Laminate Vs Solid Surface: Which Is The Better Buy For Low-Budget Countertops?

Your countertops make a big impression on your kitchen's overall look because they're so prominent and eye-catching. When buying new kitchen countertops, your budget is often a deciding factor in what material you choose. Fortunately for homeowners with lower budgets, laminate and solid surface are both cost-effective options that offer a range of looks. They vary in many ways, but there isn't a clear winner that's right for every kitchen renovation. Deciding between laminate vs. solid surface comes down to your preferences and the most important countertop qualities based on your use of the kitchen.

Laminate countertops feature layers of material that are pressed and bonded together to form a hard surface. A common construction consists of several layers of brown kraft paper coated in melamine resin with a decorative top layer that can be designed in a variety of colors and patterns. The layers are fused together using high heat and pressure. Most laminate countertops feature a particle board base, but you can also find options that are attached to plywood, MDF board, and other materials. A protective overlay goes on top to finish the product.

Solid surface countertops are homogenous, meaning it's made of all the same material throughout instead of using multiple layers of different materials. An average solid surface countertop consists of roughly 66% mineral dust and 33% resins to bind the ingredients together. Pigments also go into the mix to create unique colors and patterns.

While both types of countertops are affordable, laminate has a lower cost with an average price of $8 to $27 per square foot. Popular Corian solid surface options range from $20 to $75 per square foot. If budget is your primary concern, you might lean toward laminate. Even with the lower cost, laminate comes in a variety of colors and styles, including options designed to look like stone.

These counters are lightweight, and installing them is often a task that DIYers can handle, eliminating labor costs. If you need help, you'll likely spend less on the labor than you would with heavier materials. Once installed, the countertops are easy to clean using mild soap and soft cloths.

On the other hand, there are several things to avoid if you have laminate countertops because it's not as durable as other materials. It doesn't tolerate heat well, so you'll need to be careful with hot pans to avoid melting the surface. Laminate can scratch easily, which could reveal the deeper kraft paper layers. You can't sand down the surface to remove minor scratches either. The deeper layers are susceptible to water damage, including swelling and warping, especially if the joints aren't sealed well. Seams are also more noticeable on these countertops than the seams for solid surface materials. 

While you'll pay less initially for laminate, you won't get as much time out of it. They typically only hold up for 10 to 15 years. However, if you have high-quality counters and take really good care of them, they could last 20 years or longer.

Nonporous solid surface countertops keep water and other liquids from soaking in, which makes them stain resistant. You also don't have to worry about resealing the surface to protect it from spills. Plus, nonporous materials keep bacteria from settling in and growing, which helps you maintain a more hygienic kitchen. Solid surface countertops are easy to clean like laminate, but they could become damaged if you use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Visually, solid surface countertops offer a smooth look with seams that are barely visible. They offer more customization including the option to choose the shapes and edges you want and integrate features into the countertop. You get a consistent appearance that some homeowners find to be more attractive than laminate, but that's a matter of personal opinion. While you can install solid surface materials on your own, they're more challenging than laminate. Consider your DIY skills before committing to installing it yourself.

Solid surface countertops cost more than laminate, but they tend to last longer (30 to 50 years) and are typically more durable than laminate with greater resistance to heat and scratches. However, they can still scratch due to sharp kitchen tools and discoloration due to direct high heat. The main difference is you can repair solid surface countertops since they're made of one consistent material. For minor problems, sanding the surface is all you need to do. However, some bigger issues require specialty supplies like industrial-grade cyanoacrylate glue to fix cracks, or even require expensive professional help.