Laminate Countertops: Beautiful, Affordable, Durable

Are you doing a kitchen renovation and simply cannot get past the cost of using granite, marble, or even quartz? The original laminates were first introduced in the early 20th century, but the contemporary designs are anything but old fashioned. The Countertop Shop in Monclova, OH can install a stunning laminate countertop that meets all your design choices at a price that will be a pleasant surprise.

Looks Almost Like Natural Stone or Any Color of the Rainbow

When you are considering which laminate to go with, you will be provided hundreds of options from solid colors to textures that are extremely similar to granite or marble. The laminate material is made out of layers of resin and plastic or papers that are baked into a hard surface. The laminate sheet is then glued down to a wood surface like particle board to create the counter. The laminate designers can recreate any kind of pattern, picture, solid color, or texture you can imagine. If you have a particular appearance in mind for your modern renovation, laminate offers you the most options without sending your budget through the roof.

Install an Entire Kitchen at Significant Savings

Your entire kitchen or bath countertop installation can be done for about a third of what it will cost compared to a solid surface installation. The laminate is easy to cut and trim to fit any size counter. The lightweight laminate can be glued to counter surfaces at the shop and simply mounted into place in your home, or it can be applied to onsite. It is flexible too, so if you are covering a cylinder or curved surface, it can wrap around without using any types of special fasteners. You can also repair damaged laminate using a matching sheet, since laminate styles are often created in large batches. A stone counter will never find a perfect match.

Laminate Stands Up to Years of Abuse

You might think that since it is the less expensive option that a laminate counter will not perform well in your busy kitchen. Wrong! Laminates are designed with a projected working lifespan of 15 to 20 years. They will maintain their like-new appearance for at least 10 years. They are easy to clean, resist scratches, and dents. If you use cutting boards, hot pads, and wipe them down daily, you can expect your laminate counters to pay you back with years of reliable and beautiful service. By the time that your laminate counters are showing signs of age, you will probably be thinking about your next kitchen upgrade.

Would you like to learn more about laminate countertops and all the options they offer? Give us a call at The Countershop or swing by our showroom in Monclova, OH. You will have the chance to see look-alike granite, quartz, and laminate samples side-by-side so you can make the right choice for your home renovation project.

Caring for Your New Countertops in Granite, Quartz, and Laminate

Whether you just moved into a new place with stunning new counters, or you are upgrading your own space, you want to know how to keep those surfaces looking like new longer. At the Countertop Shop in Monclova, OH, we have pulled together a few quick tips to help you out. However, if you have any lingering questions, don't hesitate to click or call for more pointers and solutions.

Sealing Your Granite and Maintaining its Shine

If you opted for granite or marble countertops, the stone is actually porous and can absorb stains and oils. It is recommended that you seal your stone counters at least once a year using a quality granite sealant. Follow the directions on the bottle, but the liquids let you spray, wipe, and let dry. The sealer will help maintain the polished appearance and resist dirt and stains. Just use water, mild detergent like dishwashing soap, and a soft cloth to wipe away any messes. Granite resists burns and scratches, so if you keep away the discoloration, it will look great for up to 20 years or more.

Simple Steps for Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Quartz counters are non-porous, which means they are just about the best at resisting stains. You won't need to seal them, just use a mild detergent and non-abrasive cloths or sponges to clean up spills. The material will not crack due to heat, but burn marks are difficult to remove. Use a trivet underneath hot pots and pans to protect its surface. If you want to sanitize your quartz, use a non-bleach solution that is recommended for use on quartz.

Protecting Your Laminate from Chips and Burns

While laminates are not quite as tough as granite, marble, or quartz, they are still plenty durable. You will never need to seal them and it only takes your usual non-abrasive kitchen cleaner and a soft cloth to maintain their like-new appearance. Put down a hot pad before transferring pots and pans onto laminate. Always break out your cutting board before using your knives as the laminate will show scratches and chips. If you take care, your laminate counters can last 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced.

The Quirks of Soapstone

Unlike marble or granite, most soapstone countertops are not polished to a high shine. If you love the natural shades of this unique stone, you may not want to seal it. However, if left untreated it will darken over time, especially in areas that are constantly used as it absorbs the oils of your skin and foods. In this case, the choice is yours.

All of the materials we use at The Countertop Shop to create a long-lasting kitchen or bath renovation are intended to survive dropped knives, running kids, and the vagaries of home life. It only takes a few minutes each day to keep your countertop looking its best. Give us a call for an in-home consultation or visit our Monclova, OH showroom for more ideas and tips.