Laminate countertops are popular due to their low cost and the appearance that can look like any material. Back in the day, kitchen countertops were basic and there were not many types. Today, homeowners want something new, and laminate countertops have surely become a good low-cost option for people who are looking for faux granite countertops. Below are some tips that will help you choose the best laminate countertop with your budget, with a focus on practicality and visual appeal, more than durability. Let’s begin.

Tips For Picking Laminate Countertops

Beware Of Dark Colors

If it’s your first time choosing a laminate countertop or you have a natural preference for dark colors, you need to take a step back and think for a second. You should know that laminate is one of the most durable materials out there for countertops, but they are prone to scratches due to wear and tear.

The problem with dark colored countertops is that even the lightest scratches will appear due to the dark theme. It can become nearly impossible for you to hide even the lightest of scratches. If dark color is still your preference, you will need to find a color mixture or pattern that helps disguise the scratches.

You do not need an expert to help you with testing the laminate. Simply pick a cup of coffee and drag it across the laminate surface to see how visible the scratches are. It can be a bit time consuming to come up with the best color, but it is going to save you from trouble down the road.

Another option is to choose a type of laminate that is thicker than regular laminate. Perform the same test on every sample. However, keep in mind that the scratches will still appear, but due to the thick layer, they will not be as visible as the ones on a regular layer.

Test The Laminate Colors First On Your Countertop

The best laminate countertop color is a subjective discussion. There is no universal answer to which countertop color suits all or the majority of kitchens. Everyone has varying preferences and needs, which makes a particular color suit them the most. Plus, considering the variety of colors, it can be a bit confusing to pick one.

So, you should test the laminate colors first on your countertop. Instead of trying all the colors, which will take a hefty amount of time and effort, you should pick the best four or five and take them home to test. Simply place the colors on the countertop and let them sit for a few days.

With time, observe the color combination of the laminate with the surroundings and particularly the theme of the kitchen itself. Observe them both during the day as well as at night. Natural light has a significant impact on color changes as compared to artificial light.

If needed, ask a family member, friend, or expert to help you decide.

Select A Matte Finish To Hide Wear

Matte countertop finish is something you might not like in the first place, but it helps hide wear and tear as well. Some finishes, especially if you are not used to taking the time to get used to. If you have a big family, you should consider practicality and maintenance over visual appeal.

The reason is that you cannot afford to spend both time and money keeping a regular laminate countertop scratch-free. Then again, you can collect different matte finishes and place them on the countertop. A minor downside to matte finishes is that stains, oil, and grease might be visible and will need regular cleaning, especially if the finish is light colored.

Choose A Non-Drip Edge Countertop

Laminate countertops are not only available in different colors and patterns but also designs and sizes. The most common design happens to be the “Post-formed”. This type of laminate slab features a top made of a single piece, meaning it does not have any corners to catch dirt or seams to separate.

The post-formed laminate countertop is often a common choice because it is the least expensive. If you wish to develop an idea or check out what it looks like in person, you can visit a granite countertop installer Raleigh NC, since post-formed countertops are also available off the shelf.

Custom Edge Options

When it comes to choosing and installing laminate countertops, you have plenty of edge profiles to choose from. Contact a dealer and they will show you countertops made of laminate and a mixture of other materials. This means that you can also order a custom-made laminate countertop solely based on your needs and preferences.

But, even then, there are some things you need to keep in mind. You should avoid countertops that have sharp edges, especially if you have toddlers in the house. Secondly, wood edges are quite visually appealing but prone to moisture and wear. As a result, you will need to make some finishing touches and maintain it regularly.

Finally, do not rush the process. Take your time and do not worry about spending too much time and effort. This is a one-time investment for years to come. The last thing you would want is wasting all your money and effort just to live with something you don’t like.

Hire An Expert Contractor

No matter how big or small the task is, you need someone experienced by your side. An experienced contractor will personally inspect the area and discuss the gaps and flaws in your ideas before offering their recommendations. This is a lot safer than feeling sorry for yourself when the kitchen countertop is installed and you are left with nothing but complications to deal with.

You might also think finding the right contractor is a difficult task, but it isn’t. All you need to do is search for nearby options and personally visit or interview them over the phone. You should specifically look for contractors who specialize in kitchen countertops.

If possible and needed, ask them to share their portfolio. Once you have multiple options in hand, cross-compare the experiences, skills, and quotes. Finally, pick the one that offers the best overall package. But that’s not all. You will have to keep an eye on the process and supervise as well.

Any flaws or gaps during the process should be covered instead of relying solely on the contractor itself. You should ensure your needs and preferences are met to come to the ultimate laminate kitchen countertop you had wanted.

Conclusion

The tips mentioned above will not only help you start the countertop replacement Durham NC process the right way but also keep you focused. As a result, you are destined to install a laminate kitchen countertop that provides the best in every aspect.