Laminate countertops have been in existence for decades, and they seem to become more attractive as time passes and the design and manufacturing improve. This may explain why many people still want them in their homes. Here are some considerations when fitting laminate kitchen benchtops.

Design Variety

Laminate comes in a wide variety of designs to suit diverse kitchen styles. You can choose a bamboo, granite or marble finish or pick from a range of colours. The counters also come in waterfall designs. Laminate benches have a plywood or MDF core that is covered in decorative papers and a plastic cover. Thus, virtually any design can be put on the decorative layer, including photographs of natural substances.

Lightweight

Laminate is lightweight, which simplifies the installation process. A laminate countertop will be unlikely to put too heavy a burden on the cabinetry, unlike materials like stone and concrete. These heavier options may force you to add more reinforcement to the cupboards, adding to the complexity and cost of the installation. Usually, you will need to fit a rimmed sink with a laminate countertop, however, which is something you should bear in mind.

Low Maintenance

Once you install a laminate counter, it won't require regular refinishing like many other counters do. For example, stone, timber and concrete require periodic layers of sealant or oil for protection. Over time, the cost of refinishing counters adds up, but you won't have that ongoing expense with laminate.

You should always use cutting boards with a laminate counter, as they can show scratch marks if you cut directly on the surface. Plus, laminate can scorch if you put a hot saucepan directly on top, though this depends on the particular product. Some products are more resilient than others.

The counter will better handle spills if it's cared for; just wipe them up promptly. If the plastic layer on top is scratched, it can more easily allow moisture into the core board and cause it to swell.

Economical and No-Fuss Option

So long as you use standard precautions, a laminate counter will remain attractive for many years. Because it's not as pricey as marble or concrete, you can enjoy the counter without having to fuss. On the other hand, an expensive countertop can cause stress as you will have to fuss over it more. If you have children, a laminate counter will let you relax.

Additionally, it will provide you with design freedom, since you may love the laminate design but may also be happy to install a new counter when you next renovate the kitchen. An expensive counter can feel like a millstone if you want to upgrade the kitchen but feel compelled to do so around the existing benchtop.

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