What Are Laminate Countertops? Cost, Pros and Cons, and Alternatives

Laminate countertops are often dismissed as cheap and tacky. However, modern-day laminate is anything but. Laminate can create a high-end look in your kitchen without a high-end price tag to match. This guide explains how laminate countertops are made and the pros and cons so you can decide if this material is right for you.

What Are Laminate Countertops and How Are They Used?

Laminate countertops (often called Formica® countertops after the original manufacturer of this material) are made from a sheet of laminate fused to a thicker sheet of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard. The laminate consists of a bottom layer of treated kraft paper, a middle layer of decorative paper that can mimic more expensive countertop materials (like marble or granite), and a top plastic layer that helps protect the countertop from everyday wear and tear.

Laminate is commonly used in kitchens but can also be used in the bathroom. However, excessive moisture can damage laminate, so keeping it as dry as possible is essential to retaining its luster.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops?

Laminate countertops are more affordable but less durable than other countertop materials. Here are the main pros and cons of laminate countertops.

Pros of Laminate Countertops

The most significant benefit of choosing laminate countertops is their low cost compared to other countertop materials. With an average cost of $1,250, laminate is an accessible option for homeowners with wide-ranging budgets. Laminate countertops are also easy to work with and can be installed by a DIYer to save on installation costs.

Because laminate is made from printed paper, it comes in many high-end designs without the matching price tag. And laminate is simple to clean; you don’t need to use a special cleaner like you might with a solid stone surface.

Cons of Laminate Countertops

Unlike other countertop materials, laminate countertops can’t be resurfaced. They are also less durable and can scratch, burn, and chip easily. You’ll need to use cutting boards and hot pads to prevent irreparable damage.

Finally, laminate doesn’t last as long as other countertop materials, so it’ll need to be replaced sooner, negating any cost savings you enjoyed when you first installed it.

Cost of Laminate Countertops

Cost is one of the biggest benefits of this material. Laminate countertops cost $850 to $1,740 to install, depending on the size of the counter and the type of laminate you choose. Expect to pay more if you choose a special finish, like antimicrobial or high-durability, or a unique edge style, like Ogee or Dupont. Laminate countertops with an MDF substrate are also more expensive than those with a plywood substrate.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install Laminate Countertops

Laminate is a DIY-friendly material you can easily install without much prior knowledge. As long as the installation is straightforward, you can save $400 to $800 in labor costs by installing laminate countertops yourself. However, if your kitchen is complex and you need to join several pieces of countertop together, hiring a local countertop contractor is the best way to ensure the countertops are installed properly without unsealed seams between joints.

Laminate vs. Other Countertop Materials

Laminate is a popular countertop choice, but many homeowners prefer durable stone options. Here’s how laminate compares to granite and quartz.

Laminate vs. Quartz Countertops

Laminate and quartz countertops are both manufactured to resemble other materials, like granite or marble. But that’s where their similarities end. Laminate is made from layers of paper bonded onto a wood core, while quartz combines quartz minerals with resin. This manufacturing process gives quartz the edge in terms of durability and longevity. Quartz is naturally nonporous and can last for decades, while laminate is more prone to damage and may only last one or two decades.

Laminate vs. Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are made from solid slabs of stone extracted from quarries, making them highly durable. Laminate’s durability is much lower but costs significantly less than granite. Granite also requires regular sealing to protect the porous stone, adding maintenance costs to the total budget. Granite countertop installation costs between $2,000 and $4,000, which puts it over many homeowners’ price ranges.