How Much Does Laminate Countertops Cost
Quoted in this article$7 to $30
In preparing the best and the most delicious meals for the family, we turn to our kitchen. For many homeowners, they want to make their kitchen look really neat, nice and well-designed. They are willing to invest just to make their kitchen look beautiful. Among the different ways to improve the over-all look of your kitchen is to laminate your countertop. How much does laminate countertops cost? The cost actually varies depending on different factors. There are different kinds of laminate countertop and kitchens vary in sizes.
Different Styles Available
The laminate countertops cost would also depend on the styles. There are various styles available depending on your preference.
Bevel Edge: This is a 45 degree edge that can be tied into various colors in the kitchen which makes it accentuate the style of your kitchen.
Self-Edge: If you are looking for a straight style counter featuring a square edge and backsplash at the end, this is the one to get.
Post-Formed: They are made of machine and they come in one piece. Post-formed countertops have rounded edges.
Laminate Countertop Prices
The laminate countertops prices differ depending on the size, type and other factors like edge style, finish, brand and color. For custom laminate countertops, the cost ranges from $7 to $30 per sq. ft. If you have let’s say a 30 sq. ft. kitchen, you can expect at a minimum the cost to be around $210 and it can go as high as $900. This cost does not include the professional installation cost yet.
If you go for professional installation, the cost is definitely much higher. How much does laminate countertops cost for professional installation? The cost ranges from $40 to $65 per sq. ft. The cost for a typical kitchen is around $1200 to $1900 depending on the size.
You can actually opt to do it on your own since there are stores where you can find prefabricated laminate countertops selling around $50 to $200. They come in various sizes like 4ft and 8 ft. However, keep in mind that this cost does not include the professional installation. For sheet laminate cost, it is about $30 but it can go as high as $150 per sheet.
Are there additional costs? Yes, there additional costs. For instance, if you want to use endcaps to match the laminate color and to seal the board edges, you will have to shoulder an additional $15 cost.
Specific Prices
How much does laminate countertops cost for a particular material? The prices differ depending on the kind of laminate counter top you want to have for your kitchen. For raw laminate, the price starts at $1.80 per sq. ft. This cost does not include other materials like adhesive, baseboard and slab base. A laminate slab starts at $7 per sq. ft and a pro-installed laminate costs around $30 per linear foot.
Tips in Selecting Laminate Countertops
When it comes to choosing laminate countertops, you do not just consider the laminate countertop prices. How do you select the most suitable laminate countertop for your kitchen? First is to test the colors in your kitchen first. Keep in mind that there is a wide range of patterns and colors so it can be quite tough to choose which color you want. Deciding at the home center can be really stressful. Lay down at least 3 to 4 choices. Now, look at the color in daylight and even in the evening to have comparison. You can also try to have other options like for instance you can have multi-colored backsplash. You can look at the samples to see how they look like.
Another very important thing to consider is the finish. There are basically 2 available choices. Either you go for a matte or a glossy one. Between the two, it is strongly recommended that you choose the matte finish. Keep in mind that in as much as the glossy one makes the countertop look shiny, it will emphasize scratches and specific areas that are often used. That is why it is better to have a matte finish. Another reason why many prefer to have it matte is that it has a much coarser surface which makes it look more attractive.
Searching for Laminate Countertop Contractor
When it comes to laminate countertops, you either have the choice as to whether you want to do it on your own or hire a professional to do the job. But before you start searching for a contractor and comparing laminate countertop prices, it is important that you measure the area first. Know the measurements as well as the corners. If you choose a professional to do the job, the contractor can actually give you the measurement. But just to help you with the estimated cost, it helps that you have your measurement as well.
To help you with the color selection, you can start searching for color palates that are available online. You can also look at the websites of the different manufacturers so you know the texture, colors and other details. Once you know your preference, you can start searching for a contractor specializing in laminate countertop installation. Schedule an appointment.
At the end of the day, the decision as to whether you should do it on your own or hire a contractor would depend based on several factors. Of course, if you want to reduce cost, you can always do it on your own since the laminate countertop materials are readily available in home improvement centers. Plus, there are also lots of various tutorials and videos that you can easily access on the Internet to see the step by step method of installing laminate countertop. But if you want to save time, you can also hire a professional to do the installation.