Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

Are laminate countertops making a comeback? Find out why I chose to use them in our recent bathroom makeover and where I'm considering using them again.

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.

We wrapped up our Master Bathroom refresh a couple of months ago and I'm so happy with the outcome! With some budget friendly upgrades and a simple change of paint color on the walls and doors, this space looks and feels way more upscale than it actually cost.

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops
Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

One of the biggest factors of this transformation were our new laminate countertops, and I'm just as shocked as you. Up until a few months ago I don't think I would've considered using laminate countertops in a bathroom. And I had all sorts of misconceptions about them.

But today's laminate countertops aren't what you remember seeing in the 80's or 90's and they certainly don't look anything like what you're used to being in office spaces or public restrooms.

Laminate countertop manufacturers today are savvy and they're competing against luxury materials for style and durability.

So why did I ultimately choose laminate countertops?

Cost

Definitely the biggest deciding factor in our bathroom refresh project was the cost of laminate countertops. While I absolutely love how the space feels more updated now, we'd still like to do a full renovation at some point. And our vanity makeover complete with new cabinets and countertops wasn't intended to be a permanent solution.

I couldn't justify dropping over a grand on new quartz or granite countertops only to demo the room a few years from now.

So I started researching the least expensive countertop materials and even considered painting my old ugly cultured marble countertops for a hot minute. But I really did want this room to look DIY'd. Even though we painted the vanity cabinets, it was still in need of something new to freshen it up.

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

I realized I could save a ton of money on new countertops if I went with a laminate surface option. I also realized that today's laminate countertops, while they may be super inexpensive, actually don't look cheap at all.

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

In fact, unless you're touching or looking up close at our counters, you wouldn't even be able to tell they were laminate. Pretty neat huh?

If you're thinking of installing your own laminate countertops make sure to grab my free PDF guide which will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step.

Get the PDF guide to learn how!

And gain access to my exclusive design library full of DIY Home Improvement & Design goodies!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Check your inbox for your free tutorial guide!

.

They look like granite!

I was blown away by all of the laminate countertop options available. They make everything from wood look to stone, marble or granite appearance. When I was growing up, all I remember seeing in homes were white or green with maybe some speckles in it if you wanted to get really fancy.

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

These are some of the countertops I was considering for our bathroom. At around $100 per slab of laminate it was a steal. I still can't believe how much it looks like granite, but is way cheaper.

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops
Why I Chose Laminate Countertops
Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

We eventually settled on this laminate granite look countertop to go with some of the more beige tones in our shower and floor tile and I couldn't be happier.

Why I Chose Laminate Countertops

You can customize them

While I shied away from some of the more expensive laminate countertop options, mainly because this was meant to be a budget makeover project. I still couldn't believe how much you could customize them.

If you want really upscale laminate countertops you can choose fancy beveled or ogee edges and even high definition finishes. High definition laminate countertops have more depth to their patterns and provide a more realistic look, but they also create textured laminate countertops complete with realistic etchings on the surface.

And don't even get me started on how they can incorporate these countertops now in bathtub surrounds, undermount sinks and backsplashes.

Years ago, the only option you had for a sink with laminate countertop were traditional drop ins. But being able to customize them can give you a high-end look for a fraction of the cost.

Check out these gorgeous budget friendly vessel sinks we added for a high end look!

They're DIY friendly

It's very easy to install laminate countertops yourselves with just a few basic tools. So if you're DIY savvy, and even if you're not, installing laminate countertops can be done without the added cost of a professional. Which obviously checked another box on the list for our budget bathroom makeover project.

For an easy step-by-step guide on how to install laminate countertops make sure to grab my free PDF copy below!

Get the PDF guide to learn how!

And gain access to my exclusive design library full of DIY Home Improvement & Design goodies!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Check your inbox for your free tutorial guide!

.

Durability

I always pictured chipped, peeling and worn countertops when I thought of laminate, but today's styles are much more durable than they used to be. I initially questioned if we should be adding laminate as our bathroom countertops, because it's of course going to get wet from time to time.

But many of the styles today are built to withstand the moisture of day to day use and as long as you care for them properly, they can last as long as 10-20 years before needing replaced.

Of course there are pros and cons to choosing laminate countertops, and while they may not rival Quartz or Granite when it comes to heat and scratch resistance, they do make a great durable and budget friendly option.

So, are laminate countertops back in style?

Well, I'm sold on them. And I'm excited for another opportunity to try out this budget friendly countertop in our someday future basement bar. What are your thoughts?

Drop me a comment below to let me know what you think of this new countertop trend. And don't forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter to stay up to date on all the DIY and home design trends!