Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops obviously aren't new. But just because they've been around a while doesn't mean they're still the ho-hum countertops they used to be.

Laminate still retains all of its good character traits like low cost, ease of maintenance and gobs of color choices. But today there are new textures and lots of new patterns that more closely mimic natural materials.

If that's not enough, there are a number of different edge treatments you can choose that eliminate the dreaded 'dark line' seams. Laminate countertops prove once again that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

The longevity of laminate countertops within the marketplace might lead you to think there's not much more to learn about them. If you're a kitchen designer, you may be right. But if you're reading this page something's given you the inclination to check them out a little further.

Laminate is pretty basic, but there are some things you should know about so you don't overlook a product that might be right for your kitchen.

Laminate 101 -- What Is It, What's New And Why Should I Be Interested?

What Is It?

Laminate is a combination of paper and resin that is pressed and bonded or "laminated" together under high pressure and heat. The result is a product that is reasonably durable and easy to maintain.

To bore you with a few more facts, laminate is typically constructed in three layers. The bottom layer is made from kraft paper (the same paper that grocery bags and mailing wrap are made from) which is soaked in a phenolic resin. (Kraft paper is usually brown which results in those dark brown edges.)

The middle layer contains the print or color/pattern that you actually see. This is followed by a clear top layer which may be topped with some abrasion-resistant materials. The middle and top layers of laminate are impregnated with melamine which is a clear resin. Some laminate countertop products use other materials on the top surface to increase the wear resistance.

So why is this important? Just like with any product, knowing the kind of material you're dealing with might help you understand what it will and won't stand up to. Remember that it's basically a plastic so it has some limitations particularly with regard to heat and some caustic chemicals. Also, the color or print on that middle layer of paper is susceptible to fading over time from UV light just like other fabrics and colored paper.

Before we go further it might be helpful to become familiar with a few terms that come up when talking about laminate countertops or perusing various product literature:

• HPL - HPL simply stands for "high pressure laminate" which is nothing more than laminated layers of resin-soaked paper that have been fused together under heat and high pressure. Some manufacturers use the term often while others don't so don't think the ones that do use it are selling anything different.
• Post-formed - Post-formed refers to laminate countertops that are pre-manufactured, where the laminate is already bonded to the substrate backing. These laminate countertops already have the laminate material bonded and 'formed' around the edges and possibly a backsplash too. They're usually drop-in-place countertops typically available in home centers. This is in contrast to a custom laminate countertop that's built up according to your plans either on-site or in a shop.
• Grade - Laminates are manufactured in various grades based on their thickness and sometimes other attributes. Horizontal grade laminate is usually the thickest and is used for laminate countertops. Other grades are thinner and more suitable for vertical applications such as cabinets.
• Finish - This is the term that refers to the surface treatment and how it looks and feels. It may be glossy, matte, pebbled, textured or some combination.
• Solid core - Solid core laminates have the color going all the way through the material which eliminates the dark edges and seams. These are typically more expensive however and there are fewer choices available. Other terms that mean the same thing are "color-through" or "throughcolor".

What's New & Interesting

As promised earlier, there's more to today's laminate countertops than what your grandmother used. Here are the highlights:

• Plenty of Choices
  There are literally hundreds of colors and patterns, from new stone prints to retro-design patterns (yes, the same ones that were on your grandmother's countertops if that's what you like).
• Updated Textures & Finishes
  New textures and finishes exist that incorporate surface variations and mixtures of matte and glossy effects all in the same pattern. Some textures include small "pits" randomly dispersed through the surface that mimic the same pits that you see on polished granite.

Click On Each Image To Bring Up A Larger View To See The Surface Texture Details

• No Pattern Interruptions
  Representations of complete granite slabs are available. Stone-like laminates have a pattern repeat whereby the "picture" of the stone will eventually repeat itself. Formica® has changed this with their 180fx™ line of laminate. It depicts the image of a full slab of granite, the kind that large kitchen islands are made from. Now you can have your whole island covered and see the veining and characteristics of a granite slab in all its glory.
• Elimination Of The Dark-Line Edges
  

  

  Color-through laminate eliminates the dark lines that were always present with past laminate countertops.

  The edges of the laminate are the same color as the surface so the result is a less conspicuous edge.

  One way to get around this is to choose a laminate color/pattern that's similar in color to the dark brown or black color typical of laminate edging.

• Wear-Resistant Surface Treatments
  New surface treatments such as aluminum oxide provide a much more wear-resistant surface. This gives the laminate countertop a very long life

  Special edge treatments that eliminate the dark lines and provide a very clean and finished appearance. Kuehn Bevel specializes in making laminate, solid surface and wood edges for laminate countertops that provide a neat, finished look.

