Funny that you guys started to discuss this just when I am about to start this same project myself. Here are my findings. First off, if you plan of putting a counter on top of the new 3.8 cu ft FL, good luck, and have your pocket book ready. You see, the deepest "standard" counters are those for kitchens, at 25 1/8". Assuming that one leaves around 5" of clearance behind those newer FL machines for vents, air circulation, heat, etc, then you are looking at about 30"-35" of depth, depending on how flush you want the counter to come to the front of the machine. Having said that, there are 3 prices for laminate counters in the stores (like Home Depot). The counters you see in the store in stock are the cheapest, and will cost around $10 li ft. If you need to pick a finish that matches say the sink counter top in your bathroom where the machines are also located, then that is considered a custom order, even if it is a standard depth. This will easily double the price to $20 li ft. Now if you want to order a non-standard depth so that it goes from the back of the wall to the front of your new FL, then you are looking at $35-$50 li ft, depending on type of finish like rounded vs sqaure front edge, back ledge or no ledge, etc... Keep this in mind when shopping for a counter top. I would like my counter to cover the machines completely, so I might have to bite the bullet and order the more expensive counter top.... Again, I am talking about a laminate counter top, no fancy materials here.... I am from Canada, and here is what the local Home Depot quoted me in Canadian dollars for the 3 options.. 1) In-Store counter (limited finishes) 25 1/8" (standard depth) X 6 feet = $68 CAD Custom order counter (you choose the finish) 25 1/8" (standard depth) X 6 feet = $132 - $150 CAD 30 Csutom order counter (you choose the finish) 30-35" (non standard depth) X 6 feet = $222 CAD I believe the last option of non-standard depth only allows for a square front edge finish. If you want a rounder edge in front, like that found on your kitchen counter, the price jumps to $500 CAD, since the guy said that they have to charge for a full 4X8 sheet, and then cut the custom size from there, in order to get the rounded front edge... One other option you can do, which my brother did very nicely is lay down 2 sheets of plywood (for extra thickness), and tile the top and sides, looks really nice, but is a lot more work...

Is this top for just folding laundry? I would think any type of smooth washable surface would be fine. I have laminate only because I think anything more expensive is kind of a waste of money in a laundry room. By accident I found a laminate counter that is a perfect match to the GO granite in my kitchen. Nice surprise I must say becuase I thought I'd have to settle for just plain old beige. We bought a prefabricated counter and just had to screw it on the cabinets.

The only thing with butcher block is don't you have to put linseed oil(?) on it to keep the wood looking good and to keep it from cracking? I would wonder if that would possibly leave stains on your clothing if you use it as a folding area. However, you might be able to treat it with something that would be more of a sealant. A good paint store might be the answer to that question. You also might want to post on the kitchen forum to ask what the upkeep is involved in butcherblock.

@bpath I don't mind hearing that. The laminate that I am about to replace in the kitchen has seen better days but I'm also not sure how old it is. Possibly decades. I would love to save some money in the laundry room and put it towards a nicer dining table or light fixture. On the other hand, it's a small countertop and I wonder if I'm better of spending the extra $500 or so for a countertop I might like more in the long run. Matching the marble to the kitchen will cost about $1500, incl. install I can get a granite remnant installed for about $950, but the available options might not look great with my floors. I could probably get a solid surface counter for a similar price. For about $1100 I can get a quartz remnant that is a better match. Laminate would be much cheaper. Maybe $500 installed from a big box store. @hallettco If I could find granite or quartz at the same price as laminate my mind would me made up. Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere near an IKEA and I think countertops have to be purchased in store. Do you have any opinions on Wilsonart Thinscape? I haven't seen it in person but the opportunity to have an undermount sink at a laminate price point is appealing. Alternatively, what are your thoughts on the durability of solid surface options?