The Best Man-Made Countertop Materials

Laminate Countertops

• Based solely on price, laminate is the best choice for new and replacement countertops. They are available ready-made from factories or can be fabricated on-site by contractors or handy homeowners with skills in basic carpentry and lamination. The latter option is best for customized countertops because the laminate can be manipulated to create seamless countertops and backsplashes, trimmed to fit around sinks and cut to create wrapped or rounded counter edges. You can have the laminate pieces precut by the manufacturer if you provide a detailed template of your kitchen layout. Laminate countertops are available in a wide range of colors and designs, including styles that resemble natural stone. Their surfaces are non-porous but easily scratch and cannot be used for cutting. Textured patterns and flat rather than glossy finishes show fewer signs of wear and tear.

Solid Surface Counters

• Solid surface counters are made of acrylic and polyester blends and the proportions of these materials vary by brand. Unlike laminate surfaces that coat countertops with veneers, solid surface counters are the same color from top to bottom. If you nick, scratch or stain solid surface counters, the blemish can be buffed with abrasives. Deep cuts can be repaired by countertop repair professionals to restore the surface to look new. Lighter colored solid surfaces show fewer scratches. Solid surface counters are manufactured in large pieces joined together with tough adhesives that have nearly invisible seams so miniscule they cannot be detected by touch.

Acrylic vs. Polyester Resins

• The majority of laminate and solid surface countertops contain resins that bind together the manmade materials and give them strength. Acrylic resins are considered superior as they give countertops more elasticity that lets them give under pressure, which reduces the chances of cracks and chips, and are stain- and heat-resistant. Acrylic is also immune to UV rays, so it can be used outdoors and on on counters that get a lot of sunlight. Polyester resin countertops are considerably less costly than acrylic types but are brittle and are prone to chipping. They may also fade or yellow from indoor and outdoor light.

Cost Considerations

• In addition to appearance and durability, choosing the best manmade countertops involves cost. Depending on your location and prevailing economic conditions, a 30-foot linear prefabricated laminate on particleboard countertop costs around $800, a premium laminate costs around $2,000, and a solid surface countertop between $5,000 and $6,000.