Laminate Countertops - The Affordable Choice

If you are looking for an affordable choice for your kitchen countertops, then choosing a laminate countertop is a great way to go. Being in the cabinet industry for over 30 years, here are some tips and advice that I give to all my customers when they are choosing laminate countertops.

There are three major manufacturers of laminate. You have the Pionite brand, Wilsonart, and Nevemar. Pionite and Wilsonart are generally in the same price range and Nevemar is usually higher. That is because Nevemar makes the claim that the finish on their laminate is superior to that of their competitors and will not scratch as easily. Each company has hundreds of colors ranging from solids to granite looking styles.

When you choose your laminate countertops, your manufacturer will ask you what type of edging you would like. You have two choices, a square edge or a bevel edging.

The square edge is your basic flat edge and your cheaper option. Your bevel edging is a more decorative edge and runs a little higher because the process of adhering it is more labor intensive.

Now that you have a basic understanding of laminate countertops, here are a few do's and don'ts regarding them.

Laminate Countertop Do's -

• Clean with a mild detergent and a soft sponge.
  
• Polish them monthly with a product called "Counter Top Magic". You can find it in any home improvement store and it will really increase the life of your laminate.
  
• Make sure your manufacturer is using plywood to adhere the laminate to. Melamine or countertop decking will expand if it gets wet and should not be used.
  
• Always using a cutting board when cutting on your countertops, otherwise you can cut your laminate and there is no way to repair it.

• Never chose a gloss laminate for your kitchen. Gloss laminate is not only more expensive, it scratches very easily, and even laying your keys down can scratch it.
  
• If you have chosen to use bevel edging, do not lay your wet dish towel over it. If you repeatedly do this your bevel can pull away from the top.
  
• Never place a hot pot or pan directly on your countertops. The laminate will blister and eventually split. If this happens, the only way you can repair it is to completely replace the top.
  
• Make sure when your manufacturer is planning your tops that you inform them that you do not want any 90 degree corners. They are very painful if you happen to run into them, and it is an easy request to accommodate.

So when you are trying to determine if laminate countertops are right for you, there are a few tips to help make your decision. By using laminate countertops will have a large selection of colors to choose from, making it very easy to match any décor.

Laminate countertops are, under normal conditions, a very economical choice for your kitchen and with proper care they can last up to 20 years.