Lots About Countertops

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Laminate Countertop Primer

Monday, June 30th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Introduction

For homeowners, options abound when they are seeking to find that “just right” countertop surface that will satisfy the functional needs of the kitchen as well as the more aesthetic qualities of the homeowners. From a strictly practical point of view, the choice in material is a serious consideration because of maintenance, durability, lifespan, and refurbishment issues. Perhaps the most balanced option that addresses these factors and gives an acceptable return on the dollar is the laminate countertop.

Laminate Countertop

Even though a laminate countertop is considered by some to be a dated material with limited life span, they couldn’t be more wrong. When you consider the price point for granite and marble countertops, and the leaps and bounds made in the technology of laminate countertops, it’s clear to see that laminate is still a viable choice for the dollar challenged. Though it is certainly a functional choice, it still has its beauties and advantages.

The principle of advantage of a laminate countertop is its infinite variety and limitless design possibilities. In the 1970’s, laminate meant, well, cheap to look and feel. Pretty much like the vinyl car seat, it was less than the ideal solution. Today, however, it is a mature industry with almost endless options. Laminate is now available in designs that mimic stone like granite and marble. The color schemes available as well as textures and patterns would probably astound its greatest detractors and please the most discriminating houseguest.

The Test of Time

Still other considerations when identifying laminate as your material of choice are those of durability and maintenance. To be frank, nothing can resist endlessly the progress of the years; however, laminate can hold its essential character for decades with the proper care taken to preserve and support its natural strengths. If you have children, you’ll find that the cost to durability factor is more than acceptable.

Repair and Resurfacing

Though it is tough and durable, a laminate countertop is not proof against scratches, dings, or tears. In order to make the surface last, damage that is incidental to normal use must be repaired as it occurs, or you will find you need to resurface laminate countertop (resurface not necessarily replace) more often than you would prefer. Give the laminate proper care (such as cleaning after any spills, especially those that are toxic or corrosive), and it will last well into the life of your home.

If by chance you do find yourself with the need to resurface laminate countertop, you’ll realize another added benefit: it’s relatively easy and can usually be done in a day. Rather than replace the entire surface, you may be able to resurface for relatively little money, as compared to a full countertop replacement.

As with many aspects of laminate, its ease of installation and maintenance is matched by its ease of repair and resurfacing. Likewise, the money you save in comparison to repairing other countertop surfacing or material is significant. This cant be over estimated, especially when you consider the simple price comparison of a square foot of each material; the ratio of expense to material is staggering.

Bottom Line

As in all things, deliberation in choosing the countertop material right for you is the fundamental consideration in all purchases. For absolute natural beauty, hardly anything can hold a light to marble or granite; however, for the combination of price point, durability, functionality, and aesthetics, laminate is still the king of materials in countertops.

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