Laminate vs. Quartz Countertops: Which Is Better for Your Home?

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, you might be weighing the differences between laminate and quartz countertops. Homeowners love these two countertop materials for entirely different reasons. On the one hand, you have affordability; on the other, you have staying power. Which one is better for your home depends on your needs.

Laminate vs. Quartz Countertops: Key Differences

In many ways, laminate and quartz countertops couldn’t be more different. They’re both generally durable, stain resistant, and low-maintenance. They both mimic natural stones, with laminate having options ranging from colorful patterns to wood grain, but they have entirely different constructions, strengths, and weaknesses. This makes laminate the champion of affordability and versatility, while quartz is a premium product that lasts for years to come.

What Is Laminate?

Laminate is a composite surface material first introduced in 1977 by the Swedish company Perstorp. Like other laminar composite materials, it consists of multiple layers:

• A base layer typically made from MDF particleboard, plywood, or fiberboard. This layer gives laminate its structure.

• A printed image layer made from decorative paper gives the laminate its look.

• A wear layer of transparent melamine-based synthetic coating protects the bottom layers.

In some cases, it may also have an additional layer to help with moisture resistance and sound. Though laminate has a range of pros and cons, this product is extremely popular because it’s wallet-friendly, easy to maintain, and relatively durable.

Best for:

• Kitchen remodels on a budget

• People who like bright colors or quirky designs

• Handy homeowners who want to DIY their remodel 

Pros of Laminate Countertops

If you’re looking for kitchen countertop ideas on a budget, look no further than laminate. These countertops are some of the most affordable on the market. They’re also extremely easy to maintain. Just wipe up spills quickly and clean with a little soap and water. Laminate has a nearly limitless number of design options, making it a good fit for virtually any home. 

Cons of Laminate Countertops

Though laminate countertops generally hold up well to regular use, they do have weak spots. Moisture is a notorious issue. Though the wear layer is nonporous, water can seep below the seams and warp the layers below. Knives can scratch through the wear layer, and hot pots can leave scorch marks. This type of damage is extremely difficult to fix, and you’ll have to replace the damaged section most of the time.

What Is Quartz?

Quartz is technically a natural stone, but quartz countertops are actually a man-made product. This engineered stone consists of finely ground quartz dust, resins, and pigments. Quartz countertops typically contain 90% to 95% natural stone, while certain designs may also include glass, mirror pieces, or other minerals. 

During manufacturing, this mixture is poured into a mold and pressed, which gives the slab its shape and strong construction. The end result is a material similar to a natural stone with added strength.

Best for:

• Those looking for a natural stone look without the maintenance

• High use kitchens and bathrooms

• Homeowners who value longevity

Pros of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are the best of both worlds. You get a realistic natural stone look with all of the benefits and strength of resins. This material is extremely durable with high abrasion resistance. It’s nonporous, so the maintenance is very low. You won’t need to reseal it, and it’s not prone to staining. 

Cons of Quartz Countertops

Quartz is an investment—and it costs more than other popular countertop materials like butcher block and laminate. It’s also difficult to install because it comes in heavy slabs. You may need to reinforce your cabinets and flooring to prevent damage, and though it looks like a natural stone, it isn’t. This material is still vulnerable to heat damage from hot pots and pans.

Laminate vs. Quartz Counters 

Below are comparisons of these two countertop materials so you can see how they stack up. 

Appearance​: Quartz

Quartz is a higher-end material that comes with a higher-end appearance. The patterns extend through the entire thickness of the countertop, giving quartz a more convincing stone-like look than laminate. 

With laminate, patterns are only surface-level. Over time, the patterned layer can peel up or scratch. That said, laminate does have a wider range of options, including primary colors, decorative patterns, and wood grains. 

Options and Customizations​​: Laminate

Laminate reigns supreme when it comes to options and customization. The pattern you see on laminate is actually a printed piece of decorative paper. This means the design options are virtually limitless. Formica® even offers custom-printed designs. Consult a laminate countertop installer near you to see the full range of options.

On top of that, laminate is lightweight and easy to cut. Quartz, on the other hand, is heavy and difficult to cut.

Durability​​: Quartz

If you’re looking at laminate versus quartz countertops, quartz is far more durable. Laminate is notoriously vulnerable to water damage, while quartz is waterproof. Quartz is abrasion-resistant, while laminate is prone to scratches. That said, both materials cannot sustain heat damage from hot pots or pans, so always use a trivet.

Price​: Laminate

These materials are on two opposite ends of the price spectrum. Laminate is one of the most inexpensive types of countertops on the market, while quartz is more of an investment. The average laminate countertop costs about $1,240, while the average quartz countertop costs $4,500. That’s a difference of more than $3,000.

If you want to save money on quartz, keep the brand in mind. Corian® countertops costs are often less than Silestone® countertops (although Corian® is a brand of solid surface). It just depends on the exact specs.

Ease of Installation/DIYability​: Laminate

No countertop installation is a beginner-level DIY, but laminate countertops are one of the easiest countertops to install. The simplest way is to purchase a post-form laminate countertop, which comes in standard sizes with an integrated backsplash. 

Quartz, on the other hand, typically requires professional installation. The weight makes it difficult to work with, and your contractor will need to cut the slab similar to how they’d cut a granite countertop. 

Ease of Repair/DIYability​: Quartz

Quartz countertops are generally easier to repair than laminate countertops. Most homeowners can fill small chips with a quartz-compatible epoxy adhesive or buff out minor scratches with sandpaper.

In many cases, the only way to repair laminate is to replace the damaged laminate. Some homeowners choose to mask imperfections by painting their laminate countertops, but it also covers up the existing pattern.

Maintenance​: Quartz

Both types of countertops are relatively low maintenance, but you may find that laminate countertops are slightly more work. You’ll need to wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining and water damage. Laminate is also prone to scratches, so it may require more frequent repairs. 

Since both materials have nonporous surfaces, you can easily wipe them clean using a nonabrasive sponge with mild soap and water.

Length of Life​: Quartz

Longevity may be the biggest difference between quartz and laminate. Laminate countertops last about 20 to 30 years but can start showing major signs of wear after 15 years. Quartz countertops can last a lifetime. Even when they start to look worn, you can refinish them the same way you’d refinish natural stone. 

Eco-Friendliness/Sustainability​: Quartz

Laminate countertops contain high levels of adhesives and sealers, which are a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most notably, in 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released test results revealing that certain laminate flooring that originated in China produced harmful levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is categorized as a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to the National Cancer Institute. So, if you do choose laminate, go for a low-formaldehyde variety.

Quartz, on the other hand, is more sustainable for several reasons. This material mostly consists of natural quartz crystals; some varieties even utilize recycled materials. In addition, it has a longer life span than laminate, so you won’t need to replace them as often. 

ROI and/or Resale Value​: Quartz

Laminate countertops have virtually no resale value, even if you choose higher-end Formica® countertops. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, can help attract buyers. This is especially true if you choose a high-end brand like Silestone®. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install Countertops?

Installing countertops costs anywhere from $1,850 to $4,450, with an average price of $3,140, depending on material, type, and size. Laminate is one of the most budget-friendly countertop materials at $8 to $27 per square foot, while quartz costs $15 to $70 per square foot. Labor typically accounts for 10% to 20% of the total project cost.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing countertops is a tricky business, and mistakes can be costly, so we recommend hiring a local countertop installer. These contractors are well-versed in what can go wrong when installing countertops and can complete every aspect of the project, from cutting and assembly to sealing. Going the DIY route is appropriate in certain scenarios, such as a simple prefabricated laminate design.