What is the difference between Formica and laminate countertops, and which is better?

• <div><p>Formica® is a brand name for the laminate countertops it produces. Laminate is the generic term for a countertop material made from layers of paper topped with an image layer, all compressed under high pressure to form a solid, easy-to-maintain surface. Other brands that produce laminate countertops include WilsonArt® and Arborite®.</p><p>When comparing Formica to other laminates, the choice often comes down to personal preference. Formica is a popular brand known for its durability and affordability. Due to its brand recognition, it may be slightly more expensive than generic laminate options, but the name often carries an expectation of a certain quality standard.</p></div>

Is bar or counter height better for resale?

• <div><p>Most homebuyers value standard counter height (34–36 inches) over bar height (40–42 inches).</p></div>

What is the minimum counter depth for a kitchen island?

• <div><p>The minimum counter depth for a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-to-know-kitchen-islands.htm">kitchen island</a> is around the same as for a standard kitchen countertop, which is around <b>25 to 26 inches</b>. This depth allows adequate room for food preparation, dining, and working on the island. However, as with other kitchen countertops, depth can vary based on specific needs and preferences in your household.</p></div>

Top-rated countertop and backsplash pros.

Best countertop and backsplash pros near Chatham, MI

Q: Can you put hot pans on Dekton?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put hot pans directly on Dekton without causing any damage. Dekton countertops are extremely dense, which makes them highly resistant to heat. This density also makes Dekton nonporous and water-resistant.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between Formica and laminate countertops, and which is better?

• <div><p>Formica&reg; is a brand name for the laminate countertops it produces. Laminate is the generic term for a countertop material made from layers of paper topped with an image layer, all compressed under high pressure to form a solid, easy-to-maintain surface. Other brands that produce laminate countertops include WilsonArt&reg; and Arborite&reg;.</p><p>When comparing Formica to other laminates, the choice often comes down to personal preference. Formica is a popular brand known for its durability and affordability. Due to its brand recognition, it may be slightly more expensive than generic laminate options, but the name often carries an expectation of a certain quality standard.</p></div>

Q: How hard is it to resurface countertops?

• <div><p>Resurfacing countertops is relatively easy&mdash;especially for a pro. During this process, a countertop contractor will sand down or remove the existing countertop surface, make repairs, and then add a new surface or special coating. In certain instances, like if you use a laminate countertop coating system, it&rsquo;s an attainable DIY for beginners.</p></div>

Q: Is bar or counter height better for resale?

• <div><p>Most homebuyers value standard counter height (34&ndash;36 inches) over bar height (40&ndash;42 inches).</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your countertop and backsplash service project in Chatham, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Countertop And Backsplash Service pros in Chatham, MI

*The Angi rating for Countertop And Backsplash Service companies in Chatham, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Countertop And Backsplash Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Countertop And Backsplash Service companies in Chatham, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Countertop And Backsplash Service needs.

Last update on March 24, 2023

Reviewed in March 2023
EV staff were punctual and very professional. They explained the process and detailed the cost estimate to include the entire job. There were no surprises or hidden expenses..
Enviro-FOAM
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2022
Excellent work at s reasonable price. He arrived on time and did not mind when I continually added jobs to the original plan. He patched drywall and made my kitchen, basement, front porch all look like brand new. I would hire him again.
Red White & Blue Paint Crew
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2020
I had Merrifield Exteriors install new basement windows in our home. They were great to work with and we are very pleased. I recommend them highly.
Merrifield Exteriors, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2020
Very Professional in their work and with myself and wife. We hit it off from the first meeting and continuing through the final work. They stand by their work (2-year warrenty) and indicated they would come back if anything goes wrong. Used top rated materials and included minor repairs to our...
Metropoles Painting Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2019
I would not have been able to stay in Florida if he had not made my steps into my trailer so I could get in easily. He made them exactly like I wanted. I can go up and down easily and safely and I would recommend him to anyone.
Acosta Flooring
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2018
Very thorough and did a great job! I will use them every time I need gutters cleaned.
101st Professionals
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2018
Ramon responded quickly to my initial inquiry about installing new granite countertops in our condo. Within the week, the area was measured and, we visited AZ Tile and chose a slab. Elvis and his crew installed them during the evening hours ,to accomodate our schedule. They were...
Granite Karma, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2017
Very professional and a pleasure to work with. I recommend them.
Foundation Recovery Systems
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2017
Employees are courteous and work hard to complete all requested work.
Hummingbird Landscape and Design, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2016
I will never use this company again. They did no work and sent me a bill for $337.05. The invoice did not break down the per hour labor cost so called. Was told lobar was time was 3.5 hours at $84.30 per hour ($295.05) plus I was billed mileage totaling $42...total cost of $337.05. I live in...
DRESSELER MECHANICAL INC
Request a quote

