Solid Colors: Quartz comes in a limited range of solid colors and a wider range of flecked colors. Laminate can be found in a much broader range of solid colors, from pastels and soft whites to vibrant oranges and rich grays and blacks.
Laminate Countertops Are Not Out of Style.
IdealEdge® mimics the look of carved granite or quartz. Formica Group offers a whole line of laminate stone look-a-likes, but you can also choose specialty edging for many of our other colors or patterns.
Laminate countertops cost from $8 to $20/ft while quartz costs from $75 to $105/ft. There is no doubt that this difference is quite significant. However, for a more luxurious look coupled with durability and longevity, quartz is a better investment, despite being a little on the higher side price-wise.
Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, stainless steel, granite, quartz, concrete, and wood.
Quartz is more durable than laminate, and that quality is reflected in the price. If you have kids, if you like to cook, or if you entertain frequently, quartz is the hands down choice if it fits within your budget.
Laminate countertops are not resistant to heat and can scratch. Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to pricey stone and solid-surface countertops, and they are available in many styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble.
Laminate has made a tremendous leap forward in design, with patterns and colors now available that closely resemble more expensive materials like travertine, granite, butcher block, and even stainless steel.
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.
Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.
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.
Laminate Countertop Cost
Laminate is still one of your cheapest countertop options. Home Depot reports that the average cost for the countertop alone is $29 per square foot, compared to $52 per square foot for solid surface material (such as Corian), $58 for granite, and $68 for quartz (engineered stone).
While both a laminate and quartz countertop have their variations in terms of appearance, when it comes to durability quartz is proven to be the more adept to heat resistance.
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 Countertops vs. Quartz. As mentioned earlier, laminate countertops' price is between $25 and $35 per square foot for material alone. Quartz will range from $40 per square foot for affordable materials to $50 for mid-tier and $80-$100 and beyond for the best of the best.
Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces including laminate. That's why we always recommend using a protective barrier such as a trivet or a hot plate as a final resting place for oven- or stovetop-fresh pots and pans.
Lay Laminate Over the Countertop
If you have old laminate (Formica, Wilsonart, etc.) countertops that have square edges, you can cover them with a layer of new laminate, which is sold in sheets up to 5 feet wide and 12 feet long.
Painting Countertops
This is possibly the least expensive way to cover up old countertops, especially old wood or linoleum countertops. It's very easy to paint your countertops yourself. Just sand, prime and then paint. You can use a pad sander, but sanding by hand will work just fine.
Laminate counters come with lots of features, like thinner edges, which reduces trimming and making them easier to fit. The compact laminate styles also have a solid core that removes the need for edging strips, saving both time and money.
For a contemporary, upscale look with very low maintenance required, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering. Be aware of the few potential drawbacks and their price. If you're willing to live with those things, quartz countertops should meet or exceed your expectations.
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.