If you equate laminated countertops with avocado and a 1960s kitchen, it’s time to fast forward in time. Today’s laminates are offered in hundred of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic authentic stone, such as granite, marble and slate.

 

Formica Corporation, for example, offers about 500 colors and patterns, such as:

·        Poppy Fiesta Bisque

·        Cornflower Blue

·        Varnish Crayon and

·        wood grains

·        stone looks

·        textured patterns

 

"We're seeing a strong and growing interest by consumers in patterns and designs," said Chris Schlabach, commercial marketing manager for the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company. "In a high traffic area they are wonderful because they hide a lot of life's mishaps."

 

Others turn to the stone patterns because granite and other natural stones may be out of reach financially.

 

Selecting color

 

As you decide:

·         Consider the colors and tones in your cabinetry, floor, and furnishings.

·         Do you want to blend the countertop or set it apart?

·         Are you designing it to go with an adjoining family room? If so, take those colors into account.

 

If you want to blend, stick with neutrals. Variations of white, beige, cream and gray can blend with most kitchen decor. If you want to be bold, try a granite design or a deep green or midnight blue.

 

Dark colors also can be used to help you navigate through the kitchen.  "If I have a customer with limited eye sight, I'll go with a darker countertop," said Jim Macada, a kitchen designer with The Home Depot. This is particularly helpful when paired with light colored cabinets. "It lets the countertop stand out for them."

 

All those finishes

A matte finish is dull, while a shiny finish is . . well, shiny. While the matte may be a less vibrant finish, it also is better at hiding scratches and spills. Glossy finishes will shows scratches and fingerprints more easily.

 

Formica also has a "sparkle" finish, which has some texture. "It has a bit more texture than a matte finish but also reflects light more and differently and has a little more gloss," Schlabach said.

 

When selecting laminated countertops, there are several styles to consider:

·         post-formed, which is machine made and typically includes the backsplash and counter as one piece

·         self edge, which has a straight counter with a square edge in front and a separate backsplash on the back of the counter

·         full wrap, which is similar to post-formed, but the counter has a longer curve over the front edge

 

The Cons

Unlike solid surfaces, granite and other products, laminates cannot be repaired. Scratches are likely to occur over time, as plates and other objects are pulled and pushed across the counter. Also, there are seams to consider in the self edge style. "Any place where there is a seam there is the possibility of somebody spilling water and it sitting there and then being absorbed into the countertop," Macada said.

 

Proper caulking along any seams is necessary to prevent liquids from infiltrating the countertop.

 

Maintenance

Laminates should be cleaned with soap, such as dish washing liquid or mild cleaners, and water. Avoid using abrasive products and anything that contains bleach.

 

The cost?

Between $25 and $50 a linear foot, installed. This depends upon the color, style, and price in your local market. This compares with solid surface material, which is priced from $80 to $110 per linear foot, installed. Granite is at the high end of the scale and is priced from $150 to $250 a linear foot, installed.