Quartz vs Laminate Countertops: Which is Best in 2023?
When remodeling your kitchen, making the right choice for your countertop is essential. The countertop is typically the primary prep surface and the second most prominent surface in your kitchen (after the cabinets). Countertops play a major role in a kitchen’s appearance and cooking experience. It’s important to consider all the factors when choosing your countertop material. For those looking for an artificial countertop that does not require quarrying large slabs of solid rock, your options can include laminate and quartz countertops.
Today, we spotlight the differences between laminate and quartz countertops so you can make the best decision for your kitchen renovation.
Quartz vs. Laminate Countertops Comparison
In the world of countertops, the only things that laminate and quartz have in common are that they are manmade and cover your counter. Regarding appearance, price range, and durability, you have the two far ends of the countertop spectrum.
Laminate is an amazing material. It is a method of fusing plastic onto other surfaces to protect them. We use laminate on many different surfaces including countertops, floors, and even musical instruments to keep them from scratching. Laminate countertops are also the easiest and most affordable to install, and they look great. Laminate is a good choice for anyone renovating on a budget, especially if you know another renovation is in the cards.
Quartz countertops are artificial stones with 93-95% crushed quartz, about 2-3% bonding resin, and 1% inserted aggregate and dyes to create the color and grain. Quartz is durable like stone, non-porous like plastic, and incredibly heavy. Quartz countertops can be made to resemble creamy marble, glittering granite, or a unique look that is beautiful through artistic design.
Maintenance
Laminate countertops are low-maintenance but easy to damage. Left alone or with simple low-heat prep, laminate countertops merely need the occasional scrub with soapy water. Unlike natural stone, you do not have to reseal your laminate countertops every few years.
Additionally, quartz countertops are delightfully low-maintenance. They are quite heat-resistant and among the most stain-resistant countertops on the market. Quartz is also perfectly non-porous due to the resin bonding of the quartz chips, so it does not need to be sealed, and spills left for a few minutes will not seep in.
Durability
Laminate countertops have some of the lowest durability in the countertop world, but they last. If you have ever been in an old house from the 60s or 70s with original kitchen laminate, you will notice that the edges begin to chip away slowly, and there may be some problems with staining.
Laminate countertops should not be exposed to extreme heat or harsh chemicals, and staining spills should be cleaned up immediately to keep your countertop lovely.
Quartz is incredibly durable and sturdier than natural granite due to its perfect slab formation. Natural stone has natural imperfections, while quartz does not. The only thing to avoid is harsh chemicals that can start to break down the binding resin. Some harsh chemicals to avoid when choosing cleaning products to use on quartz are bleach and vinegar.
Color
Laminate is printed, so you can find or order laminate countertops to look like anything you want. While many choose to imitate granite in a “pebbly” simulated grain, you could have anything. Like a car decal, laminate countertops could be dinosaurs, superhero comics, or a starry galaxy. Whatever design would make your dream kitchen complete.
Quartz comes in any color or grain design you desire because it is manmade. While you can’t print dinosaurs onto it like laminate, you can choose light or dark, smooth or sparkly, and any color palette that occurs in or out of nature. Your kitchen color scheme has never been easier to coordinate.
Costs
Laminate countertops are very affordable. They tend to cost between $20-$60 per square foot.
It may surprise you that quartz is among the most expensive countertop types on the market, not just because it is beautiful. Quartz countertops are designed by artists and are durable and extremely heavy, which factors into the price. Typically the cost for quartz countertops range between $50-$150 per square foot.
Fabrication and Installation
Laminate countertops are printed on particle board and are the easiest to install. Because the counter surface is a thin sheet of plastic, the countertops are often lightweight laminated boards built into the shape of a countertop.
Quartz countertops are made by fusing quartz dust, chips, dyes, and decorative grain into a resin mold. The resin acts as a binder turning tiny stone pieces into a solid slab that is incredibly hard, durable, and beautiful.
These countertops are also very, very heavy. So you’ll need reinforced lower cabinets and a skilled team of strong installers.
Why Choose JSB Home Solutions for Your Kitchen Remodel?
When remodeling your kitchen, you need more than experts who know how to install cabinetry and countertops. You need a team that truly cares about creating your vision of the perfect kitchen style and experience. That is exactly what you will find at JSB Home Solutions.
The JSB team is dedicated to listening first, designing together, and then bringing your kitchen to life. Whether you’re looking for someone to trust to build your dream kitchen exactly as you’ve imagined or even remodel other spaces in your house, JSB Home Solutions is here to make it happen for you.
Finding Your Perfect Kitchen Counter
Whether you prefer laminate, quartz, or natural stone, JBS Home Solutions can help you choose and install the ideal countertop for your kitchen. Contact us today to explore the gallery, talk with an expert, or schedule your kitchen remodel consultation.
Next Steps!
Schedule a free consultation to see how JSB Home Solutions can help transform your home!