A skinny sheet of material is placed on top of laminate table surfaces. We heartily advocate using this layer, cut from a sheet of laminate and made of a manufactured substance that is exceptionally durable for table tops in hospitality venues. Laminate sheets are often inexpensive and come in various colors, patterns, and finishes (including wood and marble effect).
Due to its affordability, laminate table tops are a popular choice among homeowners. However, because of problems with laminate countertops, the initial savings will cost you more money.
Today, we’ll look at these concerns to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of this countertop material and better options like quartz countertops.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Laminate countertops are incredibly simple to clean and stain-resistant because of the plastic resins used in their construction. Most of the time, simple cleaning with soap and water is needed. However, if abrasive cleaners are used on them, they might become scratched.
Over time, laminate countertops are vulnerable to delamination, particularly if water enters through seams, and repairs are challenging. In most cases, severe damage necessitates replacing the whole countertop.
DESIGN
Modern high-pressure laminates are available in hundreds of colors, patterns, and textures, as opposed to the simple imitation stone and wood grain designs that were once the only options. Modern laminates now have a depth and realism that was once considered unattainable, thanks to new printing technology.
As a result, laminates are among the most adaptable countertop materials. They are also no longer seen as opulent as high-end materials, yet they are still less expensive. Laminate countertops can look great in modern or mid-century modern architecture. They may be suitable for kitchenettes and bars in recreational spaces and guest bathrooms.
LAMINATE TABLETOP INSTALLATION
Unless you purchase factory-made post-form countertop segments, making a laminate countertop requires first building an MDF or plywood core, then cutting pieces of plastic laminate and gluing them to the heart using contact cement, whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Carefully trimming the laminate flush with the countertop’s edges requires a router. Making the backsplash and edging treatment is the most challenging part of the construction.
The benefit of hiring a contractor to design your countertop from scratch is that they have the knowledge and equipment to produce ornamental edging treatments, including beveled edges and corners covered in contrasting laminate or exposed hardwood edging. A skilled installer may carefully scribe the backsplash to suit any imperfections in the wall surface as part of the installation process.
Once the countertop is built, installation is as simple as placing it on the floor cabinets and securing it with screws pushed up through the corner brackets and into the bottom of the countertop.
TOP BRANDS OF LAMINATE TABLETOP
Today, all prominent laminate brands provide high-pressure laminates of exceptional quality and graphics. They consist of:
· FORMICA
The original and still-dominant producer of plastic laminates is called Formica.
· WILSONART
In addition to producing some of the hardest high-pressure laminates, Wilson Art also has quartz and solid-surface materials for countertops.
· NEVAMAR
One of the most creative laminate manufacturers is Nevamar, owned by Panolam Industries. In addition to the typical wood grain and stone pattern options, they have hundreds of abstract designs and texture prints in a rainbow of colors.
ARE LAMINATE TABLE TOP RIGHT FOR YOU
Laminate countertops are often considered a cheap, low-end alternative and are now prevalent in many higher-end houses. They are an excellent option for anybody interested in DIY fabrication or looking for an economical countertop material with various design options.
