Laminate countertops are a lightweight, affordable countertop solution that is commonly paired with both kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. These countertops are made of plastic fused with particleboard or craft paper.

Because of this process, it’s easier to customize your laminate countertop with the color and pattern of choice for your kitchen.

On their own, laminate countertops are not as durable as other types of countertops like quartz, granite, or solid surfaces. They’re also extremely vulnerable to heat—under a boiling kettle or misplaced skillet, laminate can crack or burn within a matter of seconds.

However, under the right conditions and with proper maintenance and care, laminate kitchen countertops can last for decades and retain their beauty and strength just as long.

Regarding cleaning, laminate countertops can tolerate standard cleaning products. It’s safe to use everything from dish soap and a wet rag to disinfecting wipes for basic care and maintenance. However, avoid using abrasive brushes and sponges, as these can cause scratches and nicks on the laminate’s surface.

To keep your laminate countertop looking like new, you’ll need to use a paste made of baking soda and water for lighter stains. Otherwise, you may need to re-laminate your countertop if the stain is severe enough—however, this is still less expensive than replacing damaged marble or granite.

In general, laminate countertops tend to last between 10–15 years. This is partly because they’re less durable than other types of kitchen countertops. However, they’re also very affordable compared to other countertops materials, and easier to maintain—meaning that with proper care, they can last far longer than that range.

The best edge for your laminate countertop depends on a few different factors, including how often and how heavily you use your kitchen, the overall style of your kitchen, and the color and finish of your laminate.

Some people prefer a bullnose edge because it provides an air of softness and sophistication. Bullnose, waterfall, and other curved options are also ideal for families with small children since they’re safer and easier to clean.

However, if you have a more traditional kitchen design in mind, you may want to use a beveled or ogee edge for your kitchen. These will pair well with the stately colors and styles of the countertop and cabinets.

AFFORDABILITY
If you want a new look and feel for your kitchen on a budget, laminate countertops can be a great starting point for the renovation process. Depending on the manufacturer, laminate countertops can start at $10 per square foot and can run up to $50 for higher-end products.

CUSTOMIZATION
Laminate kitchen countertops are available in a rainbow of color and pattern options, including designs meant to imitate marble, granite, and wood—without the hefty price tag or maintenance needs associated with those materials.

SIMPLICITY
Compared to marble, granite, or wood countertops, laminate countertops require relatively little maintenance. Standard dish detergent or disinfecting wipes can keep it clean without having to reseal it or use harsh mineral spirits or wood oil.

In general, the cost of laminate countertops tends to be more affordable than other countertop materials. However, some factors can impact the total cost of installing laminate kitchen countertops, including:

Square footage: The amount you can expect to pay for installing your kitchen countertops will depend on how much countertop space you have or want.

Installation:Depending on labor costs in your area, installation prices can vary greatly. For example, you can generally expect to pay less for kitchen countertop installation services in a small town like Mecosta than you would in Detroit or one of its suburbs.

Disposal: If you’re replacing an existing kitchen countertop, you’ll likely either have to find a way to dispose of the original countertop yourself, or pay your installation experts a disposal fee to get rid of it.

Finish: A high-definition finish is generally more expensive than a matte finish.