A Kitchen Laminate Countertop Is A Good Decision For The Budget Minded (September 11, 2009)

Kitchen laminate countertops are easy to maintain and keep clean. These countertops have their downsides, and they can lead to longevity problems.

First let's discuss what laminate is, it's a thin covering applied to and MDF (medium density fiberboard) backer. The laminate is glued down to the MDF with contact cement. If you've ever used contact cement you know how well it holds.

The laminate is glued down and then it's rolled with a J-roller to remove the air bubbles. This needs to be done correctly or any air bubbles will remain in the top forever. That's where the laminate will chip first and once laminate is chipped it can't be repaired.

Kitchen laminate countertops can also be a DIY project. The tops are readily available in all home improvement centers. Most come in lengths of 8 ft but any length can be obtained up to 12 ft. Most places that sell laminate countertops will also cut it to length for you, most of the time for free. The cutouts for the sink will have to be done by you or the installer.

The most professional looking installations are scribed to set against the wall with no gaps. No wall is perfectly straight, not even in a brand new home. Laminate tops have an extra piece of MDF in the backsplash area just for this purpose. Don't try to cut the top to the scribe line, a belt sander works best for this.

These tops don't allow for any flexibility. If the corners in your kitchen aren't square the countertop will not fit correctly and may pose a huge problem when it comes to fitting it seamlessly against the wall. If you are unsure if your walls are square it's best if a professional installs them.

Laminate can also be be bought in sheet form. Buying it this way allows you more options as far as edge designs. The laminate will have to be glued down and trimmed with a laminate router and bit. The edge doesn't have to get rounded over like most that are mass produced. The edge could have a nice hardwood applied to give it that special custom look. BUT this is a place for moisture and food particles to get trapped and requires more cleaning.

Laminate can come away from the MDF backer if water gets underneath it. this is the biggest killer of these tops. Ensure that whoever installs your top seals it properly from water, silicone in the corner where it comes together is the most important area. Caulking the top of the backsplash, and around appliances are important areas as well.

Kitchen sink options are limited to self rimming sinks. An under mount sink is not an option with these tops. There is no way to finish off the exposed edge, and make it last.

Laminate comes in a lot of colors and textures. These are good for the budget minded individual because they are inexpensive when compared to other materials. They can be installed by a handy person, which is why these are a popular choice in countertops. An expert installation can be accomplished by anyone.

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