Solid Surface vs Laminate Countertops: All You Need to Know
- 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.
- Composition. Solid surface vs laminate countertops has different compositions. ...
- Water-resistant. All solid surface countertops vs laminate are more resistant to water. ...
- Final Thoughts. ...
How much does it cost to install solid surface countertops?
Typical costs: Solid surface countertops cost $40-$80 per square foot, dependent on brand name, edging style, color, and finish texture. Solid surface countertops for an average kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop space costs $1,500-$3,000, including professional installation.
What are the best manufacturers of solid surface counters?
Manufacturers of Solid Surface. DuPont™ invented Corian® in 1964. It was the only source of solid surface material for years. Since then, several brands have been developed that are all similar in how they look, wear and are fabricated. Other manufacturers and brands include: LG Hausys HI-MACS®, LOTTE Staron®, Wilsonart® Solid Surface ...
How much does Wilsonart solid surface cost?
Wilsonart Solid Surface Prices The average minimum cost per finished square foot of Wilsonart solid surface countertops is $38.75. The average maximum cost per finished square foot of Wilsonart solid surface countertops is $74.55. What’s the best hard surface countertop? Granite.
Is Formica cheaper than quartz?
Yes, it is. Formica countertops are more affordable than quartz, although the two materials are virtually the same with the exception of size. Formica is lighter than quartz and has an evaporative cooling effect, which makes it ideal for people who live in warm climates.
Is laminate a solid surface countertop?
Solid surfaces (aka “Corian”) and laminate are two of the most popular countertop materials on the market, along with engineered and natural stone surfaces like granite, quartz, and marble.
What are the disadvantages of solid surface countertops?
What are the disadvantages of a solid surface countertop? Some disadvantages of solid surface countertops are that they are not heat- or chemical-resistant, meaning they can get discolored, damaged, or scorched. It is softer than granite and can get scratched.
What are the disadvantages of laminate countertops?
Laminates are also susceptible to burns and chipping, which is one downside. Over time, laminate countertops can suffer from delamination, especially from water damage. It is difficult to repair delamination and in most cases, you will need to replace the entire countertop.
Which is better Corian or laminate?
In Corian, any scratch can be sanded and it can restore its original form. In laminate the scratches are permanent. Laminate can get chipped and becomes irrepairable while Corian is a very strong and durable material which is resistant to chipping. Corian is more expensive, stronger and more durable than laminate.
What is the most durable countertop?
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Does solid surface scratch easily?
4. Solid surface counters are easy to repair. One of the primary downsides of solid surface countertops is that they scratch easily since they're made of a relatively soft material. They can be damaged by knives and other utensils, resulting in unsightly markings.
Which is better quartz or laminate?
While both a laminate and quartz countertop have their variations in terms of appearance, when it comes to durability quartz is proven to be the more adept to heat resistance. Under average conditions, quartz is proven to be particularly resistant to any abrasions which makes it popular among chefs in the kitchen.
How long does laminate countertop last?
Lifespan. With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they'll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Which is better Formica or laminate?
But today's laminates are of considerably better quality than the classic Formica countertops of the 1960s. While they still may not have the prestige of quartz, natural stone, or composite materials, these latest high-pressure laminates (HPLs) are by no means inferior countertop materials.
Are laminate countertops making a comeback?
Laminate is making a comeback and is being used more and more these days because of its improved design and style. Today's laminate looks more like natural stone and because of improved printing techniques and designers who are creating better recreations of stone, laminate has made a dramatic comeback.
How can I tell if my countertop is laminate?
How to tell if your countertop is laminate. Laminate countertops are usually a mix of paper, plastic, and board. Laminate material is a thin layer laminated to a chip board. You will not be able to see as much bulk or height as you would with natural stone countertops.
How long do solid surface countertops last?
Lifespan. Warranties of 10 to 20 years are common for solid surface countertops. In practice, 30 to 50 years is the expected length of time before they need to be replaced. But, being easy to repair, solid surface tops could theoretically last for the lifetime of the home.
How long do solid surface countertops last?
