The average laminate countertop has a lifespan of no more than 10-15 years, after which it will need to be replaced.
Laminate is only supposed to last about ten years or so. If your laminate counters are older than that, you should consider new granite or quartz counters when budgeting for commercial office kitchen upgrades.
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.
Yes, You can apply new laminate over old. You need to ensure that the old laminate is securely glued to the substrata. Any delamination from the substrata will cause the old laminate to ``bubble'' and lift when the new piece is placed.
In that case, you really only have one option: Countertop paint kits. If you can spend more, then you can tile over them, either with regular tile or tile kits especially made to tile over laminate. If you can do the labor yourself, you can also replace with newer laminate.
You can repair your chipped and aging laminate countertops using simple techniques and, in some cases, common household products you probably have around the house. If you're looking to give your countertops a whole new look but are watching your budget, you can completely transform them for less than $300.
The average cost of laminate countertops is $600 to $3,200 total or $20 to $80 per square foot with installation. Material prices are $10 to $50 per square foot, while labor costs are $10 to $30 per square foot. Antimicrobial and high-durability laminates are popular, affordable choices for kitchen countertops.
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.
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.
Laminate Countertops Are Making a Comeback—Formica's New Line Proves It. Laminate countertops have really stepped up their game in 2024. Leslie Corona is the Associate Home Director at Realsimple.com. She has been styling, organizing, writing, and reporting on all things in the home space for a decade.
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.
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.
Granite and quartz are almost indestructible, standing up to tough kitchen challenges with ease. The same just isn't true for laminate, which is comprised of a slab of particle board and covered in a thin layer of resin and kraft paper.
When should laminate flooring be replaced instead of repaired? Replace laminate flooring if it has severe damage, extensive water damage, broken boards, or widespread fading and wear.
Your Countertops Look Outdated
While you'll incur an additional expense you may not have budgeted for, it will save you time and can even make you money in the long run. In general, kitchen countertops should be replaced every 10-15 years, which is roughly the lifecycle of interior trends.
However, you can clean and polish laminate with a product like Gel-Gloss, a milky white cleaner/polish much like automotive wax. With a little rubbing, Gel-Gloss will remove most stains and discoloration with its mild abrasive and solvent cleaner.
Unlike standard countertop replacements, installing an overlay countertop on laminate takes almost no time. The installation team will ensure the existing surface is clean and free of dust and debris. Then, we overlay the new countertop surface right on top of the laminate using a strong adhesive.
The build-up strips do add support to the countertop at key points but that is not necessarily their primary function. Countertops are made of thick material for a relatively short run, so heavy bracing is not necessary to support common countertop appliances and daily uses.
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.
Unfortunately, any laminate countertop surface can be cut by sharp knifes, accidentally scorched by hot pans, or chipped. This normal wear and tear, or just out-of-date colors, will eventually require a change in your Formica® countertops.
Price and durability are nearly identical between Wilsonart and Formica. Both offer competitive prices across their standard lines, and their durability is comparable, providing robust surfaces that are scratch, heat, and impact-resistant.
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. You can dress up this product by paying for extras like end caps, mitered corners, or bullnose edges.
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.