Kitchen Counters: Plastic Laminate Offers Options Aplenty
Whatever color or pattern your heart desires, this popular countertop material probably comes in it
Plastic laminate, once the standard surface for postwar home kitchen countertops, still has a big market share due to affordable and maintenance-free options in loads of colors and patterns. Check out the basics and special considerations here to see if a plastic laminate counter might be right for your kitchen.
Special considerations: Because laminates are so thin, edge details require forethought to avoid that telltale brown line at the counter's edge. Options include:
- Profiled edge: Laminates have advanced to now have beveled, ogee and bullnose edge profiles, which vary by manufacturer.
- Edge band: These thick and dense veneers are adhered to the cabinet edge and are made for abuse. Choose ABS plastic edge bands over PVC whenever possible, as ABS is recyclable and chlorine free.
- Metal edge: Go retro with this detail that harks back to the 1950s; a metal edge is fastened to the edge of the counter. Neatniks might think twice about this crumb-catching detail.
- Exposed plywood: As shown in this photo, some modern designs showcase the thin laminate veneer and adhere it to premium plywood, leaving the thin veneer edge and plies exposed.
Advantages: Low cost and a myriad of choices are the boon here. Laminates come in a staggering array of colors, patterns and finishes: from eggplant to amber, maple to marble and high gloss to grained.
Disadvantages: Keep your cutting boards handy, as knives can wreak havoc on the melamine finish. And trivets should be used with hot pans, as the lamination is heat resistant to just 150 degrees.
Disadvantages: Keep your cutting boards handy, as knives can wreak havoc on the melamine finish. And trivets should be used with hot pans, as the lamination is heat resistant to just 150 degrees.
Maintenance: As with most counters, stick with a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent for routine cleaning. Avoid bleach, as it can cause discoloration. Long-term care is a breeze, as the top coat of protection is permanent and requires no sealing.
Sustainability: Plastic laminate veneers get a green thumbs-up for the modest amount of resources consumed during manufacturing (though they're roughly a quarter petroleum-based resins). Manufacturers like Formica and Wilsonart have boosted the sustainability of their products with the use of FSC-certified wood. And several manufacturers can boast of GreenGuard certification, which indicates that their products contribute to improved indoor air quality.
More: Compare countertop materials
More: Compare countertop materials
Costs: $8 to $20 per square foot, including installation.