Why a laminate kitchen top might be the solution your kitchen needs

Last Updated on September 12, 2024

Laminate kitchen worktops are both attractive and economical, making them the ideal choice for a budget-conscious household. They are also hardwearing and durable, resistant to stains and scratching, and perfect for family kitchens where they get a lot of use. 

A laminate worktop is usually made by combining and fusing together various layers of impregnated paper, which are then bonded to a substrate. Inside, a wooden particle board core forms the main bulk of the product. A decorative wrap-around layer is then used to create an external surface, and a moisture-and-heat-resistant coating is added on top. The core and coating are joined using an adhesive seal, and the back of the worktop is sealed to protect the particle board inside. Some other styles of worktops only have visible edges that are covered with laminate, which will protect them from wear and tear.

Laminate worktops will fit in any style of kitchen, whether you tend towards clean lines and a modern minimalist look or a haphazard and bustling heart of the home. Want your worktop to look like marble? Laminate can do that. Fancy a bit of glitter and sparkle? Laminate can do that. Prefer a more natural wooden look? Laminate can do that too. It really is the perfect all-rounder.

Laminate v solid wood

If you haven’t previously had solid wooden worktops, you might not appreciate the amount of work that needs to be done to keep them looking tip-top, which could involve sanding and oiling the wood on a semi-regular basis. There is no denying that they look beautiful, especially in large farmhouse-style kitchens, but laminate worktops now come in so many styles and colours that you can create a similar look for a fraction of the price and with little effort. Low maintenance, they just need a quick wipe over with a cloth and your favoured household cleaner and they are as good as new.

Check out our Oak worktops

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Check out our Oak worktops

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Laminate v stone

Stone worktops are much more difficult to clean, and require regular maintenance. Stone is a naturally porous material so it will need to be re-sealed every couple of years to ensure it lasts, making it a less cost-effective solution. They are also unable to be repaired, which could be a much more expensive mistake if they get chipped or cracked, and need to be professionally installed. Your kitchen cabinets also need to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the stone. On the other hand, stone worktops can make a dramatic design statement and give your kitchen an edgier look.

Hygienic and hard wearing materials

Laminate worktops are also the most hygienic, as the plastic laminate coating provides a full seal over the surface, making sure bacteria can’t get in and stick around, which is the last thing you would want in a space where you prepare food. Hygiene is even more of a concern as the Covid virus continues to spread. So, the simplicity of cleaning laminate and the knowledge that it is designed to be safe from germs, makes your kitchen worktop just one less thing to worry about.

Choosing to have a breakfast bar in your kitchen that doubles as a home working space or arts and crafts station for children with hands covered in paint or glue, means a laminate worktop is the only sensible choice. It is waterproof and non-porous, so coffee spills or paint splashes are easily just cleaned away. You don’t even have to think about it. You can just let the children loose to create their artistic masterpieces.

Affordability of laminate worktops

It may shock you to hear that laminate worktops can cost up to 50% less than a worktop made of wood, stone or granite, meaning even if you have a tight budget you can still find something which will fit your purposes and your pocket.

Because they are made from plastic and wooden particle board, a laminate worktop’s component parts are cheaper to source and manufacture. They are also easier to install, cutting overall costs down even further.

However, a reliable supplier will ensure you aren’t sacrificing quality for affordability, and will work with you to find which style of laminate worktop is most suitable for your space.

Designing your kitchen to suit your style

If you wanted to redesign your kitchen at a later date, you can take heart in the fact that the initial laminate worktops won’t have cost too much, so you can then choose a different laminate to fit in with your new style or colour palette, without breaking the bank.

Fitting a laminate worktop is also a doddle for a specialist kitchen fitter or even a keen DIY-er. They must be cut to the correct size prior to installation, and will usually be supplied with matching adhesive strips to cover the raw edges. Pilot holes will need to be made in cabinets, and then the laminate worktop can be installed easily with a drill and screws. As laminate is easily cut, bespoke edges are easier to shape. This may be particularly useful if your kitchen is an odd shape, or you want to be a bit quirkier with your design and placement of your worktops. 

It is no surprise that laminate is the most popular choice for kitchen worktops, but with so many design options available, you can still make sure yours stands out from the crowd.

Final thoughts

Your worktop is a very prominent part of your kitchen. It is probably the area that is most visible, and certainly the area that is most used, so choosing the right material and style is an important decision. But, you really can’t go wrong with a laminate kitchen worktop, whatever your needs. It is durable, affordable and versatile. Here at House of Worktops we can discuss your requirements and your budget and help you every step of the way on your journey to the kitchen of your dreams.