Homeowners are increasingly looking for elegant, easy-to-maintain surfaces, making laminate an excellent choice for kitchen countertops.
What’s more, laminate countertops come in various styles giving shoppers plenty of options.
But, laminate isn’t perfect either. Therefore, when shopping, you need to understand the pros and cons of the material. That’s what we discuss below;
The Pros
Here’s a quick look at some of the top reasons to install laminate countertops.
Laminate countertops are eco-friendly
Laminate is a recyclable material, which is also one of the main reasons why it has remained so popular.
Modern homeowners all want to do their bit for the environment, so glass countertops are an excellent choice for a greener lifestyle.
When you dispose of your old glassware, recyclers pick up the items, grind them, and use them to make new glassware.
It means that you could even choose to buy a countertop made from recycled glass.
Laminate countertops are very durable
For a long time, you will not need to worry about a tear or even discoloration. You can even place hot utensils on the surface because glass is highly resistant to heat.
The countertops are easy to clean and maintain
You can simply use water or a mixture of soap and water and the countertop will be back to its shiny and pleasant appearance. Also, since glass is a non-porous material, using water will not attract any bacteria or mold.
Laminate is one of the most versatile materials
For this reason, you can have your countertop shaped and formed to any size, style, texture, and color. The options are only limited by your imagination. And, you can even stretch that imagination because glass pairs extremely well with most materials.
Glass countertops create a sense of style and instantly add to the appeal of your home. This is particularly important to keep in mind when doing a home remodel.
The Cons
It’s not all sunny weather when it comes to laminate countertops, unfortunately. Let’s look at the downside.
Prone to damage and expensive to repair
Heavy or sharp objects can cause cracks, dents, or chips to laminate. You need to avoid these at all costs because, unlike other materials, glass is extremely expensive to repair.
Certain substances can harm your laminate countertop
Acid and acidic substances, for instance, are harmful to glass. Additionally, if you do not clean your glass countertop properly and regularly, water prints will eventually make the glass surface appear dull and unappealing.
High-end laminate can be expensive
Compared to other options such as wood and granite, glass countertops are rather expensive. You need to have enough money to purchase the countertop, and extra money to have it customized to your taste.
Some laminate countertops are not 100% environmental-friendly
Manufacturing new glass countertops, for instance, requires cement binders.
To make cement binders, a lot of fuel is required.
The fuel used is not always natural.
This renders cement-based countertops harmful to the environment.
Most modern homeowners are interested in green living, and this will include everything right down to the smallest details. If it ain’t environmentally friendly, it could be a deal-breaker.
Laminate countertops are expensive to install
You cannot opt for DIY when installing the countertops. Due to their fragile nature, only a professional should handle the installation. The installation expenses will then add to the overall cost.
Summary
As you shop for a laminate countertop, keep these factors in mind. Only make a purchase if you feel that the pros outweigh the cons.