Choosing a new worktop for your kitchen can be difficult. There are a number of factors to take into consideration including the material you should choose and your budget. Granite worktops offer natural beauty to any kitchen countertop but they can be expensive so you might want to consider laminate worktops as an alternative.
Traditionally, laminate worktops have been considered a low budget and low quality option but developments in technology and the way they’re made mean they can offer a great alternative to natural materials. If you’re looking for the high quality look of granite and quartz kitchen worktops but don’t have the budget, laminate worktops can offer a great finish for any kitchen. And they’re available in a number of finishes too.
What is laminate?
Laminate worktops are made from layers of plastic that are fused together with heat and pressure and then bonded to a wooden core to create a hard wearing worktop surface for your kitchen. One of the key advantages of laminate worktops is that they are available in a wide range of finishes so there’s something to suit every kitchen and taste.
The benefits of choosing laminate
Laminate worktops offer a number of benefits for your home, including:
- Price – laminate surfaces are often the lowest cost choice for worktops
- Range of choices – unlike granite worktops which are limited in colours and designs due to the nature of the material, laminate worktops are available in almost any design and colour so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your kitchen
- Lightweight – delivering, handling and installing a laminate kitchen worktop is much easier than natural materials due to the lightweight nature of the material. This means delivery and installation costs will be lower too
What is granite?
Granite is a natural stone that forms underground over thousands of years. Granite is extracted from quarries and cut into slabs which are polished and cut to shape so they can be installed in your kitchen. Granite is an extremely hard wearing material that will withstand the demands of any kitchen.
The benefits of choosing granite
Granite worktops provide a range of benefits that you should consider alongside laminate if you’re trying to choose the right worktop.
- Low maintenance – granite worktops are the longest lasting material by far. Aside from sealing once a year and regular cleaning, no other maintenance is required
- Long-lasting – granite’s natural strength means it will resist scratches and provides exceptional heat resistance so will last for a long period of time. If you want a worktop that will last forever, granite is the right choice
- Adds value to your kitchen – granite worktops are a sought after material so adding one to your kitchen will help to appeal to buyers if you plan on selling your home in the future
Granite vs laminate worktops: what are the differences?
Let’s have a look at how granite and laminate worktops compare with each other.
Durability
Laminate is tough enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of a family kitchen. Unlike other materials such as granite and wood, it is prone to scratching, water damage and peeling so more care will need to be taken when chopping or placing hot pans on the worktop. Laminate’s life span is not as long as other worktops so will need to be repaired or replaced more regularly. However, this is perfect if you want to provide a quick makeover for your kitchen.
Granite is one of the most durable worktop materials available. It’s resistant to chipping, cracking and scratching so is perfect for any busy kitchen. A granite worktop that is properly sealed and installed will look like new throughout its full lifetime.
Aesthetics
Laminate worktops used to be limited to just a few colours and designs but there is now an unlimited range of colours, patterns and textures available. There are laminate worktops that mimic the look of wooden, granite and quartz worktops so you can enjoy the same look without the high price tag or the weight that comes with natural materials.
Granite worktops are available in a range of unique colours and patterns. Granite is available in white, blue, grey and black and each slab is completely different so it will add a unique touch to your kitchen.
Maintenance
Laminate is a low maintenance option for any kitchen. It doesn’t need to be sealed and is easy to clean so daily household cleaning items will keep it looking its best.
Granite worktops need to be sealed once a year to prevent stains from seeping in and ruining your worktop. It’s important to avoid harsh cleaners which can destroy the granite’s protective sealant and clean and polish the countertop regularly to keep it looking as good as new.
Installation
Laminate worktops are extremely easy and quick to install which is why they’re chosen by so many homeowners. You can even install a laminate worktop yourself if you want to avoid having someone to come and fit it for you.
Granite worktops must be installed by professionals who will cut and lift the worktop properly. This can make installing granite worktops more expensive.
Cost
Laminate is the lower cost option when comparing granite and laminate worktops. However, you should also consider the lifespan of both materials. Laminate worktops may cost less now but will need to be replaced in the future. If you’re looking to quickly spruce your kitchen up to sell your home or you’re not planning on staying in the same place, laminate worktops are a great choice.
Take a look at our full range of laminate worktops and find your perfect worktop today.
