3 Laminate Kitchen Countertop Update Ideas: How to Save Money!

LAMINATE (Formica) Kitchen Countertop Update Tip & Ideas

In between flooring, faucets, countertops and cabinets, kitchens offer so many ways to spend spend spend and add to that never-ending ‘honey-do’ list. And while updating your kitchen is a great way to add value to your home, it’s also an easy way to suck the living daylights out of your bank account (it’s a yin/yang thing).

So, today I want to talk to you about countertops and how to add value to your home, while not going too buck-wild (which I have been known to do occasionally).

Listed below are entry-level laminate countertops. To view luxury laminate countertops (that are still a HECK of a lot more affordable than quartz or granite), check out this blog post…The New Era of Laminate Countertops and Why They Rock

TIP #1   Not all laminate countertops are the same price

Many countertop suppliers have special groupings of countertops that are purchased in bulk and are then offered at a lower price. Locally, we have a grouping called The Top 66 with some gorgeous high-end laminate selections.

These aren’t the least expensive because they’re the least desirable. In fact, they’re some of the most popular countertops which means they can be bought in bulk and then sold to you the buyer at a fan-tiddly-astic price.

Here are a few of my faves…

MINERAL JET by Formica

Mineral Jet is a mix of black, brown and gray and is best in the Radiance finish. This AFFORDABLE laminate kitchen countertop looks fabulous with oak cabinets.

5 Ideas to Update Wood Cabinets Without a Drop of Paint

CALACATTA MARBLE by Formica

If you want a marble look without the price tag, check out Calcatta Marble by Formica (see more here).

PALOMA POLAR by Formica

Paloma Polar is essentially a soft white countertop with a gray fleck with a slight violet undertone (remember, EVERY gray has undertones) – it also has a fabulous sheen!

Not every company will call their bulk items ‘The Top 66’, but most companies should have a range of kitchen countertop products that are offered at a reduced price. Also, I generally avoid the big box stores when it comes to these products and try to find a local supplier (like BC’s Colonial Countertops) to avoid the whole ‘middle-man’ thing so I can flutter my eyelashes, wear a low-cut top and see how it goes (I do not encourage my male readers to do this…)

IDEA #2   The Countertop Profile Can Cost You Money…or not

The profile is the front edge of your countertop. And believe it or not, the profile you choose can make a HUGE difference to the overall look of your kitchen.

My fave countertop profile is the square wrap or double radius, shown below on Soapstone Sequoia…

• rounded is dated, don’t do it…says me

• don’t even consider doing your front profile in wood with your top in laminate as it costs more, wears easily and is soooo 1990s

• a bevel edge profile (standard or micro-bevel) is a classy look; however, keep in mind that it’s an extra cost per linear foot

• the square wrap or double radius is the most popular profile as it’s modern, but not too edgy and is included in the product pricing (aka – free)

See countertop profiles here

TIP #3   Do you have 2 feet & a heartbeat? Well, then you can save some money!

Okay, so it’s not THAT easy as you will also need some time and a moderate amount of muscle. You will pay per linear ft for the countertop company to remove and dispose of your old countertop. This usually costs $7 per ft which means the average kitchen is $150 – $200 (and is included in the overall price, so you don’t know it’s hiding there). Just recently we removed our countertops and took them to the recycle depot. This took about 1 hr and 1/2 a bottle of wine – well worth it if you ask me!

Tip: take a blade and cut where your countertop meets your drywall as paint often binds the two together.

You can also save money by removing your own appliances and unhooking your plumbing (sans plumber butt). This can save you approx. $125+.

There are even more fun and fabulous ways to save money when updating your kitchen, but that’s it for now my friends!

READ MORE

How to Update Your Oak or Wood Cabinets – 4-PART SERIES

4 Ideas to Update your Kitchen on a Budget

3 Ways to Add Style to Your Small Bathroom

New Era of Laminate Countertops and Why They Rock

The Best White Paint Colours from Benjamin Moore

The Best Paint Colours for a Bathroom Vanity

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ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2015, UPDATED IN EARLY 2021