Laminate countertops are very popular and are most often installed in kitchens. The reason is that they are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and at the same time they are very durable. But are laminate countertops the best choice for your kitchen? What do you need to do to keep laminate countertops looking good?
The appearance of laminate countertops
Various colors or patterns can then be printed on the decorative side of the laminate. Laminate countertops are available in many different designs. And they are also available in high-gloss, matte and structured decorations. Ultimately, laminate countertops can exhibit any look.
Tip: Almost any material can be imitated with laminate.
The kitchen backsplash can also be designed with the same laminate trim as the countertop for a particularly harmonious look.
Laminate countertops in the kitchen: advantages and disadvantages
Various surface structures and embossing make countertops made of laminate more expressive. However, wood finishes or imitation stones do not fully reflect the natural charm of solid wood and natural stone.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Easy to care for | Sensitive to shocks and scratches |
Moisture-resistant surface | Low heat resistance |
Odorless and tasteless materials | Artificial appearance of wood, stone or other |
Cheap | Expansion of the inner carrier plate at the butt joint |
Wide range of colors and decorations | |
Can be used as a kitchen splashback |
Cleaning and maintenance of laminate working surfaces
Laminate surfaces are very easy to maintain in daily kitchen use. Beverage residue, sauce splatters, or other dirt can be quickly removed with a damp cloth.
The top layer of laminate countertops is impervious to water, but water can penetrate, especially in the butt joint area, at the edges, or through small cracks in the surface.
Tip: When there is liquid on the laminate, it needs to be removed immediately.
The cut edges are rounded and sealed to prevent the expansion of the wood material inside. The edges are designed with a wood edge. Laminate countertops can also be made with edges made of wood, acrylic, or metal.
Tip: Use a liner when using a layered countertop.
In order to be able to enjoy countertops made of laminate for a long time, mats are essential in everyday kitchen life.
- Coasters for hot pots or pans
- Cutting board
Note: Scratches or other surface damage on the laminate countertop cannot be repaired.
Production of laminate countertops
The laminate table tops are based on the so-called “sandwich construction“. This construction method allows for lightweight without sacrificing the stability of the worktop.
These are decorative layers coated with a solid plastic coating (HPL and CPL) during the manufacturing process. These are made from several layers of paper pressed together and soaked in resin. However, HPL and CPL panels have similar surface properties.
However, HPL laminates are thicker and therefore more durable and better suited for making kitchen countertops. A second protective layer is used to reduce the sensitivity of the worktop and to protect the wood material from moisture.
Tip: Pay attention to the plastic coating on the layered work surface. HPL panels are more durable than CPL panels