Laminate Vs Wood Countertops
Wood and laminate countertops are two of the most commonly used materials for kitchens. Today, we will be comparing the two and we will see which one is better to make your countertop replacement decision easier. Keep on reading to find out more.
Wooden Countertops
The very famous and popular countertop material among a lot of people, wooden or hardwood countertops, have a classic look to them. They look rustic yet modern at the same time.
Colors And Designs
Their natural appearance and cozy feel makes people opt for wood a lot more often. Wood is available in a number of designs and varieties. There are matte finishes, different wood patterns, different finishes on the surface of the wood, etc.
Natural And Engineered Options
Wood can be natural or it can be man-made. Man-made wood is known as engineered hardwood. These countertop materials are designed to last longer and are stronger and durable than conventional hardwood.
Engineered hardwood is resistant to moisture, wetness, temperature, strong impacts, etc., which makes this type of wood even more likable and popular among people, because they are getting the look and feel of wood with the added strength and durability as well.
Conventional wood, on the other hand, is not as strong and durable. It needs a lot of maintenance, it needs to be kept dry and it should never come in contact with moisture, otherwise, it will form a lot of molds and fungus, which will not only look unpleasant, but it will also make the wood more weak and liable to severe damage. This is why people who have hardwood or butcher block countertops have to maintain them a lot to keep their shape and condition intact.
Cost
Wood is also a very expensive material for countertops. A foot of wooden plank ranges from $18 to $80, depending on the quality and thickness of wood you are choosing. Price of wood is also a huge factor why most people can’t afford it.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are a great choice of material for your kitchen, if you want something which is budget friendly. Laminate countertops are usually made out of ply and other variants of wood. The layers are stacked on top of each other and stuck together with a strong industrial grade adhesive.
Appearance
Laminate countertops look very much like conventional wooden countertops, which makes this material very much sought after. Because think about it, if you can get the same appearance of wooden countertops, without having to spend a lot of money, then why wouldn’t you go for laminate countertops.
Colors And Designs
Laminate countertops are man-made materials, so they are available in a huge variety of colors and patterns. You can think of any color and design of a countertop, and most likely, laminate countertops will be available in that design scheme.
Cleaning And Maintenance
Talking about cleaning of laminate countertops, it is very easy to clean. It doesn’t require a lot of care and it is also quite resistant to scratches, impact and moisture. You just need to seal it once it has been installed, then you can go on for a year or two.
To clean laminate countertops, you only need a wet washcloth and a mixture of soap and water. Clean all of the countertops within no time at all. Because laminate countertops are non-porous, they will not collect or let any water or moisture seep into the material. This makes laminated material to be a very easy and breezy material to use.
Cost
The price of laminate countertops is also very affordable. It ranges from $2 to $8 a foot and its installation is all over easy. You just need the correct dimensions for the countertops, to make sure that the laminated material fits perfectly.
Their repair is a bit tricky, but nothing a specialist can’t handle. If the damage is too much, then the material can be replaced altogether. Laminate material can mimic a lot of different countertop designs as well, like tile, ceramic, wood and porcelain. That is a win-win situation for you
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know all of the different things about wood and laminate countertops. Go to a granite company NC to learn more about different kitchen countertop materials.
