They are not your grandma’s kitchen countertop anymore! Laminate countertops have come a long way in the last twenty-plus years. With advances in technology, laminate now can give you the look and feel of stone, wood, or any other natural surface. And hundreds of laminate color and pattern combinations are available. There are laminate countertops that look like granite, as you will see in our list below.
Is that countertop laminate or granite?
Sometimes just by looking at a laminate countertop you can’t say if it’s the real deal or faux. One reason for that is laminate – since it doesn’t always have that brown line they used to sport on the edges. In simple terms, a laminate is created by combining brown paper with plastic resin. The laminate is then glued to a particle board to create the countertop. The brown line you see on laminate countertops of a certain age is the brown paper layer.
But now the technology advanced, and they don’t come only with flat edges and exposed brown lines anymore. Another reason to mistake each other is that laminate follows the edges and wraps under the bottom, making the countertops look more like real stone and less like laminate. And that edge can come in many profiles, to suit any style.
How do laminate countertops look like granite?
Laminate (HPDL – High-Pressure Decorative Laminate) is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, which fuses the layers into a single sheet. The result is a hard and durable material that’s water-resistant, easy to clean, non-porous, and inexpensive.
Laminate is a very versatile product that can be used for several applications. You can see laminate on countertops, cabinet doors and faces, doors, panels, partitions, and furniture like desktops, tables and shelves.
The new printing technology presents laminate countertops with designs, patterns, and colors that resemble more expensive materials like granite, travertine, butcher block, and even stainless steel. Exotic stones and granite patterns are captured and reproduced in the true scale and visual drama of a granite slab, with unmatched realism up to an overall five-foot span.
Some benefits of laminate countertops
Besides all that, texture and finishes can also be added to the laminate surface, creating a beautiful stone or wood grain pattern that forms the appearance of the real material.
As a plus, laminate countertops can be manufactured with recycled and recovered components, which makes them a green option for your home. Another plus is laminate is non-porous and does not support mold or bacteria growth.
Many laminate countertops can come with an integral backsplash that seals out water and pathogens that could otherwise accumulate and facilitate the cleaning-up routine. Isn’t that wonderful?
Here are 10 laminate countertops that look like granite
1 – Waterfall edge, with no brown line
From Formica
2- Amore edge
From Hartson-Kennedy
3 – Classic Crystal Granite
From Hartson-Kennedy
4 – Argento-Romano
From Formica
5 – Cafe Azul
From Formica
6 – Golden Romano
From Wilsonart
7 – Ferro Granite
From Formica
8 – Spanish Azul Aran Granite
From Formica
9 – Spring Carnival
From Wilsonart
10 – Lapidus Granite
From Formica
After these beautiful examples, you may be tempted to get one. So, before you make your decision, why don’t we talk about how to maintain your laminate countertop?
Maintaining your laminate countertop
When it comes to cleaning laminate countertops, less is more. Laminate countertops are very easy to clean and rather forgiving, but there are some cleaning products and tools that should not be used. These products can permanently dull, scratch, or discolor the surface. The damage in the material is so drastic that it becomes more susceptible to staining in the future.
In most cases, you only need a clean, damp, and nonabrasive cloth to clean it. If necessary, use a mild liquid detergent or household cleaner. Rinse using a clean cloth damp with clean water. Do not flood the laminate, especially near the seams, since water can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell. Using coasters is also a good practice for the same reason.
Make sure you keep that hot cast-iron skillet off the laminate countertops in your kitchen. Unlike granite countertops, laminate countertops can’t support heated cookware. Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces, including laminate.
Always use protective barriers, such as trivets or a hot plate, when resting hot pots and pans on the laminate countertops. It’s also a good idea to use trivets underneath appliances that get hot, such as waffle irons. Trivets, in this sense, are available in all sizes, shapes and designs to serve as an accent for your kitchen decor while protecting your laminate countertop from unwelcome heat.
Are laminate countertops a better option than granite countertops?
Always popular, laminate countertops are affordable, DIY-friendly, and readily available. Laminate countertops come in a variety of new and surprising options. Prints, finishes, textures, and distinctive edge profiles are combined to create elegant countertops at a value you can enjoy for years to come.
It is a great option for small budgets, starter homes, and flipping jobs. And, if you have some moderate DIY countertop skills, you can try installing or resurfacing laminate countertops yourself.
Keep in mind that what stands out for most people when they enter a kitchen is the countertop. While laminate countertops are economical for those with a strict budget, granite can elevate any kitchen to a higher end. Homeowners and investors are always searching for the best granite to display in their kitchens. Granite is known for its durability, quality, and minimal maintenance needs, turning it into an ideal type of stone for any household. It is also an investment that has a return on the resale value – with granite countertops, it won’t be hard to sell your home for the best price.
Contact Eagle Stones Today!
In the long run, granite countertops are the best investment, but if you are not yet convinced please look at our online catalog to see what we have to offer. And if you live in Sarasota or nearby, come visit our showroom! Be sure to contact us so we can send a specialist to your home for a free estimate. We specialize in stone countertops, and we’ll be able to help you find an option that matches your preferences and finances.
