The right countertop is a difficult decision you’ll need to make, but it is one of the most crucial. Many different materials are available, including granite, stainless steel, quartz, and laminate. There is also an infinite variety of designs and colors that can be difficult to decide.
The process of comparing different materials while choosing the right kitchen countertop is crucial. Let’s look at the two most popular choices: laminate vs. quartz. That will help you pick something that fits your kitchen’s design, complements your lifestyle, and fits within your budget.
Laminate Countertops
Laminated counters are wooden worktops composed of two materials sandwiched together. A large slab made of MDF particle board gets used as the structural component concealed behind a fragile sheet of laminate. It gets constructed from an image layer that closely replicates stone, wood, solid patterns, or colors. A clear wear layer shields all the laminate material.
Laminate cabinets are a common sight in kitchens. They also have top-quality laminate that can get used as countertops. Laminate countertops can get personalized to suit your preferences, giving you various design choices.
In general, laminated counters are lower costs in comparison to quartz counters. However, the downside is that they could be more durable and long-lasting in the kitchen.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops get comprised of various substances, most of which are minerals. They get made of at least 90% stone, including quartz, marble, and different types of stone. The minerals are heated, then crushed with colorants, resin, and fillers. They get then turned into full, hard slabs.
The most popular high-end countertop material right now is quartz. The countertops are costly; however, they offer many advantages that attract people to purchase them.
Comparison of Quartz Countertop and Laminate
Each material has distinct advantages and disadvantages that homeowners must consider when choosing from the different. Let’s take a look at the details below:
Laminate Countertops
- Easy to install and affordable
- It is simple to redecorate and modify the appearance of the floor
- Patterns and colors that are consistent across the board
- Not stain-resistant
- The non-resistance to heat gets impacted by heat generated from pans and pots
- It is challenging to repair minor damage
- Not super durable
Quartz Countertops
- The expensive equipment requires a professional to put it in place
- Low maintenance and very minimal maintenance are required
- Resists burns and scratches very well
- Inconsistent patterns
- Non-porous material
- Heat resistance stifles heat generated by pots and pans
- Repairs are difficult
- If properly maintained, durable can last for decades
Appearance
Quartz countertops are the ideal option for you if you’d like countertops with a look of natural stone. Quartz doesn’t have layers of plastic in its structure, resulting in a more even appearance that doesn’t appear on the edges. It is due to having an intense and rich natural stone and a veining pattern.
Marble and travertine both have characteristic crystalline formations and veining. This pattern is more apparent in laminates than quartz. The veins in top laminates can extend to the countertop’s edge and resemble a cross-sectional view that is natural stone.
A superior-quality laminate can replicate the natural stone-like appearance of quartz for a much lower cost. It is also possible to design it to display a more excellent crystallized appearance. If you are looking for a greater variety of colors, laminate countertops are more vibrant than quartz countertops.
Maintenance
Countertops made of laminate or quartz are easy to maintain since they don’t require being coated or replaced. You can wipe them down using water and a mild detergent to ensure they stay free of dirt.
The main difference between laminate and quartz in terms of their care is in the form of scratch and stain resistance. Laminate countertops, just like solid surface countertops, look appealing.
Refinishing cannot wholly prevent scratches from occurring. They are also susceptible to staining, and spills need to get cleaned up each time they happen. They are also vulnerable to being damaged by regular kitchen knives. They also aren’t scratch-proof.
Maintaining your brand-new quartz countertops is easy, especially since they resist scratches. We suggest cleaning your countertops with granite cleanser. You shouldn’t use cleaning products with ammonia in them.
Resistance to Heat
Both are susceptible to destruction by low temperatures, temperatures as low as 150°F. The heat is not a good thing, particularly with laminate countertops. When a hot skillet sits on top of a laminate countertop, the surface gets left with a scratch. Even brief contact with a hot pot or pan could cause harm to the countertop.
Quartz and granite are more resistant to heat than marble granite are the most resistant. To protect your counters, you must still use heating pads and avoid direct heat, but the risk is lower than for laminate.
Home Resale Value
Granite and quartz countertops are superior countertops and are more costly than laminate. Many homeowners prefer these premium countertops because your home’s value will surely increase by using them.
If you’re looking to invest money to improve the value of your house, these will be the areas where you’ll get the most for your money. When you sell your home, anticipate a substantial part of the investment, but the exact amount could be different.
These counters are far better than nothing when you want to build a kitchen to sell. While they might seem expensive, they are not easily resold and will not yield an adequate return on your investment. They are not the ideal choice if you wish to sell your home fast and earn a decent profit from your investments.
Fabrication and Installation
Laminate is lighter than quartz due to the material used and the manufacturing process. The purchaser can opt to install it himself. However, the professional installation gets typically recommended.
If you have the skills to set up your laminate countertop in your home, it can be affordable. There are fewer choices where you can only purchase laminate already attached to the MDF and edges that get rolled and edge banding.
Quartz is a material that requires expert installation specific. It will also increase the price but get offset by the material’s strength and long-lasting nature.
No matter which countertop you pick, you’re sure to discover a design that matches your kitchen’s design. Suppose you’re deciding between laminate and quartz. In that case, your family’s lifestyle and budget are the primary aspects to consider.
Laminate is a cost-effective option that looks stunning and enhances the design of the kitchen. If you’d like it to last, you’ll need to be more careful.
Are You Ready to Choose the Right Countertop?
Ottawa Home Pros is there for you when planning your kitchen or looking for price estimates. We are the most reputable kitchen remodeling contractors in Ottawa.
Our innovative technology and ideas guarantee the safest and most modern countertops for your home. Get in touch with us today by calling (613) 288-9145 or emailing us at info@ottawahomepros.com for your kitchen renovation project!!
