Conclusion. Corian is a branded name used in reference to solid surface countertops. These surfaces are a step up from laminate but still lack the durability and aesthetics that would allow them to compete with natural stone such as quartz.
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.
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.
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.
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
Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface.
Laminate Countertops Are Not Out of Style.
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.
Wilsonart® HD®
Wilsonart HD Laminates come standard with built in Antimicrobial Protection and our exclusive AEON finish, which creates a laminate countertop that is up to 5X more durable than our standard laminate and up to 3X more wear resistant than the industry standard.
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.
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.
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.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Other than perhaps stainless steel, no countertop is 100% stain proof. Quartz is the most stain resistant material because it is engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin. This creates a non-porous material that is highly stain resistant. Quartz is also easy to maintain as no sealer is required.
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.
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 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.
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.
As a water-resistant surface, you won't need to worry too much about spills and stains with laminate countertops.
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.
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 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.
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.