Stainless Steel Sinks A stainless steel sink with drainer has a classic kitchen sink design that works well in any kitchen. Installing it in a solid laminate worktop will give your kitchen a sleek look. The reflective metal will complement a work surface with a matt finish, like our concrete solid laminate worktop.
Don't try to choose any old sink and “make it work.” For success, the sink must have a 1-inch rim made from resin, machined completely flat and that meets the bowl wall at a sharp 90-degree angle. Also, a double-bowl sink must have a lowered bowl divider to allow for drilling between bowls during installation.
Don't do an undermount sink with laminate top period. The underlayment is particle board and it will SWELL with any moisture. No matter how hard you try, you can't seal it perfectly.
If it's a solid laminate worktop (no chipboard core), usually 12.5mm thick it is fine to do. If there's a chipboard core then don't do it. It won't last & water ingress will ruin the worktop very quickly no matter how well it is sealed.
Farmhouse sinks are typically installed undermount and hence, are not compatible with laminate countertops. Look for an over-mount farmhouse sink that could be retrofitted with the cabinets and one that sits on top of the laminate countertop to eliminate the risk of water damage and warping.
Stainless Steel Sinks
A stainless steel sink with drainer has a classic kitchen sink design that works well in any kitchen. Installing it in a solid laminate worktop will give your kitchen a sleek look.
Laminate Countertops Are Very Easy to Damage
As mentioned earlier, laminate countertops sheets are made from plastic and particleboard or kraft paper. These are not durable materials. One consequence of this is that laminate countertops crack remarkably easily, especially around the edges.
Laminate – No. Hot pans can leave permanent burn marks. Use trivets underneath appliances that get hot.
These types of ceramic sinks have been in use since Victorian times and their charm and appeal adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Please note that it's not recommended that you use a Belfast sink with a laminate worktop.
Ceramic sinks, while also durable, are slightly more porous compared to Porcelain. This can make them a bit more prone to staining and may require more regular scrubbing to keep them looking their best. Ceramic sinks can chip more easily than Porcelain, but the good news is they're easier to repair.
Due to their strength and durability, granite, soapstone, and concrete are all perfect countertop material options for undermount sinks.
Undermounted Sinks: The Facts
Worktop Compatibility: This sink is best suited for solid surfaces like solid wood, marble, granite etc.
Laminate, which is essentially just densely packed layers of high-quality paper and resin, fell out of popularity in the last few decades, but thanks to its incredibly affordable price point compared to natural stone, plus advancements in technology that have improved the look and durability of the material, we ...
Apply plumber's putty or caulk
This will create a watertight seal between the sink and the countertop.
Butcher Block Countertops manufactured by Grothouse can be safely used with undermount sinks.
To be undermounted to high pressure laminate (HPL), a sink must have an approximately 1-inch rim made from resin. It needs to have been machined completely flat, so it meets the bowl wall at a 90-degree angle. Karran acrylic sinks meet these specs, as do a few other acrylic solid surface sinks on the market.
The solid construction of compact laminate worktops means that they are water resistant and suitable for use with an undermount sink. Due to the way they're made, you can also have drainer grooves cut into the surface of your worktop.
Laminate floors in the bathroom
Bathrooms are considered wet rooms and, due to the high prevalence of water, your laminate floors will sustain water damage if water seeps into the seams, penetrating the lower layers of the floor. If you're keen on wood-look for the bathroom, vinyl flooring is a great alternative.
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.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Quartz is the most popular choice for kitchen countertops for a reason. If you have a family with kids, quartz is the best choice for durability, resistance to all types of damage, and no maintenance.
Laminate counters can scratch easily, so don't use them as cutting boards. Also, avoid placing hot items directly onto the countertop to prevent damage. Clean the surface with a mild soap. Laminates are also susceptible to burns and chipping, which is one downside.
Most laminate countertops can last around 15 years, though high-quality, well-maintained laminates can hold up for 20 years! This lifespan compares to butcher block countertops but is significantly shorter than stone surfaces, like granite or quartz, which can last a lifetime.
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.
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.