Best Laminate Flooring and Laminate countertops

Laminate flooring and laminate countertops are tough, color fast, have good scratch resistance, are affordable and easy to clean. Today’s laminate comes in many styles. It can look like wood, even stone and comes in many colors. Laminate is used on laminate countertops, flooring, backsplash, cabinets, shelving and furniture.

What is laminate?

Heat and pressure turn layers of paper and plastic resins into a tough sheet. The top layer of melamine resin covers a second decorative sheet that gives the laminate it good looks. There can be several layers under these top two layers depending on the use of the laminate.

Laminate sheets cost from $1.50/sq ft. depending on type and thickness and can be used for laminate countertops, wall panels and cabinet doors.

Place pads under the feet of furniture to eliminate scratches on the laminate flooring.

Cheaper laminate flooring can separate over time. Tap these planks back together. Do not delay or dirt can fall into the crack and prevent the planks from being tapped back together.

More expensive laminate flooring (Pergo, Uniclic) has a better system of joining the planks and will prevent separation.

Laminate flooring made of melamine resin that is made with formaldehyde can release volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs are not good for your health. Investigate to buy laminate flooring that uses a process that reduces and neutralizes formaldehyde emissions. Pergo laminate flooring was invented in 1977. Formica was invented in 1912. Formica is composed of many layers of resin impregnated kraft paper with a decorative layer protected by a layer of melamine. It is put under pressure and heat to create a hard durable surface.

Do it yourself?
It is possible to do it yourself counters and cabinets by buying sheets of laminate and backerbroads sold at home centers. However if a sink or wrapped edge is involved a professional should be hired.

Types of laminate
1. High pressure laminate (HPL): These sheets are backed by layers of kraft paper, thick for counters, tables and desktops, thin for walls, panels and doors.
2. Low pressure laminate )LPL: One sheet of decorative paper is impregnated with melamine resin and bonded to particle board or fibreboard. LPL is used for shelving and inside cabinets.
3. Thermoplastic laminate: Layers if plastics are heat fused into sheets. Can be used on walls and ceilings, not countertops
4. Laminate flooring

Resources: chemetalco.com, advtechnology.com, formica.com, wilsonart.com, pionite.com, homedepot.com

How to Cut Laminate

1. Measure twice, cut once. A mistake can be costly.
2. Place the countertop on the base cabinet. Make sure the front is straight.
3. Use masking tape to mark any of the laminate that you need to cut away because the wall is probably not straight.
4. Place the work right side up. With the fine toothed handsaw cut the laminate on the down stroke. Chipping of the laminate can be avoided by cutting only on the down stroke.
5. Place the laminate worktop face down to use a circular saw or jigsaw. Use a router to clean up the rough edges.
6. Drill four small holes from the back side of the laminate to mark the corners for the sink. Use a jigsaw to cut straight lines between the holes.
7. Use a router to miter any corners.

Go to Home Page

Go from Best Laminate Flooring and Laminate Countertops to Remodel Guide