Design Your Dream Kitchen with Durable Laminate Countertops

Are you looking to redesign your kitchen on a budget? Updating your countertops with laminate is an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh new look.

With hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from, laminate countertops offer the perfect balance of style and durability. Keep reading to learn why more and more homeowners are using laminate to create their dream kitchen.

Laminate Countertop Costs

One of the biggest advantages of laminate countertops is affordability. Expect to pay between $10-$50 per square foot installed.

That's significantly less than materials like quartz ($80-$150 per square foot), granite ($100+ per square foot), or natural wood ($60-$100 per square foot).

When calculating your total project cost, factor in measurements for your countertops, any custom cutting or edging, accessories, and professional installation if not doing it yourself.

Laminate Countertop Durability

Durability is another plus for laminate countertops. The laminate surface is made from layers of kraft paper soaked in resin. The top layer provides a protective barrier that resists scratches, stains, dents, and heat.

While not indestructible, laminate stands up well to daily wear and tear. With proper care, it can last 15-20 years before replacements are needed. Avoid cutting directly on the surface to prevent deep scratches.

Resists Stains and Heat

Laminate countertops resist stains from common kitchen spills like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce. For any stains, wipe up quickly to prevent soaking in. You can use mild detergents without worrying about damaging the laminate.

You can also place hot pots and pans on laminate surfaces temporarily. It can withstand temperatures up to 350°F before warping or discoloration occurs.

Easy to Repair Minor Damage

Minor chips or cracks in the laminate can be repaired with specialty filler products. This prevents further damage and restores the look of your countertops. Replace severely damaged pieces or hire a pro for seamless results.

Easy Maintenance

Caring for laminate countertops is hassle-free. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap or detergent as part of your regular kitchen cleaning routine.

Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners which can scratch and dull the protective top layer over time. Don't let spills sit and soak in.

Using cutting boards instead of slicing directly on the counter prevents unsightly knife marks on your countertops' surface.

Styles to Suit Any Decor

With hundreds of solid colors and realistic stone, wood, and tile patterns, laminate offers endless options to match your kitchen's decor. Matte or high-gloss finishes are also available.

Cool grays, bright whites, rich woodgrains - your laminate countertops can complement any cabinetry, flooring, backsplash, and appliances you already have.

Whether your kitchen leans traditional or modern, there's a laminate look to align with your design aesthetic. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Coordinate with Cabinets and Floors

Match countertop and cabinet colors to create a streamlined, seamless look. Contrasting laminate and cabinet colors can also make each stand out.

Echo backsplashes, floors, and other finishes throughout the kitchen. Tie it all together with laminate trim and edging that complements adjacent surfaces.

DIY Installation Tips

Installing laminate countertops yourself can save on labor costs. With careful planning and some DIY skills, it can absolutely be a do-it-yourself project.

Recommended Tools

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Table saw or circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Router
• Drill

Remove existing countertops first. Cut laminate pieces to fit your measured countertop spaces. Adhere laminate to plywood backing using contact cement. Finish edges with matching laminate strips or trim molding.

For a smooth install, pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions. Consider hiring a countertop pro to remove old countertops or for tricky custom cutouts.

Hiring a Professional

While a DIY project, installing laminate countertops can also be done professionally. Many kitchen remodeling contractors offer countertop installation services.

Hiring a pro averages $40-$100 per hour. Benefits include proper removal and disposal of old countertops, expertise with tricky cutouts, and seamless results.

When choosing installers, read reviews and verify they have experience with laminate. Get an itemized estimate and check references from past clients.

Questions to Ask Prospective Installers

• How many years have you been installing countertops?
• Do you specialize in laminate installation?
• Will you secure all necessary building permits?
• What steps will you take to protect floors and surrounding areas?
• How long will the install take from start to finish?

FAQs

Can I cut directly on laminate countertops?

No, cutting directly on the laminate surface will damage it. Always use a cutting board to protect your countertops.

How long does installation take?

The timeline can range from 1-3 days depending on the size of the job. Complex layouts or installing new base cabinets will add time.

Can I install laminate over existing countertops?

In some cases yes, but this can create height issues with appliances. It's best to remove old countertops first before installing new laminate.

What are the best brands of laminate?

Top brands like Wilsonart, Formica, Nevamar, and Pionite are known for quality and style selection. Choose commercial or high-wear laminates.

How thick should laminate countertops be?

A standard thickness is 1 1/8 inches, with 3/4-inch plywood as the base. Thicker countertops around 1 1/2 inches add durability.

With the right laminate color, pattern, and edges, you can create custom-looking counters without the designer price tag. Minor repairs down the road are easy.

Choose from hundreds of options to match your kitchen decor perfectly. Then relax knowing your new laminate countertops can handle years of cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.