Durable, easy to clean, water-resistant and relatively inexpensive. Laminate is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns. “Postformed” laminate is molded and ready-made, though you can also have a custom or self-rimmed countertops built from scratch using a particleboard or plywood base. The custom look can be enhanced by the availability of numerous edging options. If you are handy and have the right tools you can install laminate countertops yourself but it is always best to get laminate countertops professionally installed. |
Laminate is hard to repair and is vulnerable to scratching, chipping, and staining. Economical “Postformed” tops can look cheap. If edgings are used, they may collect water and grime even with careful cleaning. High-gloss laminates show every smudge. Conventional laminate has a dark backing that shows at its seams; new solid-colored laminates, designed to avoid this problem, are somewhat brittle and more expensive.
Laminate counters don’t add as much to the resale value of a house as do more expensive counters such as granite or marble. |