CountertopBiz

Granite countertops can be extremely expensive, so a cheaper solution is Laminate. These days laminate comes in so many different designs that most people can't tell the difference between laminate and granite upon first looking. It's something to think over, and when you get to the end of your remodeling project very rarely are you still within budget. This is a great way to cut some costs without sacrificing too much. So, if you are trying to keep in budget, consider laminate.

glennjanie

Welcome Laura:
I personally don't see the hype about granite countertops. My laminate tops are over 50 years old and are still serviceable. The old style with the aluminum trim strip around them and laminate on the backsplash too.
Glenn

ChrWright

Making laminate look the best is a lot about the edge detail you choose. Try and select one without a seam (which shows the raw edge of the laminate). Stay away from solid colors which tend to look "plasticy". Textured, matte finishes usually look better than the glossy ones.

The selection of granite vs. laminate is usually about price-point. Granite counters, like most natural products, are less prone to date themselves aesthetically. They also stand up better to heavy use.

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kok328

Can the newer laminates be applied over old but, still good (not chipped, blistered or peeling) laminate?

glennjanie

It could be installed over the old with detailed preperation but it is not a good idea at all.
Glenn

cparker

I know of one company that tried making laminates that allowed for undermounted sinks, and there were some field tests, but they gave up in the end. I've heard no more on the subject since.

http://www.thecabinetfolks.com

granite-girl

I have laminate countertops now & soon as I can afford to build a house I'm putting granite in. My existing laminate has a big hole & burn mark where I left a glass candle jar burning too low, my laminate backsplsah is scorched behind the gas cooktop from previous owners... It works o.k., It's scratched & stained, but nothing's as durable as granite.

Granite countertops

Rich P

Laminates counters today are a lot different from the past. You can get different edge treatments such as Kuhn bevel, and with the high definition finishes, it looks a lot like solid surface. Flush mount sinks are available that fit perfectly flat with the laminate top. The new laminates are much more scratch resistant, and wear much better than laminates as new a 5 years ago.

FixIt4Me

will laminate counter tops hold up with hot plates and all of that? Or do you have to be more careful with these?

granite-girl

You defintely have to be more careful with laminate. As I said it can burn. You even have to careful with Corian. They warn against toasters, toaster ovens, electric skillets...
Not to say it will happen, or happen everytime, it's just something that could happen.

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