With the appropriate design decisions, laminate is a reasonably priced solution that may look fantastic in the right environment. It is an incredible option for busy houses or families with kids and dogs because it is sturdy and simple to maintain. However, look elsewhere if you’re looking for an investment return or long-term value.
We hope you loved reading this article on laminate countertops. But before you take a leave, if you are interested to learn about varied kitchen countertops, here’s to know:
Select The Perfect Kitchen Countertops For Your Home!
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Author Bio
Jennifer Kiminza – Jennifer Kiminza is a content writer and content marketing professional at Hub Spot, an inbound marketing and sales platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers. Previously, Jennifer worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. She graduated with honors from Nairobi University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.
