Popular Laminate Countertop Options

Laminate countertops remain the number one choice for those on a limited budget. They offer easy clean-up and can resist most damage brought on with time.

Today's laminates mimic the look of granite, slate, marble and limestone. A few products even include dips and ridges so as to simulate the look and feel of real stone. Unfortunately, it won't fool everyone, but it is a decent alternative to other high-cost options. Maintenance is also a key benefit of laminates. Unlike stone countertops, laminates can be easily cleaned with common household products.

The use of laminates also allows for homeowners to spend more of their budget on other items like higher-end appliances or even flooring. It helps keep down the expense of a kitchen remodel, even though natural materials will sell a kitchen faster than will laminates. But in most modest housing types and manufactured housing, that's what you'll find because it's easy to work with and it usually holds up very well.

Types of Laminate

• Arborite- Mimics the look of granite or bedrock, and is inspired by ancient Italian architecture.
• Formica- Designed to look like travertine, river-washed granites, slate, limestone and sandstone.
• Lamitech- This laminate features the look of metallic finishes.
• Loti- For those who want countertops to look like more expensive, one piece designs, Loti is a good alternative.
• Nevamar- Homeowners with younger children will like the scratch and abrasion resistance of Nevamar.

Deciding which type of laminate to use is best left to your taste and budget. Get different ideas by looking at various kitchen countertop designs, and incorporating those elements with your own style. No matter what you choose, laminates will always be a lower costing alternative with many advantages over higher-priced stone.