• Seamless Installation With An Undermount Sink
  You now have the option to use undermount sinks with laminate countertops that previously was not possible. Karran USA makes acrylic sinks that can be mounted under laminate countertops. Counter-Seal® is a solid-surface product that also allows laminate countertops to accommodate undermount sinks. The undermount sink is hung from the Counter-Seal® solid surface ring which also acts as a barrier between moisture and the laminate's substrate material.
• Updated Edge Profiles
  New, more sophisticated edge profiles are available on some post-formed laminate countertops, similar to what you can get on solid surface, stone and other countertop choices. These include 'ogee' and 'double waterfall' edges instead of the more plain bullnose or rounded edges found on most post-form laminate countertops.

The bottom line here is that there are lots of reasons to take another look at laminate. With the onslaught of new countertop surfaces such as more affordable stone countertops, new composite and recycled countertops and the rest of available kitchen countertops the laminate manufacturers have had to develop new ideas to retain market share. The results are what you see above.

Now, some of these features and premium laminates will cost more than a basic beige laminate countertop with no special edge treatments. But for the most part, laminates still are one of the most cost-efficient countertop choices.

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Pros And Cons And Other Considerations

Like any material that's used for kitchen countertops laminate has its pluses and minuses too. Keep these facts in mind when considering a laminate countertop.

The Plusses...

• Pricing - Laminate countertops are still one of the lowest cost countertop options but the premium laminates will be an upcharge.
• Style Options - There's an incredible range of colors and patterns available from which to choose along with new textures.
• Non-porous - Laminate is non-porous and it's not susceptible to damage like stone is from common items you'll find in the kitchen like lemon juice and other food-related acids. It's easy to clean up.
• Edge Treatments Give Style Options - There are several different edge treatments available now that dress up laminate countertops and avoid the dark-line edges.
• Color-Through Options - Through-color laminates are also another way to avoid the dark-edge seams although the range of colors is limited and typically available only in solid colors.
• Relatively Low Replacement Costs - Replacing your laminate countertops is typically more easily done and less costly than other types of countertops should you decide to change in a few years.
• Durable - With reasonable care laminate countertops are durable with good impact resistance and abrasion resistance, particularly on the brands that add abrasion-resistant qualities.
• Undermount Sinks Now Available - New sinks and sink edging products have made it so that undermount sinks can be installed with laminate countertops.

...And The Minuses

• It's Not Indestructible - Yes it's durable but it's still susceptible to cuts, scratches and chips because of it's plastic/paper makeup.
• Visible Seams - Seams are visible, unlike solid surface countertops although certain patterns and colors will make them less conspicuous.
• Not Heat Tolerant - Laminate doesn't take heat well and will scorch or burn if hot pans are placed on it (remember, it's basically a plastic).
• Scratches More Evident In Dark Colors - Scratches tend to be more visible in dark colors. This is because the melamine content of the outer surface layer exhibits a whitish color when it's scratched which shows up in contrast to the dark background color.
• Susceptible To Harsh Cleansers - Laminate can be damaged by aggressive cleansers such as bleach and oven cleaners so while it's relatively durable and easy to clean, it can still be damaged by harsh chemicals.
• Fading - Laminate countertops are susceptible fading over time in ultraviolet light like sunlight, similar to ordinary paper or fabric (remember that the print or color of the laminate is colored paper and/or a print that's been fused in resin).

Other Considerations

There's a few other things to think about when you're considering laminate countertops -

• Do you do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you? The right tools, adhesives, know-how and other materials are needed to get a quality job. As an example, using the right or wrong substrate that the laminate is adhered to will impact the durability of your countertops.
• Try to look at a full laminate countertop, if not in the same color, at least with the texture that you're contemplating. You'll get a much better feel for how it will look versus those small sample chips most home centers or design shops give you. This is particularly true for the newer textured laminates. Some home centers or kitchen design firms will typically have mock-up kitchens and/or countertops. Ask the designer or fabricator you're working with where you might locate a finished countertop to look at.
• Whether you install the laminate countertop yourself or have it done, avoid seams near the sink. Seams near water-prone areas have a greater risk of allowing water to get under the laminate to the substrate which could eventually cause unbonding of the laminate and lifting of the edges.
• Finally, it pays to compare your overall cost for a laminate countertop with other countertop materials that you may be interested in. While basic laminate itself is inexpensive, the premium laminates with textures and other features will cost more. In some cases, premium laminate countertops may only end up costing several hundred dollars less than a basic granite countertop. While laminate still may be the least expensive countertop option, the gap has narrowed relative to other countertop choices.

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Laminate Vs Granite

Since there are a lot of laminate patterns made to mimic the look of stone it probably isn't a bad idea to compare the two surfaces. This section on "laminate vs granite" will focus on the difference in looks primarily. But for your benefit, there are a few refresher comments about the physical differences between the two surfaces as well.

