Your countertop is an integral part of your room’s décor and if you are looking for affordability, durability, and beauty laminate counter is a great choice
The manufacturers actually get rather upset when their product is referred to as cheap. After all cheap sounds like perhaps the quality is affected. Actually nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps a better term would be inexpensive.
There are four types of laminates that are made high pressure and post formed.
High Pressure
High pressure laminate is mounted on a substrate of particle board and is about 1/16 inch thick. You get excellent value with high pressure laminate which runs about $20 per square foot installed. Now that’s affordable.
It’s also very easy to maintain and keep clean. It is stain resistant and extremely durable. Of course it won’t take hot pots or cutting on the surface but not too many countertops will.
The biggest draw back is if it becomes damaged. Repairs are almost impossible should it become damaged and an under mount sink isn’t recommended.
There isn’t a great deal of difference between brands. The quality runs about the same between brands so be more concerned with finding a color or pattern you like rather than who made it.
The least expensive edge treatment is the self edge which is a strip of laminate that is glued to the outer edge of the countertop. You have many edges choices included round or beveled edges, solid surfacing, wood, and of course matching laminate.
Post Formed
Post formed laminate is less expensive than the high pressure laminate running about $10 per square foot. The post formed laminate comes with a backsplash and a rolled edge. Here’s a ready made counter that you can out of the store. The laminate is thinner on this style and there are fewer color choices but hey talk about convenience.
Self Rimmed
Self rimmed is designed to apply over existing countertop. It is durable, inexpensive, and looks great! The sheets come in 4 x 8 foot sheets that are 1/16 inch thick. You can special order other sheet sizes. After returning home with your laminate you need to let it sit in your kitchen for 48 hours to let it come up to room temperature.
Custom Laminate
Custom laminate tops are installed on plywood and they are usually installed on site. Typically the backsplash is a 1x4 and sealed or they may be a full height backsplash. Custom laminate leaves you with all kinds of options. No size restrictions and you can mix and match colors to meet your décor needs.
There are three major laminate brands on the market – Nevamar, Wilsonart, and Formica. All produce quality products that are worth exploring. All have outlets throughout North America and online. Prices between the three are competitive.
You home is an extension of your personality. Just like you feel great when you look good, your home does too! So isn’t it time you consider a laminate counter as part of your home décor makeover?
