Thinking of Buying Laminate Countertops? Here’s What You Should Know
Learn the pros and cons of this budget-friendly building material.
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Laminate countertops had a pretty bad rep. For a long time, they were synonymous with dated, low-quality kitchens, but with advancements in technology, laminate has really seen a huge improvement in its appearance and composition. “Lately, we’re seeing a lot of 3-D or ‘high-definition’ laminates that actually have a texture to them. It really replicates the authentic look and feel of natural stone,” says Corbin Clay, custom home builder and CEO of Wayhome, a service that offers virtual expert advice for home improvement, repair, and DIY projects.
Laminate countertops come in a wide array of colors and patterns, including options that mimic the look of stone, wood, concrete, and dozens of other materials, he adds. But the best part? Laminate is incredibly inexpensive, so if you’re planning a kitchen remodel on a shoestring budget, it’s a great countertop option to consider nowadays. To help you decide whether or not laminate countertops are the right choice for your home, we asked experts to give us the rundown on the surface material.
Related: 12 Kitchen Countertop Ideas That'll Make You Want to Remodel
What Are Laminate Countertops Made Of?
Simply put: Laminate countertops consist of a thin layer of laminate material bonded to a core of particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard), says Bennett Ginburg, associate merchant of kitchen countertops at The Home Depot. If we want to get more technical though, Clay explains that the actual laminate material features a protective top layer, the decorative paper layer (this is the printed stone, wood, or color pattern), and a “balancing” film for stability. “All together these are referred to as a ‘phenolic backer’ that offers both stability, and allows for easier application to surfaces. While solid and wood veneers need to be clamped for hours while adhesives cure, phenolic-backed laminates can be adhered instantly with contact cement,” Clay says.
Durability
Laminate countertops are low-maintenance and easy to clean. “Designed to be lightweight and withstand damage, they offer a moderate level of stain and scratch resistance,” Ginsburg says. Clay confirms they’re great for most daily kitchen and bath use since they hold up well to spill and are resistant to humidity, but they’re not as scratch-resistant as real stone, and are easily damaged by hot pots or pans.
Maintenance
Fortunately, since laminate is man-made and non-porous, it does not have to be sealed or re-sealed. It can be simply cleaned with soap and warm water. “Plus, because it’s non-porous, laminate is resistant to stains and less likely to harbor bacteria or mold, making laminate countertops a hygienic choice for kitchens and bathrooms,” Clay says.
Related: How to Clean Every Type of Countertop: Marble, Quartz, Butcher Block, and More
Lifespan
Most laminate countertops can last around 15 years, though high quality, well-maintained laminates can hold up for 20 years!
Cost
According to The Home Depot’s Countertop Installation Cost Guide, laminate countertops can range from $19 to $45 per square foot. The average cost though is about $34 per square foot.
Pros and Cons
We’ve touted the affordability of laminate countertops, as well as how low-maintenance they can be. You can DIY the installation (more on that below), and they come in a huge variety of colors and patterns. However, there are still a few drawbacks we can't overlook. One of the biggest cons of laminate is its low resale value. “Laminate countertops may not increase the value of your home as much as other materials like granite or quartz,” says Ginburg. Plus, like we mentioned earlier, laminate countertops are susceptible to scorching, and while they’re durable for everyday use, laminate countertops are not as resistant to scratches and chips as other materials.
Installation
According to Clay, while a professional installation can be more convenient and would most likely include a warranty, laminate countertop installation can be a very DIY-friendly project if you have a good way to cut the countertops to size, and depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the on-site cuts required, laminate countertops can be installed in as little as an hour to as long as a full day. He suggests a special saw blade to prevent chipping and ensure a smooth surface after cutting.
In some circumstances, laminate sheets can be applied directly onto an existing countertop. However, Ginburg says purchasing and installing a pre-manufactured post-form countertop is the easiest method to DIY.
How to Install Laminate Countertops Yourself
If you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves and doing the job yourself, Ginburg detailed the exact steps.
Measure the space for your countertop: Measure the cabinet tops, include the overhang, plan for end caps and run the countertop flush with the cabinets. For L-shaped countertops, purchase left and right miter pieces and a hardware kit.
Turn off your water supply and turn off electricity at the circuit breaker: This will help prevent any potential damage or plumbing issues when removing and installing the sink into the countertop. Next, remove your garbage disposal, sink and electric cooktop.
Remove the backsplash: Start by cutting the caulking between the backsplash and the wall, then remove the backsplash panel and any tiles in the backsplash area.
Remove your old countertop: To remove the old countertop, first unscrew it from the cabinets. Then, gently slide it out, attempting to remove it in one piece, if possible.
Dry fit your new countertop: Make sure your new laminate countertop fits properly by dry fitting it. Slide it into place and check that it fits snugly against the walls and meets all edges. If there is an overhang, consider using countertop support brackets to keep it level.
Attach countertop to cabinet: Once you have confirmed that the new countertop is properly fitted and positioned, proceed with installing the laminate countertop onto the base cabinets. To secure it in place, The Home Depot recommends using screws that are 1.25-inches long and driving them from inside the cabinet upwards. However, make sure to double-check the screw length before installation to avoid any damage to the countertop.
Measure and cut the laminate backsplash: Measure and mark the length of the laminate backsplash pieces. Then, use your circular saw to cut the pieces to size.
Reinstall the sink and stove top: To install the sink and stove top, lay the templates on the counter and drill 1-inch holes in each corner. Cut the opening using a jigsaw and a 1x scrap piece to secure the cutout. After installing the sink and stove top, reconnect the garbage disposal and drain lines and turn on the water supply and electricity.
Add the laminate backsplash: The last step is to attach the laminate backsplash by applying construction adhesive to the back of the backsplash, placing a bead of silicone along the wall and counter and positioning it in place. You can use temporary braces if needed and then replace any removed tile or remaining backsplash.
Related: Do Peel and Stick Countertops Actually Work? The Pros Have Answers
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