What Is a Post-Form Laminate Counter?

What Is Laminate?

• Laminate material used for countertop construction is a thin plastic material that can be formed in many colors, textures and patterns. Laminate material actually starts as sheets of paper that are bonded together with resin and compressed under heat. The result is very durable and inexpensive when compared to other countertop material, such as composite, granite or marble.

Custom Laminate Countertops

• Laminate countertops can be custom made to fit a particular area. A framework of the counter is made from plywood or particle board. Thin laminate material is bonded to the framework using a special contact adhesive. A router with a flush-trim bit is then used to trim any laminate that overhangs the counter framework. Separate narrow pieces are affixed to the edges of the frame work and backsplash.

Ready-Made Countertops

• Post-form laminate counters are completely assembled and ready to install straight from the factory. The front edge of the countertop is usually rolled, so one thin piece of laminate covers the entire countertop, including the edges and backsplash. These types of laminate countertops are available at home centers and lumber yards in pre-cut lengths ranging from 3 to 12 feet, depending on the manufacturer. The countertop may need to be cut to length to fit your particular installation.

Post-Form Pros

• The ease of installation is probably the best feature of a post-form countertop, whereas a custom countertop can be very labor intensive. Since the backsplash and the countertop are one piece in post-form construction, there will be no caulking lines between the two. The rolled front edge of the post-form countertop eliminates the edge line of most custom-made units.

Post-Form Cons

• It may not be a good idea to use a post-form laminate counter where you have uneven walls, which may leave gaps between the top edge of the backsplash and the wall. Ninety-degree turns or long runs where two lengths of countertop need to be seamed together are not recommended, since the time it can take to modify a post-form countertop might make it more sensible to go with a custom-made counter. Post-form countertops are best used only in straight runs. Post form countertops are also not a good solution for islands, since the backsplash is built in and would have to be cut off or modified.