Laminate is making a comeback and is being used more and more these days because of its improved design and style. Today's laminate looks more like natural stone and because of improved printing techniques and designers who are creating better recreations of stone, laminate has made a dramatic comeback.
However, despite the latest fads, Formica (laminate) counters are still the most popular in homes. 70% of homes today still prefer laminate countertops due to their resiliency, easy maintenance, and of course, affordability.
More specifically, light colored quartz is majorly trending and is currently the most popular style of countertop on the market. Silestone and Viatera are two of the top quartz countertop brands and both offer a wide array of different colors and patterns.
Plastic Laminate Won't Hurt Your Resale Value
Even if you bust the budget and purchase an expensive variety of granite, the person looking to buy your home may hate it, negating any resale value you were worried about when picking out your countertop.
Unlike granite and marble that require regular sealing, quartz is low maintenance making it a cost-effective alternative. Granite countertops are still dominating kitchen countertops in 2021.
1. Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
Honed and leather surfaces are the most common and can be applied to many different materials, such as granite, marble, and quartz. Even though polished is still the most popular, there are advantages to these two others. Honed finish is a matte finish with little to no shine.
Lifespan. With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they'll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Laminate that Looks Like Quartz
Synonymous with laminate countertops, Formica offers countless styles and colors. If you like the look of quartz, this Bottle Glass Quartz style from Formica may be what you're looking for. Make your countertops look like new with this unique refinishing process.
Quartz and Laminate Durability
Both materials are generally durable and highly stain-resistant, and neither needs to be sealed like natural stone does. Quartz is highly abrasion-resistant, under normal conditions, while laminate's top-most wear layer has long been its weak point.
Chocolate or truffle brown is a major kitchen appliance color trend in 2021. Brown mixers, toasters, dishwashers, and refrigerators are making a comeback. They blend perfectly with white cabinets as well as other neutral paint colors in the kitchen. Several coffee makers and food processors today use this trendy shade.
The black countertops of today are as timeless as white marble and as versatile as the LBD (little black dress) in your closet. And even better, they lend themselves to pretty much any kitchen style, including modern, bohemian, minimalist, and even rustic.
Laminate counters, laminate cabinet fronts, and even laminate furniture are all making a serious comeback and we're very on board for the revival. (So note: A way less expensive alternative to a full kitchen reno would be to laminate a new surface right over the top of that Formica countertop from the 1950s.)
In Corian, any scratch can be sanded and it can restore its original form. In laminate the scratches are permanent. Laminate can get chipped and becomes irrepairable while Corian is a very strong and durable material which is resistant to chipping. Corian is more expensive, stronger and more durable than laminate.
Overall, granite countertops are the better option for your home remodel. Granite is beautiful, durable, easy to care for, and will offer you many options when it comes to color, style and cost. Whether it is a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel or any other area of the home, granite is one of your best options.
For Formica® HPL and DecoMetal® Metal Laminates, we recommend disinfecting with: 1) Quaternary Ammonium which is the largest group (198 listed) of EPA approved disinfectants. Examples of Quaternary Ammonium products include: Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol®, Virex®, Caviwipes®… 3) Sodium Hypochlorite or Bleach.
The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.
But today's laminates are of considerably better quality than the classic Formica countertops of the 1960s. While they still may not have the prestige of quartz, natural stone, or composite materials, these latest high-pressure laminates (HPLs) are by no means inferior countertop materials.
Laminate Countertop
THE GOOD: They're low maintenance, available in many styles and can be found virtually anywhere; they're one of the most affordable options. THE BAD: They're prone to scratching, burns and in some cases, staining. Also, with wear and exposure to moisture, the layers can peel.
Laminate countertop installation costs anywhere from $40 to $80 per square foot. This includes both materials and labor. The countertops themselves cost $10 to $40 per square foot, but prices vary based on the manufacturer, color, and style.
One of the most common sources of scratches in Formica and Laminate countertops is abrasive cleaning pads and harsh solid detergents. This is precisely why you are supposed to clean Laminate and Formica countertops with mild detergents only.
Polished Granite Countertops
Still the top choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen's value while providing a durable prep surface.
Trend #1: Natural Materials
Options for marble, granite, and even engineered quartz made to look like natural stone are going to remain popular heading into 2022.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.