Laminate countertops have totally made a comeback since the 1960s and 70s.

What do all the gorgeous images below have in common? Psst…they all have laminate countertops.

Did she just say laminate countertops?

everything you need to know about laminate countertops

Yes, I did! We have probably all had them at some point - usually a rental or a kitchen we’ve gutted (to be fair; all nightmare scenarios). In the past, they’ve been “the affordable option” to mimic the one you actually wish you could afford, but I’m here to tell you, laminate countertops have come a long way, and can now stand on their own.

How has laminate changed since it became so popular in the mid-century?

Gone are the days of opting for laminate because it’s the cheaper option. As you’ll read below, that’s not always the case. People are now choosing laminate over a genuine stone or solid surface for so many other reasons.

Why laminate?

Stain resistance (compared to butcher block or concrete, this is much more stain resistant. I have even removed turmeric stains from mine!)
It’s relatively durable (as long as you do not cut directly on the surface! But this also depends on the pattern and edge-style chosen. More below)
Easy to install
More design possibilities!!
Affordability (see my note on pricing below)

With so many amazing patterns and styles to choose from, there’s something for everyone’s tastes and budget.

Today I’m rounding up some inspiration for laminate countertops, as well as sharing some of my favorite laminate samples. I’ll share how to select the most durable, timeless edge for your countertops as well as the most realistic finish.

Inspiration

Leanne Ford’s Capsule collection for Formica really showcases how this material can feel so current in a modern home.

Leanne Ford Formica Capsule Collection Laminate image source

And really sets your mind soaring with the possibilities for this material. You can’t curve stone to form a pill-shaped island, but you sure can with laminate…

Formica Living Impressions laminate island surface idea image source

This coffee-table application feels so elevated and much more expensive than it actually is!

Leanne Ford Capsule collection for Formica source

Nothing feels dated about this scene…

Leanne Ford Laminate Capsule Collection for Formica image source

If midcentury modern is your thing, look no further than laminate. Consider a plywood core with exposed edge to really up your game…

plywood laminate counter by plykea image source

So many people complain that laminate countertops look fake, and I agree with you; Of course you can tell they’re not a natural material up close! You aren’t fooling anyone, especially yourself. That’s why I always suggest my client’s make their selection based on the aesthetic. Stop worrying about whether it looks like fake-marble, fake wood, fake whatever... Do you like the colors, patterns and texture on it? If so? Who cares if it looks real or fake, just rock it!

Why not consider dropping the faux idea altogether and just go for something that isn’t trying to be anything else in the first place. Formica introduced their 100th anniversary collection and it’s just so rad!

source Formica retro laminate 100th anniversary edition

It screams someone fun lives here. Right?

Formica 100th anniversary retro collection image source

If elegance is your thing, a “marble-look” can feel very luxurious.

Tip: If you really want a genuine stone-looking countertop, ditch the textured surfaces and opt for a smooth finish.

WilsonArt Quartz Arktos laminate countertop

Sleek and modern, at a fraction of the cost…

formica black painted marble laminate countertops source

Now you can afford that waterfall edge and backsplash to match!

Calacatta marble laminate countertops by Formica image source

Butcher block can be problematic in certain applications, but not if it’s laminate…

oak laminate countertop from Ikea image source

Okay, this one isn’t for everyone. And you may not want to cover your kitchen with this much contrast and pattern, but I could see this being really fun on a piece of furniture or even a basement wet bar…

WilsonArt Slice of Ice collection by Danny Seo

A closer look at some of my favorites

I keep several laminate samples on hand for my clients. Some of these look very much like a natural material, but others just look like an interesting texture and finish.

This one is probably my current favorite, because it has some modern-edge to it, but also feels understated. It almost looks like creases in leather to me. Soooo pretty! (this is the one on the pill-shaped island in the inspiration pic)

pietra grafite by Formica in satintouch texture

For those nature-lovers that want a lot of movement, and some glitz, this one really sparkles. This is also going to do wonders at hiding scratches.

This one has a good dose of cool and creamy tones to it, so will meld with other colors in the room nicely…

cipollino bianco by Wilsonart in mirage finish

Swirling blacks and whites for a high-contrast look

Cipollino Grigio by Wilsonart in mirage finish

If you like drama, this one will get all the ooo’s and ahhh’s. This is your statement piece in the room, so play down everything else and let it shine…

Dolce Vita by Formica in Etchings texture

Tip: When shopping for laminate, keep in mind the larger the sample, the more expensive it is.

I covered some high-end options above. Here are some of my favorite mid-low end options:

This one has a brushed metal effect on a matte finish. No need to worry about scratches with this one! Consider balancing it with high-gloss finishes.

