Laminate is one of the most affordable countertops. For most homeowners, the cost of laminate countertops is between $10 and $40 per square foot, excluding installation. Formica is slightly more expensive than other brands, at a minimum of $15 per square foot, or around $25 per square foot on average.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 materials such as sandpaper, steel wool, or wire brushes to repair scratches on your countertop. Abrasives will damage the protective coating on high pressure laminate surfaces.
Quartz Countertops
Much like granite, its value is best appreciated in the long term, as it is a durable and low-maintenance material. Quartz is a practical choice, compatible with the challenges of busy family and work lives because it requires so little effort to maintain its classic beauty.
Laminate: A thin material adhered to particle board substrates. Often referred to as brand names such as 'Formica' or 'Wilsonart'.
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.
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.
However, like another retro design feature—wallpaper—laminate countertops could be experiencing a reemergence in popularity. The Washington Post reports that many designers and homeowners are warming to the idea of laminate surfaces as a cost-effective alternative to mimic the look and feel of real stone and wood.
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.
Example: If you have dark wood floors, lighter countertops can create a nice contrast and prevent the space from feeling too heavy. Conversely, if your flooring is light-colored, darker countertops can add depth and interest to the space.
Melamine is considered a low-pressure laminate (LPL) since it undergoes compression at a pressure of 300-500 pounds-per-square-inch. On the other hand, high-pressure laminate (HPL), known as Formica, is created using pressure exceeding 1400 pounds-per-square-inch.
So the most timeless laminate colour? Something in the realm of a light maple, like in my photo examples above. It will also work well with gray, greige and complex cream walls, as well as if you prefer to decorate with bright pops of colour.
The only drawback is that Formica isn't as durable as other countertops. It's only heat resistant up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time, and it's prone to scratches.
If you thought you wanted a dark granite with subtle variations, this finish offers the same look for considerably less. Pricing for Formica Group laminate starts at around $2.50 per square foot.
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.
Tile Countertops
Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the cheapest countertop materials and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.
Instead of matching countertops exactly, consider styles that complement each other. For example, if your modern kitchen boasts a sleek granite countertop, then a traditional bathroom countertop will stick out like a sore thumb.