Not sure if laminate worktops are the right choice for your next kitchen project? They have a lot going for them and are a popular choice for everyday kitchens. Budget is a big player, but it is not just their price that makes them an appealing choice for bringing kitchen ideas to life.
A wide range of finishes enables laminate worktops to resemble other, usually more costly, worktops such as marble and wood. Perfect if you cannot afford the real thing. However, like most worktops, laminate worktops have some downsides, which we also examine here to help you decide whether they are suitable for your needs.
What is a laminate worktop?
Laminate worktops are one of the most popular options for kitchens. Steve Larkin, Kitchen expert and CEO of Kitchen Door Hub, explains what it is typically made from: “A laminate worktop is made from layers of paper saturated with resin that is fused to a core made from chipboard or MDF.”
Article continues belowTo finish, Larkin adds, “The core then has a protective overlay and a decorative surface that can mimic other materials, such as stone.”
Will Frankling, co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers, points out, “The laminate typically mimics stone or wood at a fraction of the cost. And it suits budget-conscious renovations.”
A more recent addition to the laminate worktop market is compact laminate worktops. Andy Bray, construction expert and MD of Access Platform Sales, shares its makeup, “Compact laminate is HPL (High Pressure Laminate) all the way through, typically around 12 mm thick, denser and notably more water tolerant.”
MEET THE EXPERTS
Steve Larkin is the co-founder and CEO of Kitchen Door Hub with years of experience in kitchen design, carpentry and fitting. Kitchen Door Hub are passionate about helping homeowners craft their dream spaces and are with them for every step of their renovation journey.
Will Frankling co-founded Kitchen Makeovers in 2018. They have over 30 locations across the UK, their kitchen makeover service is a cost-effective, sustainable solution providing a quick and efficient way to update the heart of your home.
Andy Bray is a DIY and construction expert with over 20 years’ experience helping homeowners, renovators, and small businesses tackle projects safely and efficiently. Andy advises on everything from loft conversions and exterior painting to garden maintenance and seasonal property projects.
Shop these standard laminate worktops
A modern budget-friendly white stone effect laminate worktop brings the look of real stone to your kitchen. Features square edging and a 25 year guarantee.
A premium 38mm thick laminate worktop that combines the dark wood butcher block effect with durability and versatility. Lightweight and easy to cut.
A white stone effect worktop is designed to be functional and easy to maintain. Boasts a laminate and particle board core, is 28mm thick and has a five year guarantee.
Pros and cons
Laminate worktops are typically the budget-friendly option for a kitchen renovation. Here, we look at the pros and cons.
+Lots of choice
There’s a lot of variety when it comes to laminate worktops, as Larkin shares, “Laminate worktops can be made in a wide range of colours and patterns, and they can also be used to mimic high-end surfaces like marble without looking too noticeably different.” Franklin expands on this, “You can find laminates that convincingly replicate oxidised metal, slate, timber, or even solid colours, fitting any interior design scheme.”
+DIY-friendly
Unlike stone worktops, laminate worktops are relatively easy to fit and can be tackled by a DIYer. All that is needed are the correct tools, such as a circular saw, jigsaw (like this Makita Orbital Action Jigsaw from Amazon), router, worktop jig, tape measure, spirit level, and a cordless drill (like this Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drill Starter Kit from Amazon) for installation.
+Affordable
Compared with other worktop types, laminate is typically the budget-friendly option, as Larkin shares, “Laminate worktops are more affordable but still offer a polished look.”
He adds, “As well as having a low upfront cost, laminate worktops can be cheaper in the long run as they do not require sealing, polishing or other professional upkeep.”
Frankling adds, “It allows homeowners to achieve the look of expensive marble, concrete, or wood without the associated price tag, freeing up budget for other kitchen elements.”
+Low maintenance
Laminate worktops don’t require much maintenance. Frankling points out, “Maintenance is typically very low.” He adds, “A simple wipe down with soapy water is usually sufficient.” For tougher stains, use a vinegar and water mix. Avoid abrasive cleaners and bleach.
