If you’re looking for a low-cost, durable material in your kitchen or workspace… you want laminate!
When designing or remodeling your kitchen, there is a vast array of options available when it comes to countertops. Your choice of countertops affects the atmosphere of your kitchen tremendously. They will be there for many years, making your new countertops a decision to be carefully considered. Options include granite, quartz, solid surface, laminate, and a few others. Laminate can be a very cost-effective, practical option for many customers. It offers good durability, many options, and is cost effective and easy to maintain.
Laminate or “Formica” countertops were invented in 1912 and are a plastic composite countertop that quickly became a top choice for homeowners. It is composed of several layers of kraft paper fused with melamine. It is then compressed and cured with heat to make a hard, durable surface.
REASON ONE: Durability
In comparison to other types of counters, laminate countertops are fairly durable. They are resistant to heat and stains, which makes laminate an ideal choice for families with messy kids. The seal on these countertops makes them virtually impermeable to normal wear and tear. If you accidentally set a hot pan down on a laminate counter, or if the kids spill red Kool-Aid, you’ll have nothing to worry about. However, make sure to use a cutting board with laminate countertops, as they can scratch fairly easily and are not simple to repair.
REASON TWO: Design Options
Laminate countertops offer the widest variety of design and color choices. Because they are manmade, it is easy to get almost any color you may want in your kitchen for your countertops. This makes laminate a good option for those with a unique or specific decor idea. If it’s the look of granite you are after, laminate can be made to mimic granite at a fraction of the cost.
REASON THREE: Maintenance
As long as you are careful about using knives and sharp objects on your laminate countertops, they are easy to maintain. They do not require any special treatments or care once installed. Laminate can be cleaned by simply wiping down the surface with a washcloth or Clorox wipe. Well cared for laminate countertops can last for up to 30 years.
REASON FOUR: Cost
Materials, such as granite, quartz, or marble, can cost upwards of $100 per square-foot. With laminate, you can expect to be paying between $10 to $30 per square-foot. With this significant price difference, many families find laminate countertops to be the way to go. Other options that cost significantly more than laminate do not necessarily assure the buyer that countertops will last longer, be more damage resistant, or be easier to care for.
The Final Say On Laminate Counters
In conclusion, laminate countertops are an extremely practical option for new kitchens. While some customers may turn their nose up at them because they are “cheap” or “ordinary,” the options available on today’s market make laminate a good choice for many buyers. With the low cost, variety of choice, easy maintenance, and relative durability, these counter tops contend with every other option out there. Choosing new countertops is a major decision for a homeowner building a new home or remodeling their existing kitchen and the options should be carefully considered. Make sure to look at all of your choices and make a well informed decision before making your purchase.
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