Nothing does more to transform a kitchen than the installation of the appropriate kitchen countertop. From granite to stone, kitchen countertops can set the tone of the entire room and the overall house as well.
The material you choose should be in line with your personal style, functional needs, and budget. The most popular material used in kitchens today is the laminate countertop - known for its affordable style and durability. But before choosing laminate you must first understand its advantages and disadvantages.
The laminate countertop essentially consists of two parts. The top countertop material is a thinly manufactured plastic sheet that comes in a variety of styles, colors, and textures. The sheet is then glued to particleboard or plywood. The nature of laminate is such that the consumer can get the look that they want at a price they can afford.
For instance, laminates come in such a large variety of styles today that there are even those that are manufactured to replicate more expensive material such as stone or ceramic tile. It is largely for this reason that the laminate countertop has been the most popular countertop material in homes across the nation.
The laminate countertop is generally purchased in one piece from a large home improvement retailer or kitchen design store. In most cases, such countertops are pre-cut to fit standard sized kitchens. There is also the ability to purchase the laminate top and have it cut to fit a non-traditionally sized kitchen.
For home do-it-yourselfers, the laminate countertop is especially attractive because replacing the laminate top of a countertop is an affordable and easy way to completely transform a kitchen without the expense and mess associated with replacing the whole countertop.
In this case, consumers simply empty and clean the existing countertop and sand the top to create a viable surface for a new laminate. The new laminate sheet is then just glued to the existing surface. In one weekend you can go from traditional Americana to a contemporary granite look; all for a fraction of the price that it would cost to install actual stone countertops.
In the end, the laminate countertop is easy to install and maintain; it is also a durable and versatile countertop surface that can easily blend with any decor. Because you are purchasing the laminate material in one sheet, you avoid the inconsistency of color and design often found in natural materials such as granite and marble.
However, some of the drawbacks of the laminate countertop to keep in mind include its vulnerability to heat, scratches, and impact. Additionally, the laminate material is especially vulnerable to moisture.
If water is allowed to seep past the surface material and into the plywood or particleboard beneath, the result can be warping and irreversible damage that compromises the uniformity of the countertop. But ultimately, for homeowners who are seeking the most value-packed combination of visual style, easy maintenance, durability, and low price, laminate remains a top choice.
