What Are Formica Countertops? Everything You Need to Know About These Laminate Countertops

As with other nouns like Kleenex, Xerox, and Scotch tape, Formica® started out over a hundred years as a brand name for a particular type of countertop, then came to refer to all countertops of the same type. These countertops are affordable, durable, and available in a wide range of colors and styles. Read on to learn how they are made, the various laminate countertop pros and cons, style options, and more.

What Are Formica Countertops?

Formica® countertops are High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) countertops crafted by the Formica Group. An established global brand for over 100 years, Formica® was founded by electrical engineers Daniel J. O’Conor and Herbert A. Faber, who used the product as a replacement for the mineral mica in electronic components.

In the 1930s, the company shifted to decorative laminate, and since then, Formica® brand laminate has become a symbol of modern living and has dominated the laminate industry worldwide.

How Are Formica Countertops Made?

What is Formica® made of? To make laminate countertops, kraft paper is combined with layers of thermally fused melamine resin, then topped with a decorative foil or paper layer protected by more melamine resin. This process results in a durable, scratch resistant, and heat resistant material that is a great fit for kitchen countertops and other surfaces.

Formica vs. Laminate Countertops 

Formica® and laminate refer to the same type of countertops. Formica® was originally a brand name for a specific type of laminate countertop; it is often used more broadly as a synonym for laminate countertops. Wilsonart® is another common brand for laminate countertops.

Pros of Formica Countertops

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of laminate countertops carefully before committing to them being in your kitchen for years. Luckily, Formica® countertops come with a lot of benefits, including being one of the most affordable options on the market.

Formica® countertops have several advantages over other types of countertops. 

• Easy to install: Being such a popular choice, Formica® countertops are an easy install for contractors. Though the top laminate layer can chip when cut with a reciprocating saw, most contractors know how to prevent this.

• Affordable: Formica® countertops are much less expensive than natural stone, like granite or marble, and rare woods. If you’re on a budget, there’s no better choice.

• Many style options: Coming in many different styling options, you can get a customized countertop that fits your aesthetic.

• Durable: Formica® countertops are extremely durable and resistant to scratches and heat damage.

• Easy to clean: No special cleaners are needed to clean Formica® countertops. 

Cons of Formica Countertops

It’s not all heat-pressed resin roses; there are cons to installing Formica® countertops. 

• Difficult to repair: While durable, if you accidentally break your Formica® countertops, they’re quite difficult to repair, and you’ll often just have to replace them altogether.

• Don’t add value: Formica® countertops are inexpensive, but they don’t tend to add any value to your home like marble or granite do.

• Less aesthetically pleasing: Some people think that Formica® is less attractive than other materials, like wood or stone. It also has visible brown edge lines that may be undesirable to some homeowners.

• Not as trendy: Because Formica® countertops are so durable, they rarely need to be replaced; however, this can cause your home to look more dated, and the countertops may clash with other more modern decorative elements in your kitchen.

Different Designs and Styles of Formica Countertops

One of the biggest upsides to Formica® counters is the variety of designs, styles, patterns, colors, and textures available. In fact, your choices are virtually endless. Modern printing technologies have recently given manufacturers even more ability to create realistic options that mimic the look of granite, marble, quartz, solid surface, and other more high-end countertop surfaces; while you can tell that it is laminate up close, the photorealistic images can be very convincing at a distance, giving you the look of luxury on a budget.

Varying edge styles can also help you get just the look you want. While your grandma’s Formica® countertops had squared-off edges with the telltale brown lines where the laminate sheets met, modern Formica® does not need to have that line of brown kraft paper showing through. 

You can also choose among several edge styles, including bullnose, waterfall, ogee, and double radius, giving your counters a more customized look and helping to reinforce the style created by the printed pattern.

How Much Do Formica Countertops Cost?

Formica® countertops are one of the most affordable types of countertops, making them a great option if you are building or renovating a home on a budget. They cost an average of $40 to $80 per square foot, which is similar to what Corian® countertops cost.

Several factors contribute to the cost of installing these countertops, including getting the Formica® custom cut, the finish and edging options, and the amount of material you’ll need to finish the project. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing Formica® countertops isn’t for the faint of heart, as it requires quite a bit of skill. The DIY cost of installing laminate countertops is around $24 per square foot, almost half what hiring a professional costs. But, given the skills required for this DIY installation and the tools required, it’s probably best to hire a professional countertop installer.

How Formica Countertops Are Installed

Most Formica® counters are prefabricated, making them easy to install for local laminate countertop contractors near you and DIYers with some experience or moderate skill. Installation starts with careful measurements of the existing cabinets; then the right amount of Formica® countertop material is purchased or ordered. Using a skill saw or bandsaw, the laminate is cut to fit over your existing cabinets. Apply wood glue or Formica® fasteners to attach the countertops.

If your current counters are in good shape but could use a facelift, you can also install new Formica® toppers—decorative laminate sheets that make up the topmost layer—and apply those to your existing countertops. In this case, you or your contractor will choose and purchase the sheet laminate, cut it to the right size, and use contact cement to affix it to the surface.

If you are looking for a quality material that still fits into the category of kitchen countertop ideas on a budget, Formica® can be a good way to go. While the product once had a reputation as a lower-quality material, advances in manufacturing have made it more attractive and hardier than the laminate of decades past. Choosing a higher-grade laminate countertop product can make the price a little higher, but it can also give you more heat resistance and an overall better product that can change the way your kitchen looks.

Formica Countertop Maintenance 

One of the biggest highlights of Formica®, aside from its budget-friendly price point, is that it's virtually maintenance-free. You won't need to reseal this nonporous surface. All Formica® needs to keep it clean is a wipe-down using soapy water, a mild pH-neutral cleaning or disinfecting product, and a damp, soft cloth.

Rinse off the cleaning solution and wipe away any excess moisture with a dry microfiber cloth. This helps prevent weakening of the countertop seams, which can lead to swelling and separation. Separating seams can cause an unsightly, discolored appearance, the accumulation of bacteria, and mold development.  

For tougher stains, acetone, rubbing alcohol, or ethanol can be applied with a damp cloth in circular motions. Rinse off the cleaner thoroughly to prevent discoloration.