Reasons to Install a Laminate Countertop in Your Kitchen
Posted on: 8 December 2020
When planning a kitchen renovation, you'll have many benchtop materials to consider. You might not think laminate an exciting option, but its unique construction offers many benefits, as described below.
1. Design Variety
Laminate counters consist of an inner core of a wood product such as particleboard or MDF, which is covered with decorative paper and then topped with a heat-bonded plastic cover.
The decorative paper can feature prints and designs in endless colours and designs, so you'll have many options when installing a laminate countertop. The embellishing paper could exhibit a photograph of raw timber to mimic a butcher's block look. Or else it could show a picture of granite, for example.
Also, the paper layer can feature uniform colours like white, red, charcoal, or beige, as well as graphic patterns. Other less versatile materials, like timber and natural stone, can't create as many diverse looks. Plus, laminate counters offer an economical choice, and you can get an even better deal if you source if from a kitchen wholesale outlet.
2. Easy Installation
If you're keen to get your kitchen renovation underway and completed, a laminate countertop will help you to get there. You can either purchase the counter pre-cut or carve it on-site to fit your kitchen. Often, a laminate counter installation, depending on the setup, can be done within a day.
Other materials like natural stone and concrete take longer. With stone, your kitchen is measured, and the carving process could take a week or two before the installation even begins. Concrete benchtops also involve a lengthy process of measuring your kitchen, moulding the cement off-site, and curing it before the fitting.
Note that laminate is relatively light when compared to stone and concrete. Thus it will be unlikely to stress your cabinetry which won't typically need any reinforcement to carry the countertop.
3. Durable
Laminate forms durable surfaces. However, it can scratch and scorch under heat, so you should use cutting boards and trivets when preparing food. Also, watch out for pooling water which can seep through the joints to permeate the particleboard inside and cause swelling. Make sure to wipe up spills promptly.
4. Low Maintenance
Laminate provides an extremely low-maintenance surface, not requiring any special care. You don't need to cover it with sealants or use specific cleansers. You can just wipe it with your regular kitchen detergent. Thus, while laminate counters may have been around for decades, the fact that they remain prevalent is a testament to their practical and versatile nature. Couple that with their easy installation and no-fuss maintenance, and such popularity is entirely understandable.
Learn more about your options by contacting kitchen wholesale companies.
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