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Kitchen Remodeling:
Laminate Countertops

By Allen Shapiro

Laminate countertops are colorful, cost efficient surfaces. Due to these attributes, laminate countertops are popular among home owners who wish to remodel their kitchen and change its look without spending a lot and without making lifetime decisions.

Laminate Cleanup

One of the important advantages of laminate countertops is the fact that it is very easy and simple to clean. You can clean laminate countertops a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap or every non-bleach detergent. To remove stubborn stains, scrub with a nylon bristle brush.

Never use rough cleaners or powders and metal or abrasive-coated pads to clean laminate countertops as these may cause permanent damage to the surface such as scratches and make it more vulnerable to future stains.

Laminate Grades

Laminate countertops come in various thicknesses depending on the purpose they serve. Horizontal grade is the thickest laminate as it is designed for flat, high-impact and heavy-use countertops.

Decorative laminate is the grade that is formed into simple shapes. It is made of a slightly thinner grade. Vertical grade is the thinnest grade and it is often used for low-impact vertical installations such as back splashes.

Lately, manufacturers started to apply new print technologies, to improve the new generations of laminate countertops. Consult your home improvement company and ask them about new options such as providing a perception of depth and dimension to flat surfaces.

Limitations

One of laminate countertops limitations is the fact that it is not built to last. However, some home owners find it to be an advantage as they can rejuvenate their kitchen countertops once every few years without inverting in a full kitchen remodeling process.

To prevent water problems under-mount sinks are not recommended because it is difficult to protect the countertop against water penetration and once water penetrate the countertop, the particle or fiber board to which the laminate is bonded tends to swell and deteriorates.

Although laminate countertops are generally sturdy, damages such as scratches and cuts may still occur. To protect against these types of damages, be sure to avoid cutting, chopping, and slicing without a cutting board.

Allen Shapiro is a senior project manager for Remodeling California Inc., a leader in the House Remodeling industry. For more information about Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, feel free to Email Allen Shapiro or call (800) 724-9946.