About Preformed Laminate Countertops

Preformed laminate countertops are one of the many choices in today's kitchen and bathroom renovations. They are versatile, low maintenance and very cost effective. If you are on a tight budget, you can update your kitchen without spending a lot of money just by replacing old tile countertops with the sleeker-looking preformed laminate countertops.

Function

Preformed laminate countertops offer cheaper alternatives to granite or other solid surface countertops. You can use them for your kitchen or bathroom countertops. They are functional and durable, and provide a seamless surface, eliminating the need for grout in tile installations. Using preformed laminate countertops in a kitchen provides a beautiful surface to work on that is durable and safe enough to handle hot spills and even occasional knife scratches. They do not burn easily even when you put a hot plate on top.

Features

Preformed countertops come with different edgings, such as straight edges, rounded edges and bull-nose edges. Some older styles have particleboards underneath ready for installation on top of a base counter. The higher-end styles come pre-made from the manufacturer, oftentimes with backsplashes already connected as well as a molded sink to create a seamless form. They come with holes for fixtures already pre-drilled--all you have to do is insert the plumbing fixtures. They feature a smooth finish with multiple color choices of finishes.

Types

Preformed laminate countertops come in different styles and colors. Some have molded-in backsplashes that come in cove shape or extended styles. One can choose a molded-in sink preformed laminate countertop which provides a seamless look, incorporating the sink and counter as one whole piece. The different colors available to choose from are earthy colors, wood grain finishes, granite look, marble look and solid surface look.

Considerations

One of the factors to consider before ordering preformed laminate countertops is accurate measurements. Since they come preformed by the manufacturer, you would need to measure carefully and double-check each measurement before sending in your order sheet. You can order preformed laminate countertops if your counter is of average size (8 to 12 feet long). If you have an oversized or oddly shaped counter, you may be better off purchasing laminate sheets that you can install easily on your own.

Benefits

It is cheaper to purchase the preformed countertops than granite and marble. It is easier for a do-it-yourselfer to install it than most countertops. It eliminates the use of grouts, such as with tile installations. It is lighter in weight than granite slabs, therefore easier to handle and install. You can update your kitchen or bath with the use of preformed laminate countertops in a shorter period compared to granite and tile installations. It is easier to clean and maintain compared to tiles, and some styles are heat resistant.