There are many options to ensure that your kitchen looks beautiful, accessible, and functional. Like everything else, it comes down to the costs and the decisions you make.
When you upgrade something like your kitchen countertop, you update the aesthetics of the space instantly! You can look at spaces like bathrooms and workspaces too when you consider a countertop upgrade. However, selecting the right kind of countertop that matches your lifestyle and budget is a weighted decision. Let’s make it easier for you.
While there are many options for countertops, laminated countertops can be your best bet. Laminated countertops entered the Indian markets during the 1940s, and it is still one of the most preferred choices for kitchen countertops. These use layers of plastic bonded to particleboard or sometimes kraft paper, making for a solid and robust counter surface. Today, you can come across hundreds of unique designs, patterns, and textures in laminates that are both durable and affordable.
Laminated Countertop Costs
You can transform your kitchen into the space of your dreams without breaking the bank. The different styles of laminated countertops can mimic luxurious surfaces such as Corian, quartz, or granite. They are one of the cheapest choices when compared to other countertop materials.
However, the cost of laminates will vary widely based on the colour, pattern, and design you choose. Additionally, if you opt for a custom countertop that will be fabricated and installed, the price will vary again. The average cost of a laminated countertop falls somewhere between INR 550 and INR 3000 per square foot.
To put it simply, these are the factors that will determine the cost of a laminated countertop:
- Size, design, and pattern
- Colour and availability
- Grade and quality
- Custom build and installation
- Prefabricated post-forms
Pros and Cons of Laminated Countertops
Pros
- Inexpensive: This is one of the top reasons why builders, architects, and homeowners prefer laminated countertops. They are the cheapest amongst all other options, without compromising on quality.
- DIY-friendly: Installing a laminated countertop is an ideal project for DIYers looking to upgrade their kitchen or bathroom. The planks are pretty easy to cut by using a hand saw or circular saw. Installation is a quick and trouble-free process.
- Easy maintenance: These countertops are the easiest ones to maintain. The surface is non-porous, which makes it easy to clean. Just using a sponge with some mild soap does the trick.
Cons
- Susceptible to damage: One of the downsides of a laminated countertop is that the material is susceptible to burns, stains, and scratches. So, avoid direct cutting on the surface or keeping hot items on it.
- Delamination: These countertops can have delamination or peels after a while, especially if they encounter water too often. Delamination is usually challenging to repair, and in most cases, you will have to redo the entire countertop.
Quality and Maintenance of Laminated Countertops
The latest kinds of laminated countertops such as high-pressure laminates (HPLC) are more durable in quality than they used to be. These are upgraded with better materials and have unique properties when compared to traditional plastic laminates, such as heat resistance, protection from wear and tear, and resistance to chemicals. The grades of laminates indicate their strength and composition. Furthermore, the better the grade, the higher the cost.
Cost is not the only advantage of having laminated countertops. They are also low-maintenance and lightweight, so you do not need any heavy cabinet base as support for the countertop. The material also does not require resealing. Simply ensure you stay away from steel wool, coarse pads, or any acidic or abrasive materials when you have a laminated countertop installed.
The Lifespan of Laminated Countertops
Typically, laminated countertops last anywhere between 10 to 35 years, depending on how you maintain them. However, these are easy to maintain if given some care. That said, there are many options in terms of styles and designs available today. Laminates can potentially have a longer lifespan because they are now available in water-resistant models.
Laminate vs. Granite Countertop
| Feature | Laminated Countertop | Granite Countertop |
| Is it costly? | No | Yes |
| Is it complicated to refurbish and repair? | No | Yes |
| Is it durable for almost an entire lifetime? | No | Yes |
| Is it difficult to manage on a day-to-day basis? | No | Yes |
| Is it susceptible to fire? | Yes | No |
| Can it handle extreme heat? | No | Yes |
| Is it cumbersome to handle? | No | Yes |
| Is it comparatively complicated to install? | No | Yes |
| Does it have the flexibility of shapes and styles? | No (There are certain limitations to styles.) |
Yes
(You can make it to order.) |
| Is it typically scratch-proof? | No | Yes |
| Can you install it yourself? | Yes | No |
| Does it get scarred by the use of knives? | Yes | No |
How to Clean a Laminated Countertop?
Cleaning a laminated countertop is a seamless thing to do when compared to other options. You can do it from time to time and yet ensure that your countertop is clean and hygienic.
- Use an appropriate cleaning agent – some convenient ones are bleach or vinegar.
- Clear all things from the laminated countertop.
- Take a cloth and dip it in your choice of cleaning liquid. Wipe the surface clean, and let it dry.
- In scenarios with many oily stains, you can also use a soft sponge and dishwashing soap to remove the stains from the countertop.
New countertops can make a tremendous difference in your kitchen and bathroom. But, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. Visit HomeLane to chat with our home interior experts! We will help you get the countertop that lives up to your expectations and matches your dream home.
