Renovate with Laminate Countertops for Kitchens
Upgrading your kitchen with new countertops can completely transform the look and feel of the space. Laminate countertops provide an affordable, durable, and design-friendly option perfect for kitchen renovations and remodeling projects.
With the wide range of laminate styles and options now available, it's easier than ever to find the right look to suit your taste and budget. From realistic stone and woodgrain patterns to solid colors and unique prints, laminate offers everything you need to give your kitchen a fresh, contemporary style.
Benefits of Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Laminate countertops offer homeowners many advantages that make them a top choice for kitchen counters replacement:
- Durability - Made from layers of kraft paper and melamine resin, laminate countertops stand up well to heavy daily use, drops, scratches, stains, burns, and more. The outer plastic layer resists chipping or cracks.
- Affordable - At $10-30 per square foot installed, laminate costs significantly less than granite, quartz, or solid surfacing materials.
- Low Maintenance - Laminate resists most spills, cleans easily, and never needs resealing or polishing to keep its just-installed sheen.
- Design Versatility - With hundreds of colors, realistic patterns including stone and wood, and options like metal trims, it's easy to find laminate to suit your style.
- DIY-Friendly - Prefabricated laminate sheets install without seam filler or special tools, making DIY installation straightforward for many homeowners.
Kitchens require durable, attractive countertops able to withstand heavy daily use. Thanks to its functional performance, vast design options, and budget-friendly price, laminate makes an excellent choice.
Popular Options for Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Once found only in a limited range of solid colors and simple patterns, today's laminates offer many more options. Some popular styles include:
Stone Looks
Contemporary laminates provide the look of natural stone like marble and granite without the higher cost or fragility. Matte finishes help minimize signs of use. Carefully inspect stone patterns for repetition before purchasing.
Woodgrains
Warm, eco-friendly wood laminates like oak, maple and bamboo bring natural style to kitchens. Matte finishes disguise fingerprints or water spots that shine on glossier wood laminate.
Patterns
Unique modern patterns and artistic prints infuse personal style into kitchens. However, heavily mottled patterns can prove difficult for do-it-yourselfers to install without obvious seams.
Solids
For contemporary appeal, glossy solid-colored laminate in hues like black, white, or bold primaries keep the focus on kitchen design elements like dramatic pendant lighting or appliances.
Today's laminates offer greater realism plus special features like antimicrobial properties. With heavy wear layers and scratch-resistant finishes, they keep counters like new for years before a kitchen remodel becomes necessary again.
How to Measure for Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Precision measurements ensure a perfect custom fit for DIY laminate installation:
- Measure countertop length, width, overhang, and any interior corners.
- For sinks or other cutouts, measure size and locations.
- Measure cabinet depth to determine needed countertop thickness.
- Consider backsplash height, stove clearance, and overhang support.
- Add 1/8 to 1/4 inch to allow trimming laminate sheets precisely for a perfect fit.
It's smart to measure twice for accuracy, as laminate countertops cannot be returned after trimming. Mismeasurement means ordering new laminate and losing time and money.
Other Tips for Measuring Laminate Countertops:
- For corners or L-shapes, provide a detailed drawing showing all measurements.
- Add 1 1/2 inch overhang to provide eating/working space beyond cabinet edges.
- Check edges run straight by measuring every few feet.
Knowing the right laminate thickness avoids issues like cabinets ill-fitted to accommodate thicker countertops. Careful planning means correctly sized laminate sheets that install perfectly the first try.
Installing Laminate Kitchen Countertops
With basic DIY skills, installing prefab laminate kitchen countertops is an achievable weekend project. Ensure success by:
Proper Preparation
- Remove old countertop and clean all cabinets thoroughly.
- Repair cabinets and check for level.
- Protect cabinet tops with foam board as a moisture barrier.
Careful Material Transport and Acclimation
- Transport uncut laminate sheets upright and fully supported to avoid cracks or warping.
- Let sheets laid flat acclimate to room temperature 24-48 hours before cutting to proper dimensions.
Precision Cutting for a Seamless Custom Fit
- Use a sharp blade and straightedge guide for cutting laminate sheets to size.
- Cut sink or fixture holes with a jigsaw and trim edges with a router for smooth cuts.
- Thoroughly dry-fit pieces and test fit before finalizing cuts or adhering countertop.
Avoid seams for durability and seamless appearance by using full 4x8' laminate sheets whenever possible dimensions allow. Take time for careful, precise trimming according to measurements.
Professional Installation Practices
- Apply adhesive carefully according to manufacturer directions before lowering laminate onto cabinets.
- Use bracket supports to secure overhang areas to cabinet frames or wall studs.
- Fill seams with colored caulk to coordinate after securing pieces.
Follow all directions for the products selected, including proper adhesive choice and application temperature for best bond strength. Carefully lower laminate sheets into place bit-by-bit to eliminate bubbles under the surface.
Finishing Touches Complete the Look
- Cut and adhere matching laminate backsplash pieces.
- Seal all countertop edges with caulk for moisture prevention.
- Consider an accent trim like brushed bronze, chrome or wood along visible edges.
Adding backsplash and accent edges lends extra polish for a designer kitchen look. Brushed metal or wood trim coordinates with modern sinks and faucets for today's contemporary kitchen aesthetics.
Laminate stands tough against daily use, but proper care optimizes its longevity and keeps it looking its best:
- Use cutting boards rather than slicing directly on countertop surface.
- Wipe up spills promptly to avoid potential warping or damage from moisture.
- Clean with mild soap and water using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cleansers or pads as they may dull or scratch surface.
- Prevent heat damage by using trivets and hot pads rather than placing hot pans directly on laminate.
Today's laminates resist scratches, staining, impact damage and more with tough outer layers. Taking measures to protect them from unnecessary damage keeps them in good condition.
Over time in a kitchen, some chips, scratches or discoloration may occur. Touch up kits allow for inexpensive, easy do-it-yourself repairs to keep laminate counters looking their best for years before considering a kitchen upgrade.