Laminate Countertops - Laminate Countertops by Express Countertops

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Laminate Countertops: The Low Cost Choice

Weighing the Options Enjoy Home Makeovers? Laminate Care and Durability

Laminate is the most popular countertop material on the market today. Not only is it a reliable and low cost option, it comes in a limitless number of colors and designs.

NEW from Formica is 180fx, a breakthrough in laminate technology. Unlike the laminate of yesterday, which had to repeat patterns every 18 inches, 180fx has a pattern that is a full 5 feet wide! Now you can have the look of granite at the cost
of laminate. Find out more >>

About Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are very easy to clean, requiring little maintenance. For those with a tight budget, choosing laminate countertops is an economical decision that offers an endless variety of colors, designs, patterns and finishes, while maintaining a high quality. Laminates have a good cost to durability ratio. One drawback of laminate is that it lacks the natural beauty found in natural stone, but overall, it is a strong choice.

Laminate is a synthetic material made up of several layers, which are sheets of craft paper (similar to the material of grocery bags). Although more expensive, solid-color laminates are made of a colored plastic throughout and do not have dark edges.

Cost: About $5 to $20 per square foot.

Weighing the Options

PROS	CONS
Limitless variety of color and design.	The multiple layers make it difficult to repair chips and scratches
Can replicate the look of granite, solid surface, hardwood, among others, providing a more upscale look at a cheaper price.	Layers can break apart due to hot items and water seeping into the seams.
Requires easy upkeep, and is easy to clean up.	Requires use of cutting boards.
Inexpensive, due to reduced labor and less expensive materials compared to other countertop surfaces.	Cannot be cleaned with abrasives
Allows for decorative edge treatments.	Seams show and finishing the front edge can be expensive.
	Not stain-proof.

Enjoy Home Makeovers?

Laminate surfaces have an added bonus for those who like to redo the look of their house more often. These surfaces can be resurfaced easily at a reasonable cost opposed to a solid surface, stone, or wood countertops.

Laminate Care and Durability

Laminate countertops are durable and easy to maintain. If well cared for, laminate can last for 20 years or more, and some contemporary manufacturers of laminate counters offer a 40 year guarantee on their product. Generally, laminate is easy to clean. For most spills a damp cloth and mild soap should do the trick. For more stubborn stains, a paste made from baking soda and a mild household cleaner can take care of the mess. Laminate is also impact resistant.

The key to maintaining quality laminate is maintenance. Laminate can be easily scratched and scuffed, so do not cut or put anything hot directly on its surfaces. One option to alleviate this problem is to set a few tiles or heat-resistant materials into a laminate countertop, especially near the oven or stove. To better camouflage scratches and scuffs, choose a matte finish.

Don’t be discouraged by its vulnerability to damage. New methods of repairing and resurfacing damaged laminate are done at a much lower price than in the past. If your laminate does need to be repaired by a professional, the work can be done in a few hours.

For more information about laminate countertops contact Express Countertops. Call or use the button below to request your free estimate and have your new countertops installed in 1 week - guaranteed!