The Pros And Cons Of Laminate Countertops (2024)

We all agree that laminate countertops are the worst, right? Well, it might be time to rethink that notion. Today’s high-pressure laminates (HPLs) aren’t your parents’ old Formica countertops. Technological advances have led to higher quality and abundant design choices for all types of countertops. The most improved material over the years has been laminate. Read on to learn more as we discuss the pros and cons of laminate countertops.

What Are Laminate Countertops?

Formica, the company, invented laminate countertops as a reasonably durable alternative to heavy, expensive stone tops. Formica soon became the unofficial name for any laminate-like countertop. The basic construction of laminate has remained the same since its inception. Layers of kraft paper, plastic resins and protective resins are pressed together and heated to form a thin and durable decorative layer. That layer is then adhered to a solid substrate to create a functional surface.

Pros

• Color and design options. Today’s laminates boast vast amounts of color and design options. They can resemble quartz, granite, marble or anything else from contemporary to classic.
• Budget-friendly. Your remodeling budget will have room left for other items after purchasing laminate countertops.
• Stain-resistant. Dirt and moisture won’t penetrate laminate’s non-porous surface, so stains aren’t likely to occur.
• Maintenance-free. No sealing or special care is required to keep them protected and looking great.
• DIY friendly. Straightforward installation procedures make laminate countertops a popular do-it-yourself project.

Cons

• Resale value. The unfortunate truth is that, although today’s laminate is better than it was, it still has virtually no resale value. In fact, it may be a hindrance when selling your home.
• Durability. Although laminate countertops have decent impact resistance, they’re vulnerable to heat damage and scratch easily. Moisture can penetrate seams and cause delamination.
• Not repairable. Small scratches can be touched up with designated resin paint, but deep scratches and chips aren’t fixable. Temporary repairs are possible, but repaired spots will never function the same. If the layers begin to separate at the edges, the countertop will need to be replaced.
• Lifespan. They have the shortest lifespan compared to other popular countertop materials.

Cost

Averaging $30 per square foot for materials, laminate is the most budget-friendly of today’s common countertops. The range can be from as low as $10 a foot, and as high as $50 for custom constructed tops. In addition to material price, professional installation hovers around $30 per square foot. An average DIYer should have little trouble installing them for close to nothing, though.

Material and installation costs can be kept even lower if you choose to install stock laminate countertops yourself. Retailers often have inexpensive, pre-cut lengths of laminate tops in stock that can be cut to fit your kitchen. An entire installation can cost just a few hundred dollars if you’re content with not having a custom-designed luxury countertop.

(Note: All prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)

Maintenance and Care

There’s not much to do when it comes to maintaining laminate countertops. No sealing is ever required. Normal cleaning with mild soap and water is plenty to keep them looking their best.

To properly care for laminate tops, there are just a few things to remember. Keep knife edges and hot pans from contacting the countertop. Use cutting boards and hot pads or trivets to avoid damage from these items. Avoid using harsh cleansers with added abrasives as they have the potential to leave permanent scratches.

Design Options

Specialty cabinet retailers and local home centers offer huge design and color selections. Specially ordered laminate countertops can mimic the look of natural stone, quartz, marble, solid surface or any other look, in any color imaginable. Even stock items that don’t require pre-ordering have unique looks that may fit your needs.

Installation

Laminate countertops are often installed by moderately skilled homeowners. Professional installation is commonly used only for difficult situations. It’s readily available though, and inexpensive compared to other types of countertop installations.

The countertops are seamed together on-site at the corners which makes them easy to transport and maneuver into place. The seams are drawn together mechanically with special fasteners on the underside of the material. No special tools or adhesives are needed. Expect the seams to be visible for most styles. No special reinforcement of the cabinets below is required due to their relatively lightweight.

They can be purchased pre-cut, or as stock sizes to be cut on-site to fit. They are often specially built with sink cut-outs included. Modern undermount sinks can even be custom installed or DIY installed in some situations. Another option is to purchase just the decorative laminate sheet and adhere it with contact cement to custom-built shapes and sizes of substrate material.

Lifespan

With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they’ll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan. Exposure to unusual moisture levels, for even short periods, can cause them to delaminate and require replacement. They’re not designed for use in an outdoor kitchen.

Top Brands

Formica is a name commonly associated with laminate. They were the pioneers of laminate tops in the 1950s. Since then, several manufacturers have entered the field. Wilsonart and Panolam’s Nevamar line are top contenders, but Formica still holds the top spot.

Bottom Line

The pros and cons of laminate countertops have remained virtually the same since their early years. They’ve come a long way, but haven’t ever been able to completely break away from their low-budget stigma. Look elsewhere for investment value or long-lasting usefulness. They may, however, be just the solution you need if you have a limited renovation budget and would rather spend money on high-end floors, cabinets and appliances.