Advantages And Disadvantages Of Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are a common countertop solution for use both in the kitchen and bathroom. Laminate is a material that is made out of several layers of synthetic materials, mostly plastic, that are then glued together to form a solid surface. Because of the unique nature of their construction and material qualities, laminate countertops come with a set of distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding what laminate countertops have to offer your home can help you figure out whether or not they are the right fit for your needs:
Advantages of Laminate Countertops
Ease of Installation: One of the prime considerations of laminate countertops is the fact that they are extremely lightweight. This makes the installation process much simpler (and less expensive) because the materials can be handled with greater speed. Not only will this save you money, but will also mean that you will have to put up with renovations and construction in your kitchen and home for a much shorter period of time.
Material Costs: In a similar vein to the above point, a laminate is an extremely affordable material, especially in comparison to natural stone like quartz or marble. This means that homeowners that are operating under a relatively tight remodeling budget will find laminate countertops to be an ideal choice.
Ease of Maintenance: Another major advantage of having laminate countertops installed in your home is that they require very little maintenance to maintain their appearance. They can be cleaned with all kinds of commercial cleaners, as long as you avoid abrasive cleaning accessories like steel wool or wire brushes, and will not absorb water or other materials over time. This means that mold growth is not a concern with laminate countertops, and you won't have to worry about the aesthetic of your counters changing as you would with other materials, like zinc and copper.
Disadvantages of Laminate Countertops
Durability: While able to stand up to general wear and tear and age fairly well, laminate countertops does have some durability considerations that come with it. First of all, laminate is extremely susceptible to heat damage, which means placing a hot pan or plate on your counter can cause it to melt or warp out of shape, which is dangerous and can be expensive to have fixed. Secondly, laminate is also able to become easily scratched or nicked if it comes into contact with sharp edges, which means that you have to be careful when preparing food.
Contact a company like Venters' Construction Inc for more information and assistance.
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