-Short life span
Laminate worktops are durable, but their makeup can mean that they rarely last as long as other worktop types. Larkin says, “Even though laminate worktops can be durable in some aspects, they do not have as long a lifespan as other materials.”
A common issue is that they are difficult to repair, as Frankling points out, “Unlike wood or solid surface, if you chip, burn, or scratch laminate, you can't sand it out. The damage is usually permanent, often requiring the replacement of the entire section of worktop.”
-Visible seams
Depending on the kitchen layout and the finish of a laminate worktop, there are often joins that are hard to hide, as Frankling notes: “Unless you are using more expensive solid core laminates, the joins between worktop lengths are visible.” He adds, “This can interrupt the flow of the design, whereas stone or wood joins can be made more discreet.”
Shop for these compact laminate worktops
A compact laminate worktop that has a realistic marble effect. Resistant to heat, stains, scratching and water, it comes with a 25-year guarantee.
A slimline, durable alternative to stone worktops, this compact laminate worktop features a waterproof, easy-to-clean surface. Double-sided, so it can be used for shelving.
This fully waterproof, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant, low maintenance worktop comes with a warm oak effect finish with black edging for a modern contemporary look.
Cost of laminate worktops
Laminate worktops are one of the most affordable options. Nowadays, there are two options, standard and compact. Standard laminate worktops are invariably cheaper. A basic, budget laminate worktop costs around £100-£250 for a three-metre length.
Frankling shares what you get: “These are typically standard rolled-edge (post-formed) laminate.” He adds, “These are typical entry-level surfaces with basic stone or wood-grain textures and a rounded front profile.” This GoodHome Kabsa Matt Wood effect Laminate from B&Q is a good example of a budget laminate worktop.
Worktops with features such as square-edge profiles with high-definition printing cost more. Frankling adds, “These also feature synchronised textures where the feel matches the grain, and the square edge mimics the look of real stone or timber slabs.”
At the top end of the price scale are compact laminate worktops. These can start at around £250 for a three-metre length, but the average price is likely £350-£600, depending on quality, features, and finish.
Frankling explains how they differ from standard laminate worktops: “A compact (solid core) laminate that is a 12mm thick, solid material that is incredibly durable and allows for undermount sinks and drainer grooves, unlike standard laminate.”
Practicalities of laminate worktops
Can fit DIY
An experienced DIYer can fit a laminate worktop with a few tools. For basic straight cuts, a circular saw is all that is needed. For cuts involving curves, a jigsaw is needed. Just make sure to measure twice and mark wth a pencil.
Long-lasting-ish
Standard laminate worktops can last more than 10 years, but this depends on several factors, as Bray shares: “The lifespan comes down to the specification and how well the tops are fitted and protected at the vulnerable points.”
He adds, “With good quality HPL, flush, well-clamped biscuit joints, all cut edges properly sealed and sinks carefully silicone-sealed, 10–20 years is realistic in a typical home.”
Compact laminate worktops typically have a longer shelf life continues Bray, “Compact laminate can push longer where there is heavy water use because the core is far more moisture tolerant.”
Can mark easily
Laminate worktops are generally stain-resistant. Larkin says, “Laminate worktops can stain if spills are left to sit, especially if these are acidic or from coloured foods.” The simple solution is to wipe it away straight away.
For stubborn marks, Brays says, “Use a little bicarbonate paste or a non-abrasive cream cleaner with a soft cloth; this can lift residue without dulling the finish.”
Can be susceptible to water and steam
“Laminate fails at unprotected edges, joints and cut-outs rather than across the flat field of the surface,” shares Bray. “Standing water or steam that finds its way into a raw edge will swell a chipboard core and lift edging, so prevention is all about sealing and placement.”
To help prevent this from happening, Bray adds, “Edge-tape every cut, seal sink and hob cut-outs thoroughly, and run a neat bead of silicone where the top meets walls and sinks.”
Laminate worktops are the budget-friendly option for kitchens and can mimic solid wood and stone surfaces pretty well, making them a good choice for any of your kitchen layout ideas, small kitchen ideas or galley kitchen ideas.
