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When you ’re remodeling a kitchen on a budget , laminate is the best affordable alternative for countertops .
today this tried - and - dependable material comes in a wider raiment of intent than ever before , from beautiful solid colors to interesting wood looks with embedded texture to endearing rock pattern with a salmagundi of finish pick .
Photo: John Keeble via Getty Images
Before selecting laminate as acountertop material , it ’s helpful to hump the plusses and subtraction . We asked Kent Brasloff , school principal of New York - ground design firmAsk Kent and Co. , and vice president of programs for the New York chapter of theNational Kitchen & Bath Association , to share his insights on purchase laminate countertop . Here ’s what he had to say :
What is laminate?
A combination of plastic and report — interestingly , though , generally not reprocess — and sometimes get on . These materials are shape into a slender layer and colored or make up with realistic or coarse-textured designs . This layer is then laminated to particleboard or chip board .
What makes laminate a good choice for countertops?
It ’s compromising and can be used in a change of fashion and in a variety of spaces : a kitchen , bath , employment room orlaundry elbow room . Laminate can also be used on a shop class table or as a furniture surface . Available in a multitude of colors and texture , it ’s loose to process with and can be reduce into any soma , including shape with piercing corner decimal point or with a smooth radius . It ’s quite lasting .
What is the difference between a low-cost laminate and an expensive one?
The primal divergence between high- and low - terminal laminates is generally the coating of the material . Higher - end intersection tender great variety in luster or luster and grain . They also come in a all-encompassing range of colors . The toll of the laminate will be strike by whether or not there is a progress - in backsplash and how high or depleted the backsplash may be .
What are the maintenance requirements for laminate countertops?
Tocleanthe aerofoil , habituate a dampish cloth or sponge and a meek soap or detergent . To remove hard brand from coffee or teatime , use a mild family cleaner and bake soda mixed into a paste , scrubbing with a soaked nylon bristle brush and being measured not to mar the control surface finish .
Stubborn smear may call for gently rubbing the spot with a cotton ball that has been saturated with undiluted household blanching agent or nail polish remover . protract exposure of the laminate surface to blanching agent will cause discolouration , so always rinse soundly with quick quick urine and wipe dry . Do not use steel wool and other scratchy materials or harsh chemicals , such as a rust remover . Also , forfend place hot quite a little and pans on the airfoil , as its level of heat ohmic resistance is limited .
What are the pros for choosing laminate?
Its durability , range of colour and design alternative , tractability to suit unique embodiment , and ease of installation .
Its cons?
On the downside , laminate show scratches , which usually be can not fill or repaired . And to some people it can seem “ cheap ” or “ papery ” . It has n’t been democratic for quite some time in the US , but it is stilled used extensively in Europe , often in high - end circumstance . Also , it get brittle and french fries with age .
How much does it cost?
A fair range would be between $ 35 and $ 40 per analogue foot at retail . Of course cost may be affected by the intricacy of the design and whether the counter will have a “ self ” or “ beveled ” edge . price will also be impacted bycountertopswith a circle of corners , a wide radius , or a built - in backsplash . Laminates with standard finishes are more affordable than those with upgraded finishes .
What are its installation requirements?
After the contractor installs your cabinets ( or corroborate structure ) , the countertop orbit will be templated and made to meet for installation by a professional .
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