When it comes duplicating the "picture" of granite on laminate, most manufacturers do a pretty good job of getting it right.

As an example, the photo below shows 2 sections of granite and one swatch of laminate (our granite imposter). Can you tell which one is the laminate? See the answer below the picture.

Here's the answer:
A - Real granite
B - Laminate
C - Real granite

How Sheen, Texture & Edging Affect The Look

Looking at a flat image of a laminate countertop that looks like stone is one thing but most of the time it's viewed from some other perspective, and that's where laminate struggles a bit to look like real stone.

A lot of granite countertops are highly polished although there are some that are honed and have a more matte finish. Some laminates do come in a glossy finish while others have a more satin appearance. From that perspective, laminate does an OK job of looking like granite.

Some of the laminates with small "pits and pock marks" designed to mimic the small fissures in granite add some degree of additional 'texture'. However most granites don't have pits this large and whatever texture they do have is limited to very fine fissures.

Take a look at this picture below to see how the light "bloom" highlights the small pits in the surface. You be the judge on how good or not-so-good it looks (click on the picture to get a much larger 1500x997-pixel view. It'll open in a new browser window).

Click On Image For A Larger View

Where granite laminate falls down -- in some cases -- is on the edging. Countertops with the standard 90-degree, squared-off edge look the least like a granite countertop. That's because even "squared-off" granite countertops have a small but smooth radius. Or, they have a more elaborate edge altogether.

However, there are some varieties of post-formed granite laminate countertops like those made by VT Industries, that have ogee and other more elaborate edges, rather than the hard 90-degree edge that most laminate countertops have. These laminate countertops do a better job at impersonating a stone countertop. The one drawback is that these kinds of post-formed countertops incorporate this kind of edging on only one side (edge).

Laminate Vs Granite Performance

Both laminate and granite countertops perform well. It's all about what you're preferences are relative to cost and upkeep.

The positives with laminate include their relative ease of maintenance and the fact that you don't have to be so worried about staining or shattering your wine glass if it tips over.

On the down-side, laminate countertops, even those made to look like granite, won't be mistaken for a piece of granite under closer inspection. It doesn't mean they won't look nice however. It's all a matter of personal preference.

Granite, as the other option, is durable and beautiful. It does require some upkeep however and is typically more expensive than premium laminate countertops. It'll also chip if you knock it hard enough or drop something heavy on it from a high-enough distance (think about fumbling that can of beans when emptying the grocery bag).

You can compare laminate and granite countertops along with other countertop choices at the kitchen countertops page.

Choices Among Brands -- Are They All The Same?

So let's get down to it. You obviously have choices among the different laminate countertop brands but are they all the same? The answer is a somewhat evasive yes and no.

For the most part the laminate used in laminate countertops is no different from manufacturer to manufacturer, just like Fords and Toyotas are all automobiles. The differences lie in the unique product distinctions that each maker brings to the table (..or countertop should we say). Those distinctions might come in the form of specific textures or new edge treatments or a range of color options.

Virtually all of the manufacturers offer some similar color options like solids, wood grains, stone patterns and abstracts. The differences you'll see are in the quantity of choices or the inclusion of some unique offerings like solid core (color-through) options or new 3-dimensional texturing. It all depends on what you're looking for and whether a certain brand has it or not.

Other than that, it becomes an economic and logistics decision with cost and availability being the drivers of which product to go with.

We've listed a broad range of laminate countertop makers below with highlights on their distinctions so you have a better feel for who offers what. Click on the brand links or continue reading down the page to learn more about all of them.

Formica®			Arborite®
Wilsonart®			Abet Inc.
VT Industries			Nevamar®
Pionite®

Formica® Brand Laminate

Highlights	Well known and established brand with a wide range of color selections. Features the 180fx "full slab" pattern (imprinted 'picture' of stone is the size of a full size slab of stone). Some stone styles incorporate tactile detailing that gives the surface some texture.
Where To Get It	You can find Formica at affiliated home centers and countertop fabricators. Dealer locations can also be found on the searchable directory on the Formica website.
Website	www.formica.com

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Wilsonart^®

Highlights	The Wilsonart®HD High Definition Laminate line features subtle texturing that alternates between smooth and slightly 'rough', which captures the light differently offering visual as well as tactile texture variations. Some Wilsonart laminates use the AEON wear-resistant technology which makes it 3 to 5 times more scratch and scuff resistant than the standard Wilsonart laminate. Lots of colors and patterns to choose from in several product lines.
Where To Get It	Wilsonart® Laminate and Wilsonart® HD can be found at various home centers and countertop fabricators and other similar home-related building suppliers. Dealer locations can also be found on the searchable directory on the Wilsonart website.
Website	www.wilsonart.com/laminate or www.countertop.com (both sites are one in the same)

