Formica® Counter Tops

A Formica® countertop is an relatively inexpensive solution to your new kitchen needs.

Formica® countertops are available in laminate or solid surfacing. Both materials are manufactured by the company that bears its name, but comparable laminates and solid surfacing are made by several other manufacturers. Like Corian®, another solid surface material, Formica® solid surfacing is nonporous, stain and heat resistant and comes with a 10-year warranty. Formica® laminates consists of particleboard covered with a thin, plastic surface. While it's one of the most inexpensive materials used to fabricate counter tops, it is also subject to scratching, staining and is not heat resistant. Further, it cannot be salvaged if it is chipped or marred. It can be bought off the shelf, known as Post-Formed laminate, which has an integral backsplash and is relatively easy to install as there is no cutting or refitting required. However, if you have never installed a laminate countertop exercise caution: contact cement, the material used to attach the laminate to the substrate, can be difficult to work with. If your kitchen counter surface is more complicated in terms of size and angels, you may want to consider a custom laminate installation. Whether you choose Formica® laminate or solid surfacing, be sure to talk with a trusted countertop specialist to ensure you get the product that best suits your needs.