How long does laminate countertops last

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This compensation comes from two main sources. When asked, 71 percent of prospective home buyers said that granite and natural stone countertops are desirable or essential, according to a new study from the National Association of Home Builders. On the flip side, 40 percent of those asked said they would be unlikely to buy a home with laminate countertops, although that number dropped to 25 percent for first-time buyers.

The foodies on Chowhound have an ongoing debate over whether they should openly embrace their love of laminate. Here's why it might work for you. The price is right. Laminate is inexpensive and usually costs a lot less than most other materials. Look at the largest samples available and try them out in your kitchen.

The Design Center on Formica's website invites you to design your own kitchen so you can see what the counters would look like. Keep in mind that unlike pricier materials, laminate can be replaced at a fraction of the cost. They last. Countertops take a lot of wear and tear so you'll want some idea of how they'll age before choosing a material.

In Consumer Reports' countertop tests we stained, sliced, scratched, scorched, and nicked 14 materials from leading brands and found enormous differences in materials but little variation among brands. Granite does not scratch easily. In fact, it is more likely to dull your knives before it scratches.

However, some lighter colored granites may etch if they come in contact with acidic liquids like lemon juice. Etching is the dulling of the surface due to the removal of the finer surface particles. Some granites may also stain, so it is a good idea to test a sample of granite ahead of time with the oil and lemon test. Put a small amount of oil and lemon juice on a piece of granite and wait 10 minutes.

If there is a change in the stone where the liquids sat, you will need to take care to avoid etching or staining during use. If there is no change where the liquids were, the stone will not stain during ordinary use. Granites can last as long as you own your home , provided they are cared for properly. Laminates are extremely low-maintenance materials.

They do not require sealing or special cleaners. If they do become scratched, a kit can be used to repair them. They can be cleaned as needed with your preferred cleaner. Granites may require more maintenance , depending on the type of stone. In addition to the oil and lemon test, a good rule of thumb is that the lighter the color, the more maintenance the stone will need.

Many stones require periodic sealing to prevent stains. When water stops beading on the surface of the stone, it is time to reseal. Always wash your stone with a PH neutral cleaner made specifically for stones to avoid damage to the surface.

If properly cared for, your granite will not require any additional work. Value Guide, both major and minor kitchen updates, which use laminate countertops, can recoup between 65 and 80 percent of the investment.

Granite countertops add value to homes in high-end neighborhoods but will not recoup as much of the investment when installed in neighborhoods where most homes have laminate.

FIXR provides cost guides, comparisons, and term cheat sheets for hundreds of remodeling, installation and repair projects.

Log In. Loading, please wait Password Recovery. Get Local Cost. Find Pros. Granite Countertops PROS Extremely durable Lots of colors and patterns Not affected by knives or hot items Many sink install choices Can last for 50 years or more Made to order for your kitchen 4-inch slab backsplash available. Appearance Granite counters are made of natural stone. Costs Granite is sold by the square foot, with additional costs for the edging and sink installation.

Hardness Granite is a fairly dense, hard stone that is tough enough to withstand a lot of force. Sinks Any sink can be installed with a granite countertop, with undermounted being the most popular choice.

Maintenance Laminates are extremely low-maintenance materials. Was this guide helpful to you? Yes No. Feedback Send. Thanks for your feedback! Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know. See full cheat sheet. Epoxy is best used for bonding or for creating a protective coating. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others.

How much does it cost to install laminate or granite countertops in my city? Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. In This Article Expand. Understanding Plastic Laminate.

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