Renovating a kitchen on a budget can be challenging. One of the more expensive parts of a kitchen redo are the countertops. Hands down, your lowest cost option is a laminate countertop.
Laminates cost $14 to $38 per square foot installed. So, a full kitchen install will run from a low of $1,000 to upward of $10,000. This wide range is due to the different options available, from countertop material to the amount of counterspace to installation costs.
To compare, a quartz-looking laminate countertop could run just over $1,000 while the equivalent real quartz surface will cost closer to $7,000 for the same size kitchen. Choosing the laminate option represents a significant savings while achieving the same look.
When we wanted to remodel our kitchen in our home shortly after moving in, we didn’t have a big budget. We found that the most affordable option was laminate countertops. We didn’t expect them to last for the long haul. But they made sense as a short-term choice until we could save up for our dream countertops.
We had a breakfast bar area that also needed a counter. Choosing to use laminate allowed us to custom cut a rounded end, matching it to the laminate countertops in the kitchen by adhering the laminate onto an MDF surface. We got the look we wanted since laminate comes in hundreds of colors, making it the most versatile surface material you can choose.
Laminate countertop surfaces came on the scene in the 1940s and 1950s as a brand new technology. Within a few decades, they lost their appeal, gaining a reputation as cheap and tacky. Consumers began to turn to other options, including natural stone, solid surface material like Corian, and synthetic composites.
Now, new advances in technology have improved their durability considerably as high-pressure laminates (HPLs) have taken off. And the look of laminate countertops is rivaling that of quartz, marble, soapstone, and granite as manufacturers have discovered ways to match the look of these surfaces. You can now get laminate countertop finishes that include etched, honed, matte, and more.
In 2021, engineered stone outsold laminate for the first time. For decades before that, laminate was the most popular countertop choice for homeowners. Experts expect a gradual decline in the use of laminate countertops over the next several years. Despite this shift, laminates remain one of the most popular selections for kitchen counters, mainly due to their unbeatable affordability.
It’s important to understand the cons of laminate countertops though. While the plastic resins that make a laminate surface are easy to clean and resistant to stains, they are easily scratched, especially if you use abrasive cleaners. Laminate countertops are not heat resistant and can be permanently damaged by a hot pan placed on the surface.
They also deteriorate over time and are vulnerable to water seeping into the seams. When this occurs, the countertops suffer delamination. You typically can’t repair them at this point, but will need to replace them instead. They do have the shortest lifespan of all countertop options.
The good news is that you can save a considerable amount of money, even with the limitations of laminates. You’ll realize the most cost-savings by doing the work of laminating and installing yourself.
If you’re handy and ready for a DIY project, you can laminate your countertops yourself. Not only will you save money, but you can customize your countertop as much as you’d like.
You can buy pre-cut laminate countertops, but the real advantage comes from the customization you can achieve when you laminate the substrate yourself. These steps will make crafting a custom laminate countertop simple and straightforward.
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Clear off your countertops and disconnect the supply lines to your kitchen fixtures, including the gas line, water lines, drain pipe and garbage disposal. Turn off the power at the breaker box. You can make easy work of disposing of your old countertops by renting a dumpster to handle all that bulky waste.
The substrate surface for laminate countertops should be constructed from MDF or particleboard. Cut each sheet the size of the countertop plus any overhang. Join adjacent counters using strips that extend from one substrate under the other. Before doing any laminating, dry fit the countertop in place to ensure everything will fit tightly. Use sandpaper to smooth out any uneven seams.
Make careful measurements of your countertops. Before cutting, add an inch to the width and length and draw these dimensions onto your laminate sheet. Use a trim router to cut the sheet for the top of the countertop. Cut side strips and any sections needed for your backsplash as well. If you use a laminate-cutting bit, you won’t have to file the edge afterwards. Remember to always cut your laminate sheets with the good side facing up.
Use contact cement to attach the cut laminate sheets and strips to the substrate surface. Start with the side pieces. After adhering them, trim off any uneven edges, first with your router and then with a file or sander to fine tune the edge. To apply the contact cement to the large sheets of laminate, pour the solution out onto the back of the sheet. Use a paint roller to spread the cement evenly. Repeat on the surface of the substrate. Let each surface dry.
Place wooden dowels evenly across the top of the countertop surface. Flip the laminate over and ease the large sheet on top of the dowels. Start in the middle of the countertop and remove the dowels one by one., pressing the sheet into place as you work your way to the edge. Once the laminate is attached, trim the edges with your router and then use a file to create a 45-degree angle bevel to the edge.
Screw the countertop onto the cabinets. Before installing, apply caulk along the tops of the cabinets. Use 1-5/8 inch screws to attach it through the mounting blocks in the corners and edges of the cabinet. Wipe away any excess caulk from the seams. Finish with caulking along any edge where the countertop touches the wall. Reattach the fixtures, hook up the water, turn the gas back on, and restore power to your kitchen.
Laminate countertops have come a long way since their introduction in the 1940s. Today, you can create the kitchen of your dreams at a price you can afford by crafting and installing laminate countertops yourself. This DIY project allows you to customize your countertops and save money on your kitchen remodel.
Call Discount Dumpster before starting your kitchen upgrade project. We have the perfect size dumpster to handle bulky waste like old kitchen countertops. Discuss your project with us, and we’ll help you choose the right size dumpster for your needs. Our prices are the lowest in the area, so you’ll save money on your kitchen remodel. Call us today for a free quote and to set up fast delivery to your home.
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