Laminate Countertops

While granite and marble countertops dominate dinner conversations these days, laminate countertops still take the cake when it comes to cost effective, attractive, countertop solutions. If you're looking to remodel you kitchen countertops, and are pressed by budgetary considerations, these countertops deserve a serious look.

Laminate Countertops: Limitless Designs
One of the biggest draws of these countertops is the design possibilities available when it comes to laminate material. Laminate used to mean cheap looking, vinyl countertops. Not anymore. Laminate countertops are now manufactured in more designs than you can imagine, including stone imitations that can impress the most discriminate guest. They are high quality countertops, with color, design, and material choices to match.

Laminate Lasts
While laminates are the least expensive countertop option, they are also the most popular because of their cost to durability ratio. Laminate countertops are tough and easy to maintain, and if well cared for, laminate can last for 20 years or more. In fact, some contemporary suppliers of laminate counters offer 40 year guarantees on their product.

These countertops are made from a base of plywood or particleboard that spans across the top of a cabinet and is then covered with the decorative laminated finish. Laminate takes more diligence to maintain than a stone countertop, but with proper care, your laminate countertops will last, and impress, for years to come.

Laminate Care
The key to maintaining quality laminate is maintenance. Watch for scratches and scuffs and do not cut or put anything hot directly on laminate surfaces. Consider setting a few tiles or other heat-resistant material flush in a laminate countertop, especially near the stove or oven, to be able to set hot pans down without causing trivets. And when it comes to choosing your laminate material, always choose matte over gloss. Laminate is going to show scratches, scuffs, and wear. On a glossy finish, these imperfections are going to stand out like a sore thumb. On a matte finish, they're just par for the course.

Laminate Countertops: Repair and Refinishing
Laminate countertops can now be repaired and resurfaced at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Cracks and burns are repaired with a special plastic filler, then sanded smooth to fill in any rough or damaged areas. The counter is then sprayed with a special topcoat, which gives the appearance and durability of a new countertop. The process usually takes four to five hours, and your kitchen will be ready to use the next day. Knowing that your countertops can be repaired and refinished to look like new in a matter of hours makes choosing them for your home even easier. Talk to a countertop installer about laminate countertops for your kitchen or bath, and enjoy the benefits, longevity, and beauty of laminate for years to come.