Lifespan. Warranties of 10 to 20 years are common for solid surface countertops. In practice, 30 to 50 years is the expected length of time before they need to be replaced. But, being easy to repair, solid surface tops could theoretically last for the lifetime of the home.
What is better solid surface or quartz?
Both quartz and solid surface countertops will look beautiful in your kitchen. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting viable option, a quartz countertop is worth the investment. It is more hygienic for food preparation, durable, and has a higher heat resistance when compared to solid surfaces.
What are the pros and cons of solid surface countertops?
Solid Surface (Corian, etc.) Pros: Durable, smooth surface, can seamlessly integrate sink and backsplash, easy to sand away stains or scratches, lots of color and pattern options, can imitate other materials like concrete and marble. Cons: Can be easily damaged by heat, easy to scratch and dent, can get stains.
Are solid surface countertops waterproof?
On the lower end of cost are tiled and laminate bathroom counters. Both are easy to self-install. Laminate counters often come with pre-cut holes for sinks. On the upper end are solid surface and quartz countertops—both are waterproof, durable, and attractive, plus they offer good resale value.
The Pros – Laminate vs. Solid Surface
The ultimate pro of laminate countertops comes from their inexpensive installation. Manufacturers make these countertops with inexpensive wood with a sheet of plastic covering them.
The Cons – Solid Surface vs. Laminate
The biggest con of solid surface comes back to the cost. The upfront cost of solid surface countertops is much higher when compared to laminate. This countertop style is comparable to inexpensive stone or wood.
Final Thoughts – Which Is The Better Countertop?
On an overall comparison, laminate wins when it comes to an inexpensive initial investment. On all other aspects, solid surface countertops are far more effective.
What is the most common countertop type?
Plastic Laminate and Solid Surface countertops are the most common ones among the different types listed below.
How much does a countertop cost?
Solid Surface countertop can cost in a range of $ 55 – $ 125 / Sq Ft.
Is Formica a solid surface?
There is a layer of decorative paper which we see as a final finish. Formica is one of the most common brand names. Solid Surface Countertops are solid as stone and are man-made material resembling natural stone (most common is white marble look). The solid surface was first introduced by DuPont under the name of Corian ...
Is laminate counter top good?
Laminates are good in resistance to stains, scratches, and heat. Lots of colors and patterns available. It is lightweight and needs fewer supports/framing etc. as compared to stone or solid surface heavy weigh counters.
Who invented the solid surface?
The solid surface was first introduced by DuPont under the name of Corian (which is still the topmost choice). After expiry of their patent, other manufacturers also introduced their products.
Is solid surface countertop hard?
Solid Surface countertops are very hard and durable as compared to Laminates. They are available in lots of colors and patterns to mimic natural stone. They have a solid non-porous surface which makes them very easy to clean and maintain. Most scratches can be removed by sanding.
What to use to clean laminate counter tops?
Everyone I know grew up with laminate and it wears like iron if you don't mind seams. If the solid surface is shiny, it won't stay shiny. A matte finish with a lighter color will help disguising the inevitable scratches that occur until they eventually meld into a patina. Both types can be cleaned with just about anything - 409, Windex, bleach, etc. You don't want to use abrasives on laminate, whereas solid surface has color all the way through. If you want an undermount sink it's much easier with solid surface. (It's been done with laminate but I wouldn't risk the water damage.) I have Corian on my perimeter counters because I loved the color, dislike the seams and didn't want the edgebanding or postform edge that you get with formica.
Is black solid surface a no?
Black solid surface is a no-no unless you never use your kitchen.
Is black granite good for apartments?
i used absolute black granite in my last apartment and it was fabulous. i have it in three rental apartments, too, and it seems great there, too. mine got a ton of use, i never sealed it, and it didn't show any signs of wear at all. plus, it was cheap: twenty five bucks per sq. ft.
What is solid surface countertop?
Solid surface is a perfect mid-range countertop material. Buyers not interested in laminate but still looking for an affordable countertop often gravitate to solid surface. It is one of the few counter materials that a homeowner can resurface with just an orbital sander. While visually it lacks the depth of real stone or even quartz, ...
