Countertop Buying Guide

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Laminate Countertop

What it is
Industrial paper or fabric laid onto a high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood substrate (backing) and coated with melamine resins. Wide range of available colors, textures, and edge treatments.

Care & maintenance
Withstands heat and abrasion fairly well. Cannot be repaired if scorched. Knives or harsh scrubbers will scratch. Impervious to water and common solvents/cleaners.

Do it yourself?
Most confident woodworkers can cut and glue their own. You can also buy limited selections of prefabricated and preformed sections.

What it costs
About $8 - $20 per square foot, installed; more with custom edgework such as bevels or rolls.