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 is cheap, even if you're going for the brand name Formica countertops. If you're looking to get a new kitchen on a budget, then a laminate countertop is probably best for you.
Like other laminate countertops, Formica kitchen countertops are made from layers of plastic, bonded to kraft paper or particleboard to create a solid, durable countertop surface.
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.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, laminate countertops cost between $20 to $60 per square foot. It's one of the least expensive countertop options available and is far less expensive than other countertop materials. Prices can vary based on pattern and color selection.
Formica, a laminate brand that's become so ubiquitous people use it as a catch-all term, is slightly more expensive than other laminates. Formica costs a minimum of $15 per square foot, but around $25 per square foot on average.
In this page you can discover 7 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for formica, like: genus Formica, vitrolite, carpeting, , melamine, banquette and wenge.
Formica is a laminate product available in a wide range of styles and colors to suit your every design need. With its water-resistant surface and its ability to be cut to fit, Formica wall panels are perfect for covering bathroom walls quickly, instantly changing the look of your bathroom in a matter of hours.
Etymology of the name
Because the new product acted as a substitute "for mica", Faber used the name Formica as a trademark (the word already existed as the scientific name for wood ants, from which formic acid and the derivative formaldehyde compound used in the resin were first isolated).
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.
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.
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.
Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.
Granite has been the number one kitchen countertop option for homeowners for several years. While it has more competition than in the past, granite remains to be a top choice among homeowners because of its natural composition, exquisite looks, and designs that cannot be replicated.
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.
Formica® Compact has high strength, impact, water and humidity resistance and can be routed to create different shapes and forms.
Formica. / (fɔːˈmaɪkə) / noun. trademark any of various laminated plastic sheets, containing melamine, used esp for heat-resistant surfaces that can be easily cleaned.
Cover the Formica® brand laminate surface in the area to be sawed with a strip of masking tape and draw a pencil line on the tape to serve as your cutting guide. Use a fine-tooth handsaw (10 to 12 point) and always cut into the laminate surface to avoid chipping. Sand or file the cut to ensure a smooth surface.
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.
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.
Laminate Countertops Are Not Out of Style.