Top-Rated Countertop and backsplash pros in Chatham - Updated Nov 2026

WELCH TILE & MARBLE

4.9(

)

Laminate Countertops - InstallLaminate Countertops - RepairSolid Surface Countertops - Install (Concrete, Stainless Steel, etc)+3 more

Serving Chatham, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Brady came and gave me an estimate. They were able to start the work the next day. It went quite well. They ran into a slight problem in that some of the sub floor came up with the tile. But it did not result in much of a price increase. The floor was extremely uneven, but after they were finished, it was even and ready for us to install our floating floor. They did a great job.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Countertops and Backsplashes FAQs, answered by experts

Yes, you can put hot pans directly on Dekton without causing any damage. Dekton countertops are extremely dense, which makes them highly resistant to heat. This density also makes Dekton nonporous and water-resistant.

Formica® is a brand name for the laminate countertops it produces. Laminate is the generic term for a countertop material made from layers of paper topped with an image layer, all compressed under high pressure to form a solid, easy-to-maintain surface. Other brands that produce laminate countertops include WilsonArt® and Arborite®.

When comparing Formica to other laminates, the choice often comes down to personal preference. Formica is a popular brand known for its durability and affordability. Due to its brand recognition, it may be slightly more expensive than generic laminate options, but the name often carries an expectation of a certain quality standard.

Resurfacing countertops is relatively easy—especially for a pro. During this process, a countertop contractor will sand down or remove the existing countertop surface, make repairs, and then add a new surface or special coating. In certain instances, like if you use a laminate countertop coating system, it’s an attainable DIY for beginners.

Most homebuyers value standard counter height (34–36 inches) over bar height (40–42 inches).

The minimum counter depth for a kitchen island is around the same as for a standard kitchen countertop, which is around 25 to 26 inches. This depth allows adequate room for food preparation, dining, and working on the island. However, as with other kitchen countertops, depth can vary based on specific needs and preferences in your household.

The Chatham, MI homeowners’ guide to countertop and backsplash services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
Sep 16, 2026Sep 16, 2026
What Is the Average Cost of Laminate Countertops? [2026 Data]
Discover the cost of installing laminate countertops, including how their size, material, and finish impact your total price.
Catherine Hiles
•
Oct 20, 2026Oct 20, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Kitchen Countertop? [2026 Data]
This guide covers the cost to tile a kitchen countertop and the main cost factors, including tile type and grade, kitchen size, and whether you hire a pro for the installation.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Oct 29, 2026Oct 29, 2026
How Much Do Recycled Glass Countertops Cost? [2026 Data]
Recycled glass countertops have a distinct look. If you'd like some for your home, check out this guide to find out how much recycled glass countertops cost.
Deane Biermeier
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Do You Need a Backsplash in Your Kitchen? Beautify and Protect Your Remodel
Do you need a backsplash? Technically, no. However, installing one in your kitchen can add beauty and help avoid costly repairs. Here's how and why.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Countertop Square Footage Calculator: How Much Countertop Do I Need?
When it’s time for new countertops, this calculator will help you know how much countertop you need to complete your project.
Kelly Weimert
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
4 Popular Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Elevate Your Aesthetic
From protecting your walls from cooking spatter to solidifying your aesthetic, these backsplash ideas will elevate the form and function of your kitchen.