Laminate countertops are a popular option among homeowners due to their cost-effective nature. However, the upfront savings will come back to haunt you due to issues inherent with laminate countertops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, we\u2019ll explore these issues to give you a clear picture of the upsides and downsides associated with this countertop material — as well as higher quality alternatives like\u00a0quartz countertops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laminate countertops consist of plastic fused with kraft paper or particleboard. As with other laminate surfaces (like those used for tables and guitars), the intent is to create a look that is evocative of more expensive, solid materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Laminate countertops can imitate materials like wood and marble. However, as we\u2019ll explore shortly, this imitation is only surface-deep; laminate does not mimic these materials in any other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transform by Caesarstone<\/a> is an option many people consider if the cost of replacing their laminate countertops completely is too great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminate countertops are among the cheapest available. We\u2019ll explore exact numbers in an upcoming section but they\u2019re extremely cheap. Installation is also relatively simple; DIY types can probably get away without hiring an experienced installer. Even if you need to hire someone, though, you\u2019ll spend less than you would hiring someone to install many other materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, this is where the upside ends. And as you\u2019ll see next, you definitely pay for the convenience of laminate countertops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many to list here, so we\u2019ll break this up into sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, laminate countertops sheets are made from plastic and particleboard or kraft paper. These are not durable materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One consequence of this is that laminate countertops crack remarkably easily, especially around the edges. Some manufacturers mitigate this risk by placing metal or rubber guards around the countertop\u2019s edge, which is unsightly and ruins the illusion of whatever the laminate was trying to emulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another consequence of poor durability is that water can warp laminate countertops. A common symptom of this is bubbling on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminate countertops sheets emulate more expensive materials through the patterns that are printed on their surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surfaces like marble and wood get their characteristic appearance from more than just the surface. They have depth; you can see beyond the first layer and observe the textures underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminate countertops cannot achieve this. In fact, they attempt to conceal what lies beyond the top surface by definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The above downsides result in kitchens with laminate countertops being less-than-desirable. Adding to the complications is the fact that laminate surfaces are very common and therefore considered pedestrian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As such, the money you spend on installing and maintaining laminate countertops is money you\u2019ll never see again. In this way, because laminate countertops do not retain value, they will end up costing you more in the long run than installing a higher-quality material to begin with would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminate countertops cost between $25 and $35 per square foot, for materials alone.<\/a> If you want a custom edge, you\u2019ll spend roughly $5 per foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Installation costs will depend on factors like whether you need to remove and dispose of old countertops. Generally, expect to pay at least $30 per hour for installation, which shouldn\u2019t take more than a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All-in<\/a>, laminate countertops cost an average of $1,575 in the United States up front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Re-laminating the counter (which you\u2019ll almost certainly need to do at some point) will cost an average<\/a> of $340, but repairs can easily run up to $1,000 and beyond for more complicated setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, this is money you\u2019ll never see again as laminate countertops do not add resale value to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartz is much more durable than laminate. (Cloudburst Concrete 4011<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the past, laminate countertops were the only viable option for people on a budget. Advancements in manufacturing for other materials, however, have drastically reduced their costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With one particular material, you can receive a countertop that is significantly better than laminate in every way, all without spending an inconceivable amount more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That material? Quartz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, laminate countertops\u2019 price is between $25 and $35 per square foot for material alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartz will range<\/a> from $40 per square foot for affordable materials to $50 for mid-tier and $80-$100 and beyond for the best of the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even a more moderately-priced quartz countertop will serve you better and add greater resale value to your home than laminate. As long as you get it from a quality manufacturer like Caesarstone, you\u2019ll have a surface that lasts a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond material costs, installation will cost you about $70 per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All-in, you\u2019re looking at a cost of between $2,000 and $3,900 for installing quartz in the average kitchen, compared to about $1,600 for laminate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key difference?<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quartz surface will retain most of the money you put into it, while laminate certainly will not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The case for quartz becomes even stronger upon analyzing\u00a0quartz countertop benefits\u00a0over laminate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartz countertops possess a depth and richness not found in laminate. (Noble Grey 5211<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminate countertops don\u2019t hold a candle to quartz in terms of appearance. Quartz has great depth and richness that allows it to take on the properties of everything from marble to ceramic and even concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because quartz is a solid countertop surface that mixes natural stone with engineered materials like resins. What you end up with is a versatile material that can be made to resemble other materials in a convincing way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Structurally, quartz does not involve layers of plastic; this makes for a much more uniform appearance that does not give itself away at the edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminate countertops sheets are fragile. Plumbing issues need to be dealt with immediately, as do spills; leaving either unattended for long will cause warping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By comparison, a\u00a0quartz countertop in the kitchen\u00a0requires little to no maintenance. Of course, you\u2019ll want to wipe up spills as they happen and keep the surface clean for sanitation\u2019s sake — but there\u2019s no warping. You don\u2019t even need to reseal a quartz counter as frequently as you would other surfaces like granite or quartzite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ( Raw Concrete 4004<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Countertop trends<\/a> are much easier to keep up with when you use quartz. Laminate countertop edge options are limited by their construction; getting too adventurous would reveal the layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartz is a solid, uniform surface all the way through. As such, you have a very wide array of edge options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond edge bevelling and the like, quartz can also be molded to create unique shapes that would not be possible with laminate. This includes things like waterfall countertops and even entire islands made from quartz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartz countertops are incredibly durable. They are resistant to scratches, staining, and chipping — the three biggest threats to a countertop\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned earlier, laminate countertops lack durability. You will almost certainly chip or warp them eventually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After analyzing the laminate countertops vs quartz argument, you should have a clear idea of why the latter material is superior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all quartz is equal, though; work with an established, reputable provider like Caesarstone to avoid ending up with an inferior quartz surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caesarstone\u2019s collection<\/a> includes surfaces of every color, shape, and texture you could want, and we are conveniently located<\/a> all across America. Visit one of our locations to experience a quality quartz countertop for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All-in, a laminate countertop will cost you an average of $1,575 in a typical American home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transform by Caesarstone allows you to place a quartz overlay over your existing laminate countertop. This is a solid alternative for those who can\u2019t afford to replace their countertops entirely but still want a high-quality surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Laminate Countertops Are Very Easy to Damage<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laminate Countertops Look Cheap<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laminate Countertops Do Not Add Resale Value<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Laminate Countertops Cost of Ownership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alternatives to Laminate Countertops<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Laminate Countertops vs. Quartz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Appearance<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Low Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More Options<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Caesarstone Quartz Advantage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How much are laminate countertops?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you change laminate countertops without removing them?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n