What are Laminate Countertops?
Laminate countertops are created using specialized plastic laminate that is placed on top of another surface. The laminate itself can take on a host of different appearances. For example, it might mimic butcher block in design or even marble or granite. Laminate is created using sheets of what is called core paper and resins. These are pressed together under extreme heat to fuse them together into a single, workable layer. This layer, which is often made of plastic, is then placed on top of another surface, such as plywood. The end result is a countertop that looks stunning, but can cost a great deal less than other choices. Depending on the skill of the manufacturer, laminate can take on almost any appearance desired by a purchaser and any color, as well. Caring For Laminate Countertops Laminate countertops can be extremely durable by design, but they are not without their flaws. They tend to share some of the basic pitfalls other counter tops, even granite, have. They do, however, ha
Laminate countertops are made from a thin piece of laminated plastic that is adhered to a base or substrate. The substrate might be particle board or plywood. Popular brands of laminate countertops include Formica®, Arborite®, Nevamar® and Wilsonart&reeg;. The laminate countertop was first created in the 1950s and the color and pattern options today are extremely wide. There are many natural looking colors and patterns of laminates made to resemble granite, slate and other types of stone. For example, cool gray metallic laminate countertops provide an alternative to stainless steel. Some natural-looking laminate countertop patterns feature rich veins that look like minerals running through the design. Other laminate designs may look noticeably artificial. Laminate countertops are available in many solid vivid colors and graphic patterns. They are an affordable option when a bold colorful look is desired. Just some of the many laminate countertop patterns include checks, dots, swirls an
