Laminate Kitchen Countertops Buying Guide

Everything You Wanted To Know About Laminate Kitchen Countertops

Designing a new kitchen can be very tricky at times due to all the options that are available; do you go for a modern, contemporary style, integrated appliances or freestanding, then do you choose a wooden or laminate countertop? Sometimes it seems every time you’re close to a decision, there’s reason why you ‘shouldn’t choose that one’ because it’s ‘not as easy to clean’ or ‘not as durable’ as some of the alternatives.

When there are so many decisions to be made & so many options to choose from it can become very stressful, which is why we’ve created this Laminate Kitchen Countertops guide with everything you could possibly need to know, helping you decide on the materials that will bring your dream kitchen to life.

Contents

Need some quick information about Laminate Countertops? Jump ahead to any section using the links below:

Why Choose Laminate Countertops
Are Laminate Kitchen Countertops Practical
Laminate Worktop Styles
How to Clean Laminate Kitchen Countertops

Why Choose Laminate Countertops?

Cost-effective

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution that carries the same level of style & beautiful design as a granite or solid wood worktop then laminate could be a great alternative for you. Laminate countertops are also much easier to install; in fact, they only require basic DIY experience, which makes them a lot quicker & cheaper to fit too.

Unique & Diverse

Laminate is the most popular worktop amongst home owners in the UK (and it’s easy to see why) however it is extremely versatile and is available in a wide range of styles, textures, and colours so that you can be sure your kitchen is unique to you & will complement the design of your home. Printing techniques have improved incredibly over the past couple of years & laminate can be made to mimic most wood & granite worktops so whatever your preference you will be able to find something to suit your needs.

Heat Resistant & Hard Wearing

Despite what you might believe laminate worktops are surprisingly very durable and they also require very little maintenance; giving you more time to cook in your fabulous kitchen. Laminate worktops are extremely resistant to heat & scratches although it is still suggested that you take proper care with them like you would any other worktop; the best way to do this is to use chopping boards and avoid putting hot pans directly on to the surface. Laminate worktops are also stain resistant making them ideal for a functional kitchen on a day-to-day basis.

Are Laminate Kitchen Countertops Practical?

One of the best features about laminate is how practical and durable it is for such a low-cost countertop. Unlike solid wood it doesn’t require any sanding, staining or oiling which makes it a very low maintenance counter – ideal for a busy family kitchen. As mentioned above, laminate has stain repelling properties along with being heat & scratch resistant therefore should last you years without the need for much maintenance.

Laminate Worktop Styles

Gloss

Gloss finished worktops are perfect for smaller kitchens or smaller worktop areas; when light reacts with a gloss surface it can create an illusion that makes the room seem larger than it is. Gloss worktops usually have a very modern feel to them and work best surrounded by either a matt flooring or matt kitchen doors to create a beautiful contrast that will bring an element of style to your kitchen.

Matt

Matt worktops have a much softer appearance compared to gloss and usually look really nice in traditional or contemporary style kitchens but compliment a modern kitchen when coupled with gloss doors. We suggest matt flooring for this sort of design because it will balance out the natural light in the kitchen for a striking but coordinated look.

Textured

If you are wanting to go for a more realistic granite or wood effect but you want to keep it cost-effective then textured laminate is another option you can go with to achieve a more natural design. The combination of the textured surface & neutral aesthetics imitates a natural beauty that will compliment a multitude of kitchen styles.

Wood Effect

Wood effect worktops are perfect for traditional style kitchens and create a truly unique focal point for the room. We advise coupling wood effect laminate with neutral colours to bring the outdoors in without being too overpowering.

How to Clean Laminate Kitchen Countertops

If you choose laminate as your worktop it shouldn’t require much cleaning, but it is good practice to wipe any spillages with a clean dry cloth rather than a scourer or sponge just to be safe with the timber substrate and this will eliminate any chance of water ingress. If you want to make sure you have removed bacteria and do a ‘deeper clean’ of your surfaces, we suggest using a soft anti-bacterial solution & avoiding any harsh chemical cleaners.

• Don’t be tempted to leave spillages.
• Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, always use a dry, clean cloth.
• Make sure you only use soft cloths as more coarse scouring pads for example can scratch the surface over time.

Hopefully, you’re a little clearer on whether or not laminate worktops are the right choice for you.

If they are, why not have a look at our extensive range of laminate worktops, including gloss, matt, textured and wood effect in many different styles and finishes. Have laminate worktops in your kitchen already? Leave a comment with your care and treatment tips below!