Pewter brush by Wilsonart in matte finish

You can’t go wrong with a white marble. I’ve photographed these on a low exposure so you can see the subtle veining…

clockwise from top left: white painted marble by Formica in Satintouch texture, Calcutta Marble by Formica in satintouch, Marmo Bianco by Wilsonart in textured gloss, white carrara by Wilsonart in fine velvet finish

These darker options command more attention and contrast white cabinets in the best way. They will also stay looking good much longer than their white counterpart.

Tip: When making your laminate selection, keep in mind, with more pattern and texture, stains and scratches will be less obvious over the years. Whether dark or light, a solid color, with minimal pattern/texture will show scratches more easily.

black alicante by Wilsonart in textured gloss, Sombra by Wilsonart in textured gloss

Oh so subtle, this one plays well with others.

Quartz Frost by Wilsonart in textured gloss

For neutral lovers - who aren’t looking for a bright white -these have some creamy tones, with more texture and movement than the marble above.

Clockwise from top left: White Bardigio by Formica in scovato finish, Quro Branco by Wilsonart in antique finish, Calcutta Oro by Wilsonart in fine velvet finish, Hebron White by Wilsonart in Antique finish

Concrete countertops are so temperamental! One must constantly worry about stains. Not with these guys. If you are wanting the industrial-modern look of a gray countertop, but don’t want to worry about stains, try one of these instead.

clockwise from top left: marmara gray by Formica in matte finish, Benjamin Grey by Wilsonart in antique finish, Silver Shalestone by Formica in scovato finish, Pearl soapstone by Wilsonart in fine velvet finish

And lastly, these don’t pretend to be stones at all. Clockwise from top left: brushed metal, solid black, this next one has a linen-like pattern that’s really interesting (I’m including a close-up of this below), and finally, solid white (be careful with this one as it can feel like a Doctor’s office paired with white cabinets!)

clockwise from top left: pewter brush by Wilsonart in matte finish, Noir by Formica in matte finish, Citadel Warp by Formica in matte finish, Designer white by Wilsonart in matte finish

How much do laminate countertops cost?: The cost of laminate countertops greatly depends on the brand, tier within that brand, core material (plywood or mdf), labor and customizations. Laminate counters can actually be more costly than the real deal depending on selected options, so keep this in mind. The most cost effective laminate countertop is purchased in prefabricated segments, and installed by the homeowner (typically $50-$200 per segment ranging around 6 foot in length). If you wish to have customizations to the edge, finish and fitting of a designer, top-of-the-line laminate, installed by a professional, be ready to spend anywhere from $20-$65 per square foot.

How long do laminate countertops last? They typically last around 10-20 years depending on the quality, edge-style, application, and wear and tear.

Selecting an edge for your laminate countertops

Although I love the clean lines of a modern, squared edge, the issue with this option is that you can see the dark lines along each edge, making it feel cheaper in my opinion. There is also a greater risk of damage as these additional seams can warp over-time. As water penetrates through the seam, it causes the composite wood material underneath to swell, resulting in edges that pucker. Not good.

Squared edge = less longevity

Edge Tip #1: The pencil edge of the Ora gives you a similar, clean look, with just a bit more curve at the edge, avoiding those added seams you’d find with the squared edge. This is my favorite edge because it is more durable and can work in a variety of kitchen styles from modern to traditional.

Edge Tip #2 Customize your laminate counters to exclude the attached backsplash. This will make the countertops feel more genuine (if that is what you are going for) and really isn’t necessary if you already have a backsplash. This is called a no-splash countertop.

laminate countertop with no backsplash image source

A note on under-mount sinks with laminate: I was originally thrilled to see this as an option, but upon doing some more research, and talking with seasoned professionals in the laminate countertop industry, I discovered this is a very bad idea. A few fly-by-night companies are offering this as an option, but they are not staying in business for long, as the water will warp the counters. Those seams around the edge are what will cause water to penetrate, and swell. And the thing about laminate, is it can NOT be repaired. You would have to replace your entire countertop. A reputable company will not offer this as an option so be weary of working with a builder who does.

So although this looks great in a photo, best to stick with a drop-in sink.

You can see in my rental kitchen, I have laminate countertops. Would it be my first choice for my kitchen? Nooooooo. This isn’t even the laminate I would have chosen, haha! But as you can see, it totally works. In the right context, this really isn’t a bad option! (This is an example of prefabricated, segmented laminate with the backsplash attached - AKA the cheapest option)

See more of this kitchen

You can see where I recently worked around a client’s existing laminate, to create a modern, earthy kitchen. Sometimes just changing everything else in the room can make an outdated style of laminate feel entirely fresh and new.

Need help with your budget-friendly kitchen renovation? Let’s explore laminate options together and find something you love! You should feel proud of your kitchen remodel, no matter the budget. And with so many countertop options, that is now a reality.