4 Ideas to Save Money When Choosing Laminate Countertop

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 without 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 much more affordable than quartz or granite), check out this blog post…The New Era of Laminate Countertops and Why They Rock

1. NOT ALL LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS ARE THE SAME PRICE

Many countertop suppliers have special groupings of countertops that are purchased in bulk and offered at a lower price. Locally, we have a grouping called The Top 66 that includes 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-plastic 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 the look of marble without the price tag, check out Calcatta Marble by Formica (see more marble-inspired ideas 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…)

2. YOUR PROFILE CAN COST YOU MONEY…OR NOT

The profile is the front edge of your countertop. 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 Formica Calacatta Marble…

As for what’s popular…

• 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)

Here’s a little Ogee edge on this Formica Taj Mahal laminate countertop. Notice they did this same profile on the 4 1/4″ raised backsplash and installed it on the backsplash, which is way cheaper than tile…

See countertop profiles here

3. IF YOU HAVE TWO FEET & A HEARTBEAT, DO SOME GRUNT WORK

Okay, so it’s not THAT easy, as you will also need time and a moderate amount of muscle. The thing is, you’ll pay per linear ft for the countertop company to remove and dispose of your old countertop. This usually costs $7+ per ft, meaning 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 recycling depot. This took about 1 hr and 1/2 a bottle of wine (two beers for Tim) – 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 appliances and unhooking your plumbing (sans plumber butt). This can save you approx. $125+.

4. INSTALL YOUR COUNTERTOP ON YOUR BACKSPLASH

Right now, it’s super trendy to do a quartz, quartzite, or marble backsplash that’s the exact same product as the countertop—it’s called a countersplash. And you can do the same with laminate countertops for a fraction of the price!

While fewer people will do the 4 1/4″ raised ledge at the back, it’s still a beautiful look…

While this next kitchen has quartz countertops, it shows the same idea…

The Best White & Off-White Quartz Countertops

As for other update ideas, you know I’ve got more…

READ MORE

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

The Most Timeless Kitchen Countertops

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

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ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2015, UPDATED IN EARLY 2024