Not sure if laminate worktops are the right choice for your next kitchen project? They have a lot to offer and are a popular choice for the everyday kitchen. Budget is a big player, but it’s not just their price that makes them an attractive choice to bring Think kitchen for life.
A wide range of finishes allows laminate worktops to resemble other, usually more expensive, worktops such as marble and wood. Perfect if you can’t afford the real thing. However, like most worktops, laminate worktops have some downsides, which we examine here to help you decide if they’re right 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 Kitchen door hubExplains what it’s usually made of: “A laminate worktop is made from layers of paper saturated with resin that are bonded to a core made from chipboard or MDF.”
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To finish, Larkin adds, “the core then has a protective overlay and a decorative surface that can mimic other materials like stone.”
Will Franklin, co-founder of A kitchen makeoverpoints out, “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 are compact laminate worktops. Andy Bray, construction expert and MD Access platform sales“Compact laminate is HPL (high pressure laminate), typically about 12mm thick, thicker and significantly more water resistant,” shares its makeup.
Meet the experts
Steve Larkin is the co-founder and CEO of Kitchen Door Hub, with years of experience in kitchen design, carpentry and fittings. Kitchen Door Hub is passionate about helping homeowners create the space of their dreams and is with them every step of the way on their renovation journey.
Will Franklin co-founded Kitchen Makeover in 2018. With over 30 locations across the UK, their kitchen makeover service is a cost-effective, sustainable solution that offers a quick and efficient way to update the heart of your home.
Andy Bray is a DIY and construction expert with over 20 years of 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.
Buy these standard laminate worktops
Kala White Laminate Kitchen Worktop
A modern budget-friendly white stone effect laminate worktop brings the look of real stone to your kitchen. Features square edges and a 25-year guarantee.
Walnut laminate kitchen worktop
A premium 38mm thick laminate worktop that combines a dark wood butcher block effect with durability and versatility. Light and easy to cut.
White laminate kitchen worktop
White stone effect worktops are designed to be functional and easy to maintain. It has a laminate and particle board core, is 28mm thick and has a five-year guarantee.
pros and cons
Laminate worktops are usually a budget-friendly option for kitchen renovations. 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 says, “Laminate worktops can be made in a wide range of colors and patterns, and can even be used to mimic high-end surfaces like marble without looking too different.” Franklin expands on this, “You can find laminates that mimic oxidized metal, slate, hardwood or even solid colors to fit 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 required are the right tools, such as circular saws, jigsaws (like this Check out Orbital Action Jigsaw from Amazon), router, worktop jig, tape measure, spirit level, and cordless drill (like this Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Combi Drill Starter Kit from Amazon) for installation.
+ Affordable
Compared to other worktop types, laminate is generally a budget-friendly option, as Larkin shares, “Laminate worktops are more affordable but still offer a polished look.”
“With less upfront costs, laminate worktops can be cheaper in the long run because they don’t require sealing, polishing or other professional maintenance,” he adds.
“It allows homeowners to achieve the look of expensive marble, concrete or wood without the associated price tag, freeing up the budget for other kitchen components,” adds Frankling.
+Low maintenance
Laminate worktops do not require much maintenance. “Maintenance is usually very low,” points out Frankling. “Cleaning with soapy water is usually sufficient,” he adds. For tough stains, use a mixture of vinegar and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and bleach.
– Short life expectancy
Laminate worktops are durable, but their makeup can mean they rarely last as long as other types of worktop. “Although laminate worktops can be durable in some aspects, they don’t last as long as other materials,” says Larkin.
A common problem is that it’s difficult to repair, as Frankling points out, “Unlike wood or solid surfaces, if you chip, burn or scratch laminate, you can’t sand it off. The damage is usually permanent, often requiring replacement of the entire worktop section.”
– Visible seams
Depending on the layout of the kitchen and the finish of the laminate worktop, there are often joints that are difficult to hide, as Frankling notes: “Unless you use more expensive solid core laminate, the joints between the lengths of the worktop are visible.” “This can interrupt the flow of the design, while the combination of stone or wood can be made more discreet,” he adds.
Shop for these compact laminate worktops
Goodhome Nepeta White Kitchen Worktop
A compact laminate worktop that has a realistic marble effect. Resistant to heat, stains, scratches and water, it comes with a 25-year guarantee.
A slimline, durable alternative to stone worktops, this compact laminate worktop has a waterproof, easy-to-clean surface. Double-sided, so can be used for shelves.
Warm oak compact laminate worktop
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.
Price of laminate worktops
Laminate worktops are one of the most affordable options. Nowadays, there are two options, standard and compact. Standard laminate worktops are always cheaper. A basic, budget laminate worktop costs around £100-£250 for a three-metre length.
Frankling shares what you get: “This is usually a standard rolled-edge (post-formed) laminate.” “These are typical entry-level surfaces with a basic stone or wood-grain texture and rounded front profile,” he adds. This Goodhome Kabsa Matt Wood Effect Laminate from B&Q A good example is a budget laminate worktop.
Worktops with features like square-edge profiles with high-definition printing cost more. “It also has a synchronized texture where the feel matches the grain, and square edges mimic the look of real stone or wood slabs,” adds Frankling.
At the higher end of the price scale are compact laminate worktops. These can start from around £250 for a three-metre length, but the average price can be £350-£600 depending on quality, features and finish.
Frankling explains how they differ from standard laminate worktops: “A compact (solid core) laminate that is 12mm thick, solid material that is incredibly durable and, unlike standard laminate, allows for undermount sink and drainer grooves.”
The practicality of laminate worktops
DIY can fit
An experienced DIYer can fit a laminate worktop with just a few tools. For basic straight cuts, a circular saw is essential. For cuts involving curves, a jigsaw is required. Just be sure to measure twice and mark with a pencil.
Long lasting-ish
Standard laminate worktops can last more than 10 years, but this depends on many factors, as Bray shares: “Life comes down to specification and how well the top is fitted and protected at sensitive points.”
“Good quality HPL, with flush, well-clamped biscuit joints, all cut edges properly sealed and carefully silicone-sealed, 10-20 years is realistic in a typical home,” he adds.
Compact laminate worktops generally have a longer shelf life Bray continues, “Compact laminate can withstand longer pressures where heavy water is used because the core is more moisture tolerant.”
Can mark easily
Laminate worktops are usually stain-resistant. “Laminate worktops can stain if spills are left to sit, especially if they’re acidic or from colored foods,” says Larkin. The simple solution is to clean it immediately.
For stubborn marks, Braze says, “Use a non-abrasive cream cleaner with a bit of bicarbonate paste or a soft cloth; this can lift residue without dulling the finish.”
May be sensitive to water and steam
“Laminates fail at unprotected edges, joints and cut-outs rather than flat areas of the surface,” shares Bray. “Standing water or steam that finds its way into the raw edge will swell the chipboard core and lift edging, so prevention is all about sealing and placement.”
To help prevent this from happening, Bray adds, “Give edge-tape each cut, seal sink and hob cut-outs, and run a neat bead of silicone where the tip meets the walls and sink.”
Laminate worktops are a budget-friendly option for kitchens and can mimic solid wood and stone surfaces very well, making them a good choice for any of your kitchens. Kitchen layout ideas, Think small kitchen Or Think galley kitchen.
