Laminates were once a premier choice for designing countertops. But its position in the market was challenged by solid surfaces like Corian or rocks like granite. Due to this stiff competition, laminate counter manufacturers raised their bar, where once they were a staple for low-budget houses, they can now be found in luxury homes as well.
There are two main reasons why more homeowners now choose laminates. One is the plethora of colors offered and the unexpected patterns made available and second is that they are easy to clean and durable. One can find various laminate designs.
Unlike paint, it does not chip or fade, which works in favor of families with small children. The durability factor makes laminate designs a perfect choice for messier places like garage walls or playroom tabletops. Also, their cost effectiveness makes it comfortable to experiment and switch across various designs. Other solid surfaces like granite and marble are popular countertop options as well because of their elegance and durability, but being natural stones they are expensive and their repair and replacement is equally costly. Hence decorative laminates are at an advantageous position in all respects due to many laminate designs.
The breaking of the myth about laminates being considered as plastic is another reason for their comeback. Formica in 1913 began its operations in making industrial laminate products, countertops etc. Laminate counters have always been heavily sourced from paper and not plastic. The wear layer is made of paper similar to the one used in making coffee filters or tea bags and Kraft paper, similar to the paper used in making grocery bags, forms the core of the laminate surface. Thus, laminates are throughout constituted of paper and cannot be misunderstood as plastic.
Another reason for the return of laminates in the market is due to the installation choices offered. Laminates can either be DIY-installed or professionally installed, unlike other solid surface materials like slab granite etc, which are relatively difficult to install. Laminate surface on counters are already applied to the base with some edge treatments added. Other way is to create laminate counters from scratch and self install them. The installer can lay down the particle board base and apply choice of laminate sheet with a strong adhesive and then with the help of a router, can remove excess laminate to produce a smooth, straight edge. Though, handling a router with laminate is tricky as even the slightest nudge can scrape the laminate and ruin the edge. So this is a good option for learning. And lastly, laminates can be fitted with the assistance of professionals to have a hassle-free installment.
Thus, for homeowners searching for a value-packed combination of visual appeal, ease of maintenance, durability and low price, laminates remain a popular choice.