If you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, you may have come across a laminate marble countertop. The creative scope of inner decoration has its perks, there’s no doubt about that, but the price of admission is huge – especially when it comes to marble, a luxury item of its own. That’s where alternative products turn up – stirring up doubt in many people’s heads.
In this article, we will discuss what a marble laminate countertop is, the (potential) advantages of choosing one, and how it compares to traditional slabs, which are still preferred over alternative counterparts.
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What is a Marble Laminate Countertop?
In short, marble laminate countertops are a popular choice among homeowners and designers because they offer the look and feel of natural marble without a high price tag. These countertops are made by laminating a high-resolution image of marble onto a particleboard or MDF substrate, which is then sealed with a protective layer of clear melamine. The final product imitates marble in detail, albeit only visually.
Therefore, the result is a scratch-resistant surface that looks like natural marble but is much more accessible to the general public. Just like the real deal, laminate is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including classic white and gray veined marble, as well as more exotic options like green or blue marble.
But Are There Advantages to Marble Laminate Countertops?
Marble slabs have been part of human history for over a millennia – and there are many reasons for that. That said, some advantages to choosing a marble laminate countertop over traditional marble include:
- Affordability: Laminate countertops are a fraction of the cost of natural stones, no matter what kind. Of course, this makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who want the look of marble but don’t want to spend a fortune on a home revamp.
- Durability: Laminate is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. The material is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.
- Variety: These products are manmade, so they are available in a wide range of colors, designs, and patterns, making it easy to find the perfect match for your kitchen aesthetic.
- Easy Installation: Being relatively easy to install, DIY enthusiasts will love these. Also, since they are lightweight, it is easier to transport and handle laminate than marble slabs.
Laminate vs Traditional Marble
While marble laminate countertops do offer some economic benefics over traditional marble, there are further differences between the two materials that are worth noting.
First and foremost, traditional marble is a natural stone – which means that each piece has unique depth and richness, a perfect combo for high-end kitchens. This gives it a certain charm and character that cannot be replicated by a commercial laminate, for example, which is meticulously designed by hand instead.
The only downsides to traditional marble can be narrowed down to two points: first, it’ll always be more expensive than laminate, and two, it requires regular maintenance (a.k.a sealing, which you can read all about here) to keep it looking its best.
In contrast, marble laminate countertops are more affordable, (technically) more durable, and require less maintenance, offering a beautiful and practical solution for homeowners who want the look of marble without the high cost. However, they don’t possess the same depth and character as natural marble – nor their value, which may increase your home appeal in a future resale.
Eagle Stones can give you a hand in Sarasota, FL!
Are laminate marble countertops worth it, then? Well, we don’t suggest investing in laminate solutions by any means, but it’s up to you to decide.
At Eagle Stones, we believe that natural stone is always the superior choice when it comes to countertops. Not only are they more durable, but they also offer a wider range of color options and customer support, besides being environmentally friendly. If you’re in the market for new countertops, consider choosing natural stone from us!
Our team, located in Sarasota, FL, has been providing our clients with high-end supply, installation, and maintenance services for over a decade, embracing a catalog of imported slabs from all over the world. If you live near us, don’t hesitate to contact our office and get a free quote of your own today!
We’ll be waiting for you.
