FINISHES. Laminate worktops are available in a range of finishes. Gloss – Gloss worktops have a highly reflective finish, and are a particularly popular choice for contemporary kitchens; these high-shine surfaces are an excellent choice for deflecting light around kitchens that are deprived of natural light.
It is heat and scratch resistant and has a nice rounded edge which helps conceal it true laminate identity. After almost two years I’ve had no stains or dings or other problems with it. So my review is that it’s a good, quality laminate. Ikea’s thrifty Pragel line also boasts laminate wood effect countertops.
Laminate countertops will always be less expensive or even comparable in price, but the materials and life expectancy will always be lower than granite too.
Fortunately, laminate countertops fall into this range, making eco -friendly choices affordable as well as beautiful – but what makes them such a green choice?… Recycled: Countertops made of recycled materials are very earth-friendly, so look out for laminates made of recycled plastic.
Though laminate is attractive to those watching their budgets, durability should be considered. Countertop experts explain the good and bad about laminate countertops. “Laminate is one of the most affordable materials available,” says Dewayne Randle of highly rated Irving Counter Top in Irving, Texas. Jan 1, 2012
With laminate countertops of the past, you won in terms of price but you lost with the wear/durability qualities. Laminates could easily scratch, scuff, wear down, etc. There is a myth that laminate will easily scratch—the truth is that, these days, laminate will scratch, but not easily.
although laminate countertops are not very scratch or heat resistant, they do score very well for chemical and stain resistance, but they’re not stain -proof.
Laminate Lasts While laminate countertops are the least expensive option, they are also the most popular because of their cost to durability ratio. They are tough and easy to maintain, and if well cared for, can last for 20 years or more. In fact, some contemporary suppliers offer 40 year guarantees on their product.
While Formica itself is not considered toxic, it is almost always mounted onto particle board, which emits all sorts of undesirable VOCs. Likewise, the adhesives used to adhere Formica to the particle board is full of nasty stuff, including formaldehyde. Wood.
Grade – Laminates are manufactured in various grades based on their thickness and other attributes. Horizontal-grade laminate is usually the thickest and used in countertop applications. However, this type of laminate is typically more expensive and there are fewer choices available.
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