Remodelling the kitchen is a big project that will take a couple of months. However, it is also one in which homeowners must make a number of decisions. For instance, the type of flooring, cabinetry, paint colour, overall distribution, amongst others. However, the most important one is choosing the right countertop. This is a difficult choice since there are a variety of styles available in the market. In this article, we will focus on solid surface countertops vs laminate.
But, before we make a complete comparison of solid surface vs laminate countertops, we are going to teach all homeowners how to identify the perfect surface. We must clarify that it has nothing to do with the price most of the time. Instead, the ideal countertop for your home will be one that covers all your priorities.
The first step in this regard is finding out what homeowners want to do here every day. To make this process easier, take a piece of paper, and write down your necessities. Some of the basics everybody wants are a durable surface, easy to clean and somewhere safe to cook all meals. However, you can add more characteristics to the list, which will narrow down the options.
How to choose the perfect kitchen countertop
Once homeowners have identified their priorities, it is time to look at some particular factors that will assist them in determining if the countertop will work for their home.
- Daily activities
The first step is considering the homeowner’s lifestyle. Here is where the list we previously prepared will come in handy. It is crucial to determine what would be the main function of the kitchen. For instance, cooking all three meals a day, or is it a place to spend time with your family? The ideal surface should cover all those basic needs.
2. Maintenance
The ease with which a countertop may be maintained is one of its most critical features. While some surfaces, such as quartz, can only be wiped off with some warm water and mild soap. Others, especially natural stones, need to be sealed every year, which adds more costs. The best way to find out more about the cleaning process is very simple. Just ask the manufacturer. They will explain which products to use, how to use and how often.
3. Durability
The last factor that homeowners should consider is the durability of the material. It is always vital to think of it as long-term. Is this a surface that will last for more than 20 years? Will I have to change it soon? Could it easily break while I am performing my daily activities?
These are only the main factors homeowners would need to consider when purchasing a countertop for their kitchen. For all those who are not interested in a solid surface or laminate surface, check out this stone countertops guide.
Solid Surface vs Laminate Countertops
Both of these options are very popular in the market, and sometimes homeowners have a hard time choosing between them. To help them out below, we will do a comparison of solid surface countertops vs laminate.
Composition
Solid surface vs laminate countertops has different compositions. The first one is what we know as an engineered stone, which is manufactured from a natural mineral and resins. The latter one has several layers of plastic laminate and a wooden core.
When it comes to its similarities, because both surfaces are artificial, they offer a variety of colours and designs for the kitchen. In some instances, these can even be personalized.
Water-resistant
All solid surface countertops vs laminate are more resistant to water. Well, a solid surface countertop is non-porous. That means, that liquids won’t penetrate beyond the surface, which will prevent any damages inside the structure. This is perfect for all regular households where children are always running around.
In this regard, laminate vs solid surface countertops has a downfall. A laminate surface could start delaminating if any water penetrates through the seams. The worst part is that repairs are very difficult to make.
Installation
When it comes to the installation process, laminate vs solid surface countertops is easier to DIY. Some of these surfaces come pre-fabricated, but if homeowners feel real handy, they can try to build it from scratch. This is an option that is not possible with a solid surface.
Installing a solid surface countertop is a process that only professionals should perform. Otherwise, it could break or get damaged during transport. The bright side is that most companies will give you a warranty for the installation.
Price
If you were to take a guess, would you say that laminate vs solid surface countertops are more expensive? Or the other way around? In this regard, it might come as a surprise that both options are extremely affordable. The cost of a laminate countertop starts at $40, while a solid surface’s price of $52 per square foot. Either way, both options will protect your budget, and it can even allow homeowners to spend more money on other elements, such as decor.
Ambiance
Even though both surfaces come in a great variety of tones and designs, these materials work better for different styles. For instance, laminate countertops have a more classy vibe. These are ideal for homeowners trying to create a space where they can spend time with their friends and family.
On the other hand, a solid surface countertop will work better for a contemporary and elegant kitchen. Or even something minimalistic. To highlight the style of the surface, place it in front of a natural source of light.
Final Thoughts
Overall solid surface and laminate countertops have some similarities, for instance, their price and the variety of options they offer. However, there are also some specific differences between these two, including their resistance to water, installation process and composition. In the end, as we explained at the beginning of the article, the ideal countertop for any home is one that will cover all the basic necessities.