What does "solid" mean in laminate?
The word solid in solid-surface reinforces the idea that this is a stable base, unlike bouncy laminates which are mounted on medium-density fiberboard. But solid has another, more important, meaning. Dupont's true intent was to create a surface that was the same from top to bottom, a homogeneous product.
How long have solid surface countertops been around?
Solid surface countertops have been around for over 50 years now and are a mainstay in kitchens and bathrooms. What might have once been considered trendy is now so established that few countertop materials, except for quartz, have managed to achieve the same status. Solid surface is a perfect mid-range countertop material.
What are some substitutes for Corian?
Along with Corian, other popular brands of solid surface countertop materials include: Avonite. Formica Solid Surfacing. Gibraltar. Staron.
What temperature can a solid surface countertop hold up to?
Heat Deformation: Solid surface can hold up against boiling water's temperature of 212 F.
How to resurface counters?
You can resurface solid surface counters yourself by beginning with fine grain sandpaper, such as #220, on an orbital sander. Work progressively higher to finer grains. Many fabricators like to finish by sanding with a Scotch-Brite pad.
What is solid surface?
The idea behind its invention was to have a surface that looked reasonably like natural stone, but unlike stone, would be non-porous. When you slice granite open, you will see a wild, chaotic conglomeration of particles forming the slab.
Countertop Comparison Chart
The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in today’s market, including granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, and engineered quartz.
What Material is Best for You?
The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in today’s market, including granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, porcelain, and engineered quartz.
What is a solid surface countertop?
Solid-surface countertops consist of mineral dust (mostly marble) mixed with a variety of plastic resins and pigments. Solid surface's main appeal is that it is easy to fabricate and can create invisibly seamed countertops.
What is quartz countertop?
Quartz countertops are a newer entrant to the kitchen countertop world than solid surface materials. These engineered stone products consist of about 95-percent ground natural quartz and other materials with 5-percent binding resins. Both solid surface and quartz compete for a type of middle ground of kitchen countertops: a bit manmade ...
Why are quartz countertops so hard to obtain?
Both solid surface and quartz countertops are difficult for the do-it-yourselfer to obtain source materials because they are generally locked down in a distribution/installation system of retailers, fabricators, and installers.
How much does quartz weigh?
Corian weighs about 4.4 pounds per square foot of 12 mm material; quartz weighs about 6.2 pounds for the same size and thickness. Thus, quartz is about 33-percent heavier than Corian, which translates to a slightly more solid feeling when installed. Read More.
What is Corian made of?
Corian, the original solid surface counter, is made of about 33-percent acrylic resin (PMMA) and about 66-percent natural minerals. A bauxite derivative, aluminium trihydrate (ATH), is the most common mineral. But if you're imagining something like that looks like granite particles, this is not it.
Is quartz a solid surface?
Neither solid surface or quartz countertop choices are single-substance; all are a combination of many materials. Neither are all-natural. Both are aggregates of polymers and minerals. If a purely natural product is important to you, then natural stone slabs are your only option.
Is laminate countertop layered?
Laminate, by contrast, is layered. If the top layer of laminate fails, the entire countertop fails. While solid surface materials mimic the look of stone, no one is likely to mistake it for solid granite on close examination. For many people, the look of slab granite for a countertop simply cannot be duplicated.
The Pros – Laminate vs. Solid Surface
The Cons – Solid Surface vs. Laminate
- The biggest con of solid surface comes back to the cost. The upfront cost of solid surface countertops is much higher when compared to laminate. This countertop style is comparable to inexpensive stone or wood. Laminate is cheaper, but it loses the quality to match. Laminate will be damaged far easier than other design choices. Also, it is far more...
Final Thoughts – Which Is The Better countertop?
- On an overall comparison, laminate wins when it comes to an inexpensive initial investment. On all other aspects, solid surface countertops are far more effective. Small scratches on many solid surface options are easily buffed out. Even if you remove a chunk of the countertop, it’s a matter of filling it in with the right resin. Solid surface countertops do not support thriving bacteria. Ther…