Is Laminate a Good Countertop Material?
Short answer — YES — and not just because it’s the most affordable option! Here are seven reasons why laminate may be the right material for your next project.
Here’s the video if you prefer watching to reading!
Laminate is the least expensive countertop material
There are many gorgeous stone countertop options out there, but the material and fabrication can be really expensive. You can expect to pay from 1/2 to 1/4 as much for laminate countertops, depending on the details you choose.
Laminate isn’t as hard
Or at least, it’s less hard! This is one of my favourite features of laminate. If you’re worried about dishes breaking, seniors falling, or little ones bumping their heads, a less-hard counter surface is a great improvement!
Laminate isn’t as cold
Here’s a lifestyle consideration 😆 — if you or your family members like to lean on or sit on top of the counter (fav hang out spot for many people!), you’ll appreciate that laminate isn’t as cold or ‘sticky’ feeling as stone!
No more dark seams
Laminate has come a looong way from the unsightly dark seams of old! Seams result from the flat lay method, where laminate sheet is applied to the top and sides of a substrate in individual pieces.
To avoid this, opt for a post-formed fabrication instead, where laminate is curved over the substrate at high temperatures to achieve a seamless look.
VT Industries | Laminate post forming; radius edge profile.
Alternatively you can use an applied edge like Formica IdealEdge or Wilsonart Decorative Edges to add a decorative profile while also covering the side seams! Edge strips are glued to the sides of your countertop, completely covering all dark seams. This is DIY friendly, unlike postforming.
Formica | Formica IdealEdge
Yes, you CAN have an undermount sink with laminate counters!
Undermount sinks are more modern, seamless, and easier to clean. Thankfully Karran has developed the Seamless Undermount Sink specifically for laminate applications, which offers and even tighter seal that undermounting with stone counters!
KarranUSA | Seamless Undermount Sinks
Laminate counters are seriously underrated! Consider it for your next project, whether or not the budget is tight.
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Laminate countertops are one of the most underrated design materials! They are a great affordable option for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, but their lower price point is not the only advantage. Here are 7ish reasons why you should consider laminate for your next project!