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The angle at which you cut countertops depends on the material, your intended outcome, and the location of the cut. For example, rather than cutting a straight 90-degree angle for internal corners, cut edges at a 45-degree angle to give a clean, professional look. For outside edges, most homeowners want squared-off sides, so 90-degree angles can make the most sense there. Because you want to get angles exactly right to minimize seams and eliminate the need for patching, be sure to measure several times before cutting and use the right equipment to get sharp, accurate angles.

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.

Most countertops come with a standard eased edge design as part of their fabrication cost, so that edge style will not cost extra on top of the countertop fee. Eased edges are simple, elegant, and have a classic look. Square edges are also inexpensive to add to most types of countertop material, and they look good with most contemporary home styles. If you redo your kitchen cabinets or kitchen style, they are likely to fit the new style, so you will not need to change countertops or have the edges recut, which can save remodeling costs in the future.

The least expensive way to build a kitchen countertop is to choose an affordable material. For example, laminate countertops cost about $1,250, while Corian® countertops cost $4,000 on average. Common wood and laminate tend to be the most affordable and DIY-friendly, which will save you the cost of labor. Otherwise, look for lower-end solid surface countertops or ceramic and stone tile. These cost less than natural stone slabs.