The Best Modern Alternatives To Dated Laminate Countertops

Even if you have stainless steel appliances, a high-end refrigerator, or task lighting under every cabinet, nothing works harder in your kitchen than the countertops. More than just a permanent addition that can make or break the look of your space, countertops are a workhorse when it comes to food preparation, plating, and cleanup. They're frequently a home for toasters, blenders, and other gadgetry, along with crocks full of cooking utensils and maybe a pile of mail (or two!). Since they are likely to see spills, sharp objects, and sudden temperature changes, it's important to pick the right material for your countertops. Although laminate countertops are generally the least expensive option you can install, they are more likely to scratch, burn, dent, and stain. Thanks to their durability, materials like quartz, granite, and soapstone are the best modern alternatives to dated laminate countertops.

Laminate countertops can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance, but to make the most of your investment, there are other types of countertops you should consider before embarking on a kitchen remodel. Laminate surfaces are made from particleboard covered in decorative paper and resin. While this can make them look like a variety of natural materials, exposure to hot pans, frozen gallons of ice cream, or even the wrong cleaner can delaminate them, creating a peeling effect that's impossible to repair. Stone surfaces are much more durable, requiring little maintenance while offering superior performance.

Quartz countertops are a trendy alternative to outdated laminate you should consider, especially if you plan to sell your home in the next few years. Kitchens with quartz countertops can sell for 2.6% more, per 2023 research by Zillow. This is reassuring news, since quartz countertops are a big investment. The cost to install the engineered stone material ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot, which is significantly more than the $10 to $18 per square foot you'll spend to install laminate countertops. But what you aren't likely to save in terms of your countertop budget, you are likely to make up in overall performance, longevity, and ROI.

Quartz is booming in popularity because it's low maintenance and comes in a variety of attractive but neutral colors that look good whether you have bright white, wood, or painted kitchen cabinets. Because it's a nonporous material, quartz is stain-resistant and doesn't need to be sealed like granite or oiled like soapstone. Cambria and Caesarstone are among the most popular quartz countertop brands to consider for your home. No matter where you decide to purchase them, leave installation to the professionals. Quartz is extremely heavy and needs precise cutting that requires specialized tools and expertise to achieve the most attractive result. Plus, self-installation will probably void any warranty on the material. 

Granite is a classic and enduring choice for kitchen countertops for several reasons. Because it's one of the hardest countertop materials available, granite is scratch and heat-resistant. It takes only seconds for a laminate countertop to melt under the heat of a hot pan, but your granite countertops are unlikely to become as damaged, though prolonged exposure is still not advised. In the event that a chip or crack does occur, granite can be repaired with a color-matched epoxy resin that hides the damage. Damaged laminate countertops, on the other hand, will need to be removed and replaced. Another benefit of using granite countertops instead of laminate is that when they are properly sealed, they are very easy to maintain. All you need is some dish soap and water to keep your granite countertops in pristine condition. 

In recent years, there has been some concern among interior designers about whether granite countertops can make a kitchen dated. To keep the look modern, avoid the high-contrast and speckled look, opting instead for more contemporary veining, neutral colors, and understated finishes. With thousands of granite varieties to choose from, pick countertops with a neutral undertone to make sure the look doesn't feel dated as trends change over time. You should plan to spend anywhere from $40 to $100 per square foot for basic granite. Don't forget to factor in additional costs for tearing out and disposing of your laminate countertops, labor for installation, special bullnose or other edging finishes, and sealing.

If you want an expensive and luxurious look and don't mind spending a little more time on maintenance, consider installing soapstone countertops in your kitchen. Attractive and eco-friendly, soapstone is a natural rock made primarily of talc. The same odorless mineral you can sometimes find in baby products and cosmetics, talc is extremely soft which makes soapstone countertops more susceptible to scratches from utensils. This is one of the main reasons why homeowners have mixed feelings about soapstone countertops. The softer surface is a con for perfectionists who prefer an unblemished, totally smooth surface. But if you love the aged patina look, you'll be glad to hear soapstone is easy to sand and buff as needed.

While they don't need to be sealed, soapstone countertops do benefit from being treated with mineral oil every few months. The process darkens any dulled gray and blue tones to a rich, shiny finish. You'll need to keep that in mind if you frequently spill cooking oils to avoid ending up with dark blotches. Fortunately, acids like vinegar or wine won't stain soapstone, which makes them a user-friendly choice overall. Like granite and quartz, soapstone countertops are significantly more expensive than laminate. You can expect to spend between $70 to $120 per square foot to have them installed.