Laminate Countertops: The Low Cost Choice
Weighing the Options
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Laminate Care and Durability
Laminate is the most popular countertop material on the
market today. Not only is it a reliable and low cost option, it comes in a
limitless number of colors and designs. Laminate countertops are offered by
a variety of manufacturers, including:
 Laminate
countertops are also very easy to clean, requiring little maintenance. For
those with a tight budget, choosing laminate countertops is an economical
decision that offers an endless variety of colors, designs, patterns and
finishes, while maintaining a high quality. Laminates have a good cost to
durability ratio. One drawback of laminate is that it lacks the natural
beauty found in natural stone, but overall, it is a strong choice.
Laminate is a synthetic material made up of several
layers, which are sheets of craft paper (similar to the material of grocery
bags). Although more expensive, solid-color laminates are made of a colored
plastic throughout and do not have dark edges.
Cost: About $5 to $20
per square foot.
Weighing the
Options
| PROS | CONS |
|
Limitless variety of color and design. |
The multiple layers make it difficult to repair
chips and scratches |
| Can replicate the look of
granite, solid surface, hardwood, among others, providing a more
upscale look at a cheaper price. |
Layers can break apart due to hot items and
water seeping into the seams. |
| Requires easy upkeep, and is
easy to clean up. |
Requires use of cutting boards. |
| Inexpensive, due to reduced
labor and less expensive materials compared to other countertop
surfaces. |
Cannot be cleaned with abrasives |
| Allows for decorative edge
treatments. |
Seams show and finishing the front edge can be
expensive. |
| |
Not stain-proof. |
Enjoy Home Makeovers?
 Laminate
surfaces have an added bonus for those who like to redo the look of their
house more often. These surfaces can be resurfaced easily at a reasonable
cost opposed to a solid surface, stone, or wood countertops.
Laminate Care and Durability
Laminate countertops are durable and easy to maintain. If well cared for,
laminate can last for 20 years or more, and some contemporary manufacturers
of laminate counters offer a 40 year guarantee on their product. Generally,
laminate is easy to clean. For most spills a damp cloth and mild soap should
do the trick. For more stubborn stains, a paste made from baking soda and a
mild household cleaner can take care of the mess. Laminate is also
impact resistant.
The key to maintaining quality laminate is maintenance. Laminate can be
easily scratched and scuffed, so do not cut or put anything hot directly on
its surfaces. One option to alleviate this problem is to set a few
tiles or heat-resistant materials into a laminate countertop, especially
near the oven or stove. To better camouflage scratches and scuffs, choose a
matte finish.
Don’t be discouraged by its vulnerability to damage. New methods of
repairing and resurfacing damaged laminate are done at a much lower price
than in the past. If your laminate does need to be repaired by a
professional, the work can be done in a few hours.
For more information about laminate countertops contact Express Countertops.
Call or use the estimate button above to request your free estimate and have
your new countertops installed in 1 week - guaranteed!
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