Laminate Benchtops

About Laminate Benchtops

Laminate benchtops are produced from a coating of hardened plastic, a decorative sheet of paper, and a slab of manufactured wood. This wood is quite similar to humidity-resistant particleboards or average-density fiberboards. The recent innovation in the industry has led to the manufacture of marble laminate benchtops and wood laminate benchtops.

Decorative laminates are also available. The delicate designs and beautiful patterns that are introduced in laminate are now being preferred over acrylic benchtops. As a result, white laminate benchtops are in high demand and purchased due to their smooth glossy surface and marble-like appearance.

Properties Of Laminated Benchtops

Laminate benchtops are available in any size, a variety of finishes, and colors. Laminate kitchen benchtops can be cut in any shape and fit into most kitchens as they have straightforward installation methods. Unlike concrete benchtops, laminate benchtops can tolerate kitchen use, as they are sturdy, flexible, and adaptable.

Laminate benchtops have firm standards in association with their heat and waterproof features. Moreover, laminate benchtops are the most preferred choice among all benchtop materials due to their anti-microbial nature. Besides, they go with most kitchen interiors, unlike natural stone benchtops.

They are convenient as they make spills easy to clean up and are not prone to staining.

Style, Design, And Colors 

The wide variety of laminate includes solid colors, laminated timber benchtop designs, and stone look laminate benchtops. In addition, manufacturers are offering matte and glossy finishes in square or round-ended shapes. 

The 20mm thick laminate benchtops are the most recent addition to the benchtops market, allowing people to give a smooth, modern, and delicate look to their kitchen at relatively affordable prices.

Advantages of Laminate Benchtops

Affordable

Laminate kitchen benchtops are an affordable kitchen product one can introduce in their kitchen and can be changed quicker than stone or marble benchtops.

Easy To Maintain

Laminate timber benchtops have a smooth surface which makes them easier to clean. It is also resilient against surface stains and erosion.

Eco-friendly

Since laminates are free from elemental chlorine or any toxins, they are considered a healthy ecological choice.

Comes In Different Styles And Colors

It has become easier to add laminate benchtops to a kitchen and home collection due to the variety of patterns and colors it provides. Modern laminated timber benchtops are the ideal choice to add panache to any home. 

Aesthetically Pleasing

Laminate material has become an increasing choice in the market. Its designs almost mimic stone, wood, and stainless steel benchtop finishes, offering a graceful look at a lower price. Moreover, since they are easy to clean, they stain or get scratched very quickly.

Installation

Laminate benchtops are so easy to fix that they can be installed without requiring professional help. In addition, they are available for purchase in the form of straight boards, which one can cut, trim and set in the kitchen by oneself.

Moreover, most of the tools and materials needed are readily available. They are:

• Laminate cutter
• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Caulk gun
• Belt sander
• Gile
• Dust mask
• Clamps
• Circular saw
• File
• Drill bit set
• Cordless drill
• 80-grit sanding belts
• Miter bolts
• Silicone caulk
• Acrylic caulk
• Premade cabinets
• Tape measure
• 1-1/2 inch steel angles
• 5/8 inch long no.8 screws
• 1-1/4inch drywall screws
• Scribing tool
• Jigsaw
• Straightedge
• Safety glasses
• Heating protection 
• Scribing tool
• Masking tape 

Moreover, if one has the budget to hire a professional carpenter, it is advised to do it instead, especially if one doesn’t have prior experience. 

Care And Maintenance

Laminate benchtops do not need the same care and maintenance as engineered stone benchtops or concrete benchtops may need. But laminate benchtops are still vulnerable to heat; hence, it is necessary to avoid placing hot utensils on them. Similarly, even though they are not easily worn out, laminate surfaces will still receive cuts, scrapes, and dirty stains if used as a chopping board for cutting fruits and vegetables.

Being fibrous in nature, laminate benchtops are similar to wooden benchtops. Therefore, dryness might cause shrinkage, while high moisture can cause expansion of the laminate material. To prevent this, both the laminate and the element it’s attached to must be treated well.

During installation, the joints between laminate benchtops must be kept two meters apart, so they don’t create rough friction upon the expansion of the material.