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VT Industries

Highlights	Prominent maker of post-formed countertops. Offers the Premium Contoured Edge Profiles which are more decorative edges than what's been traditionally available on laminated countertops. The Barcelona product line uses a 'double waterfall' edge and the Valencia has a 'full wrap ogee' edge profile. Produces EQcountertops which make use of environmentally-friendly materials such as low-emitting laminates, recycled core materials (the substrate that the laminate is adhered to) and biodegradable water-based adhesives.
Where To Get It	VT Industries distributes their products through their PRO Team Fabricators. You can find a fabricator to serve your local area through the fabricator listing on their website.
Website	www.vtindustries.com/countertops/Default.aspx

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Pionite®

Highlights	Many different colors and patterns to choose from with 240 selections. Colors/patterns include wood grains, abstracts and solid colors, some which are bright/bold shades. GREENGUARD® certified for being a low-emitting product (meaning it doesn't give off harmful contaminants into the air).
Where To Get It	Pionite laminate products are available at various home centers and other kitchen and building supply resources. Their website also offers look-up capability to find dealers in your area.
Website	www.pionite.com

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Arborite®

Highlights	Product selection includes specialty laminates that offer different styles that aren't typical of other laminate products like patterns that mimic brushed metal, textured polished stone and others. GREENGUARD® certification for products that meet good indoor air quality standards.
Where To Get It	The Arborite website includes a listing of authorized dealers by region within the US and Canada however it's not a list of retail outlets. Check with a local kitchen design firm, building supply or countertop fabrication house for more information on obtaining Arborite laminates. Or, contact them directly for more information using the contact form on their website.
Website	www.arborite.com

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ABET Inc.

Highlights	Arguably the broadest selection of colors and patterns to choose from offering some unique styles such as laminates with sparkle and a holographic-like shine (Kaleidos line). Makes the Colorpact line of color-through laminates in several solid colors.
Where To Get It	Contact ABET Inc. directly for samples or to purchase the laminate itself though you'll have to create a user account for the purchase option. The website has a list of regional resellers too.
Website	www.abetlaminati.com

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Nevamar®

Highlights	Available in solid colors, woodgrains and abstracts (which include their stone-look selections) in a wide range of choices (over 250). Armored Protection™ surface treatment that uses aluminum oxide as a part of the surface protection to prevent wear. Nevamar laminates are GREENGUARD® certified as low-emitting products which ensures they don't produce harmful indoor air pollutants.
Where To Get It	You can find Nevamar laminates at certain home building supply centers and resources that specialize in countertops and laminate products. You can also check with local kitchen design firms to help find a supplier in your area. The company website offers a national and international listing of distributors however it's primarily limited to the wholesale distributors of the product.
Website	www.nevamar.com

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Publisher's Comments --
Laminate's Still A Likeable Surface

Who's this Publisher guy and what does he know?

When it comes to laminate countertops I suppose you could say I have a love/hate perspective. I grew up with them as a kid and lived with them in my current home for 17 years. They had plenty of mileage on them, were very dated and needed to go. They were so old in fact, they were sort of back in style (no need for those new 'retro' design laminates in my home).

So why did we keep them so long? It's a good question, but I think the answer lies with the fact that they did their job so well. True, I'm not the kind of person that parts with money easily so just going out and dropping a few thousand dollars for new countertops isn't my bag. Regardless, it would be hard for anyone to justify throwing out something that held up as well as these laminate tops did.

I think what I liked best about them was that they were so low-maintenance. Laminate is easy to clean and I didn't need to fuss about whether I'd left spilled lemon juice on the counter too long or if they needed to be sealed again.

What I didn't like about my laminate countertops (beyond the color, pattern, etc.) is the fact that they were laminate. Now there's a conundrum for you. I just never liked those dark lines on the edges.

However -- as part of our home remodeling project we added granite countertops. They're great, perform well and look beautiful. But I hate that "clink" sound every time you put a ceramic bowl or plate down on the surface. Stone is durable, but it can chip. Pull a big can of stewed tomatoes out of a grocery bag and if it slips out of your hand, there's a chance it can chip a stone countertop. With laminate, you don't have to worry (nor do you get that "cliiinnk" sound).

Laminate countertops will always be just that - laminate countertops. In my opinion, they'll never be confused with a stone or solid surface countertop. They may try for the look but it just doesn't happen. But that's ok. It's a durable, economical countertop surface that's shown it's mettle over the years. And when you look at what's been done from a style and design point of view recently, there are a lot more style choices than what existed when my old laminate countertops were installed.

The point is this: laminate countertops may not present the same style presence as some other countertop choices. But if that's not a factor for you or those other countertops strain your budget too far, laminate's a worthy option. I've seen some very nice laminate countertops that look sharp, neat and tasteful. And today there's so many style options available.

Let's see; more design options, low-maintenance, durable, economical... . There's something that's still likeable about laminate countertops.

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