Laminate Countertops: Consider These First for Your Home

Laminate counter tops are the standard in kitchen counter top materials. The combination of price, selection, durability and easy care make them the material of choice for most kitchen counter top projects.

Price

Laminate counter tops come in a range of prices. As with tile counter tops, the price for the material alone can vary quite a bit depending on type chosen, but labor and additional material costs are generally lower for laminate counter tops than for tile counter tops. Laminates are extremely affordable at the low end of the price range, even for tight remodeling budgets. At the high end of the price range, durability increases, and the designs available are compatible with even the most sophisticated interior design scheme.

Variety

Laminate counter tops give homeowners the widest variety of color and pattern choices available in any type of counter top material. No matter what your design scheme, you can find a perfect laminate. Literally hundreds of choices are available. Solid colors are available in any shade you can dream up, but the patterns that can be found are the real incentive in looking at laminates. Everything from abstract designs, wood grains, marbles, and earth patterns such as leaves and sand can be found, and all in a variety of color schemes to match any home décor. Laminate patterns can mimic the look of granite or marble counter tops, but without the high cost and complicated maintenance needs.

Easy Care

Laminate counter tops require no special care. Because there are few, if any, seams, cleaning is as easy as a swipe with soap and water, and no special maintenance is needed. Because of the smooth, seamless surface, these counter tops are easy to keep germ and bacteria free, a great plus for households with children. Cutting on laminate counter tops should be avoided, as they can scratch, but even small scratches can be easily camouflaged with readily available tubes of color putty specifically matched to your laminate. On many laminate designs, small scratches may not even be visible.

DIY friendly