Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.
In the battle of laminate vs. Formica countertops, there's no clear winner. Formica may have a higher standard of quality than off-brand imitations, but there are other quality brands on the market like WilsonArt or Arborite.
Laminate Countertop Cons: Heat sensitive: Laminate can scorch or discolor when exposed to hot pots and pans. Prone to scratching: While durable, the surface can be damaged by sharp objects. Not as long-lasting: Compared to natural stone, laminate has a slightly shorter lifespan.
Laminate – No. Hot pans can leave permanent burn marks. Use trivets underneath appliances that get hot.
Affordability: The typical cost per square foot of installed granite may be roughly $120, while Formica® Brand Laminate costs between $14 and $38 per square foot installed. Sink options: Yes, you can have an undermount sink!
For cost-efficient, long-term countertop options, consider granite and other natural stone materials. Sheets of granite are smooth, durable and heat-resistant, making this the perfect material to use in your kitchen.
With proper care and maintenance, Formica countertops can last for many years. On average, they can have a lifespan of around 10 to 20 years. However, many factors contribute to this, such as the level of use and the care and maintenance practices applied over the years.
DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads or steel wool to clean the countertops. These will scratch and damage the tops. 1. Laminate countertops are not stain-proof.
Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors. The material is stain-resistant due to its non-porous nature, a useful characteristic for a kitchen counter.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.
Once upon a time, Formica laminate was the only option for kitchen countertops. Then, it fell out of favor with homeowners as granite soared in popularity. But as with many previous trends, Formica is back.
Moisture can easily warp laminate flooring.
Particleboard is highly susceptible to damage from moisture and water exposure. Without an additional step to seal laminate floors and quick cleanups of spilled liquids, individual pieces of a laminate floor may warp, causing gaps and other visual defects.
Conclusion: Laminate Flooring Can Look Stylish
By selecting high-quality products, considering thickness and texture, complementing the flooring with appropriate décor, and ensuring professional installation, you can achieve a stylish and sophisticated look with laminate flooring while staying within your budget.
Yes, many types of countertops, including laminate, wood and ceramic tile are suitable for painting or resurfacing as long as you use the right materials and technique. To get the best results, follow the painting instructions for your refinishing product, be patient and work carefully.
Laminate Countertops
Generally the cheapest countertops available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in limited colors and patterns.
Don't use it on countertops
Most bathroom and kitchen countertops are either laminate or stone, both of which bleach can erode, discolor, or damage, according to Wasson. For laminate countertops, bleach will eat through the protective coating, and, if left to sit, discolor or damage the laminate paper underneath.
Heat is a welcome element for cooking but make sure you keep it off the laminate countertops in your kitchen. Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces including laminate.
'Quartz is what I typically would recommend for a client looking for a low maintenance kitchen countertop,' agrees interior designer Esther Chi of Mudan Interior Design. 'Unlike natural stones like marble and granite, quartz is a man-made non-porous material. This means that it is highly resistant to staining.
Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.
Formica is only one of many options for countertops, yet it's a major contender among them. Instead of cement, stone, or steel, builders should remember the real advantages Formica and other laminate counters have in the home.
Again, the most practical way to clean and polish your counter or tabletop is with a dry, clean, non-abrasive microfiber cloth and a little elbow grease. You can also use Hope's Perfect Countertop spray and wipe wax to polish Formica® laminate and give it an extra shine.
DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper, etc. to clean laminate surfaces. These can damage the surface finish and make it susceptible to staining Ceramic or other abrasive objects, due to their inherent hardness, can cause scratching and premature wearing of laminate surfaces.