Are Laminate Countertops the Right Choice for your Kitchen?

Are Laminate Countertops the Right Choice for your Kitchen?

Check out the Pros & Cons from the Best Decorative Laminate Suppliers in India

Laminates have been around for decades. They were introduced in the 40s and 50s as a substitute for hardwood and natural stone. They gained immense popularity in the 60s and were a staple in almost all kitchens. In the 80s and 90s, laminates slowly fell out favour due to their plasticky look. Customers switched over from laminates to other countertop choices like granite and quartz.

Today, decorative laminates have come a full circle. Modern-age laminates are infinitely superior in quality to the Formica and Mica of yesteryears. Today's laminates are available in endless designs, colours and choices. If you are wondering if laminates are the right choice for your kitchen countertops, you have come to the right place. In this post, Slimstone, the no.1 suppliers of decorative laminates in India, walks you through the pros and cons of laminate countertops so that you can make the right choice.

What are laminate countertops made of?

Laminate kitchen countertops are made using layers of construction paper covered with a protective melamine resin on the top. These layers of paper are the laminate and they are bound to another solid substrate like particleboard or plywood. Among all the countertop options, laminate is the least expensive.

Pros of Laminate Countertops – Why you’ll love using them

• Sleek and beautiful

Forget the old-age formica countertops from your grandma’s kitchen! New-age laminates look stunning in your kitchen. They are available in endless colours and designs and can even mimic other materials like quartz and granite.

• Super easy to clean

Laminate countertops are easy to clean. All you need is regular dish soap and water and you can remove the toughest stains off your counters. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the laminates. The same for bleach – as it can discolour the surface.

• Pocket-friendly

This is the biggest advantage of using laminate counters. They are budget-friendly and you can save thousands of rupees. Laminate countertops cost just 1/3rd the price of other expensive options like granite and quartz.

• Water-resistant

The surface of laminates is non-porous, meaning they do not absorb water easily. So, you don’t have to worry much about spills and stains.

• Endless options

Laminates are available in endless colours and patterns. You can choose your favourite colour that matches the rest of your kitchen. When it comes to the edges, you can choose options like:

• Beveled - 45° curve with an angled edge on top
• Bullnose – curved at the top and bottom
• Ogee – a concave edge that flows into a convex edge

• Easy to Install

Laminate counters are easy to install as the material is lightweight. You can even try installing it on your own, if you are interested in DIY.

• Long-lasting

Laminate countertops can last for two to four decades – nearly a lifetime – if you care for them properly.

Cons of Laminate Countertops – Here's why decorative laminates may not be the right choice for you

• Not heat-resistant

Laminate countertops are not heat-resistant. Placing pots and pans directly from the stove can cause discolouration or even melt the surface.

• Susceptible to damage and dullness

Unlike other countertops like granite and quartz, laminate countertops can easily show signs of scratches, nicks and dents. To avoid these damages, always use a cutting board while chopping veggies and fruits on your counter.

• Risk of water seepage

Though laminates are water-resistant, there is a risk of water seeping through joints and cracks in the counter to reach the substrate beneath it. If water reaches the substrate – the plywood or particleboard – underneath the surface, then the counter can absorb moisture and swell or warp. Repairs are expensive and time-consuming.

• Seams are visible

If you place two laminate countertops are placed next to each other, the seams are visible. You can avoid this by ensuring that the seams are located in less visible areas.

• Doesn't have a resale value

Natural stones like granite and engineered stones like quartz have resale value and add to the market value of your property. Laminate countertops do not add value to your home, but this shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t plan to resell your home in the short-term.

Laminate Countertops

Is a laminate countertop the right choice for me?

Depending on your needs, laminate countertops are a good choice for your kitchen. If you are looking for an affordable material with low maintenance and adequate durability, then you can go with laminate countertops. On the other hand, if you are looking for a material that is heat-resistant and has resale value, then you can opt for other materials like granite and quartz.

For any further queries, reach out to Decor Slimstone, the no.1 decorative laminates suppliers in India.