Has The Popularity Of Laminate Countertops Ever Gone Away? Our Expert Weighs In

The debate over laminate countertops versus other more high-end materials like granite or marble is seemingly never-ending. As with many design choices, countertop trends can be cyclical, but is this the case with laminate? During an exclusive interview with design expert Sarah Bilotta, House Digest got the scoop on whether this countertop's popularity has ever waxed and waned. "Laminate countertops are usually passed over by high-end designers as cheap, ugly, and outdated," Bilotta said. "But the truth is that they've never really lost their popularity." With that in mind, it's worth a dive into the pros and cons of laminate countertops, and what to consider when choosing them.

Bilotta said the relatively low cost of laminate countertops has a lot to do with their continued popularity in modern homes. "Per square foot, they are far cheaper than any other countertop option, be it stone, wood, or stainless steel," she said. While Bilotta tends to lean more towards other material options in her own designs, she didn't discount the fact that cost is an important factor in any home project, and that those renovating or building on a budget may prefer to use less expensive but still durable materials in their kitchen. 

While many associate laminate with dated layouts, Sarah Bilotta shared exclusively with House Digest that the material "has come a long way." She notes that while consumers were once restricted to colors and finishes that were basic and dowdy, laminate is "now available in a variety of finishes, textures, and styles at many price points."

Bilotta said that laminate countertops have always been a viable and popular design option. "I don't think the popularity of laminate every really went away, due to the significant cost difference between laminate and other countertop surface options," she said. She went on to cite "rising interest rates and inflation affecting the cost of building supplies" as a big reason why Gen Zers are opting for this "cost-effective option," especially those who are building or renovating for the first time or on a budget. You can expect to spend between $800 to $1800 on laminate countertops, though this can vary by size and type. 

If you do decide to opt for laminate, Bilotta had tips to elevate them and make them seem trendier. "Try a rounded or beveled edge instead [of flat edges] for a seamless look," she said, "[and] make sure your kitchen backsplash complements your countertops." She also reminded buyers that "the best way to keep your laminate looking high-end and polished is to simply take care of it." Regular maintenance and avoiding leaving standing water or placing hot items on the countertops are just a few tips to extend the life of your laminate.

As with every material you consider, there are pros and cons to laminate countertops that could help you determine whether they are the ideal choice for your kitchen. During her exclusive conversation with House Digest, Sara Bilotta covered the biggest perks and drawbacks to help readers decide if they want to install this material in their home. Among the obvious pros are its value: Despite its relatively low price point, Bilotta said that laminate tends to be "durable, waterproof, and long-lasting." She also explained that "innovations in ... technology and design mean [that] you can achieve a high-end look with laminate." If you do choose laminate, Bilotta suggested lending careful consideration to its texture. "[If it's] too shiny it will show the grainy texture that makes it look like a glued-on piece of contact paper," she noted. She recommended opting for a high-end version of the material "that mimics a wood grain in both pattern and texture," or trying to find it in "high-polish finishes to mimic glossy quartz and pitted finishes to [copy] raw stone."

As to the drawbacks of laminate, Bilotta explained that its mimicry of higher-end materials is never perfect. "[Laminate] will always have a different texture than natural stone," she explained. It isn't generally considered heat-safe, either, and Bilotta said to take this into consideration. "If you need a heat-resistant surface, most laminate will not work," she said — so to be safe, you should avoid placing hot cookware on laminate surfaces. Bilotta also noted that "if you are really hoping to use natural, renewable materials in your kitchen design, a butcher block counter might be better suited."