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Laminate Worktops Buying Guide

Covering design choices and colours, benefits and planning, this laminate worktops buying guide makes it easy to learn about this surface style and make the right choice for your home. Laminate worktops are a firm favourite for those looking to introduce premium effects and stylish shades without breaking the bank. This surface buying guide walks through every step of choosing a new countertop, ensuring it is the right choice for your home and fits specific decors.

What are the benefits of laminate worktops?

The key benefit of laminate worktops is the MDF core, which is an affordable material. The surface is also non-porous, making it easy to clean and maintain, while the printed laminate offers unbeatable design options for less - from oak colours to marble effects.

What are the different types of laminate worktop?

Laminate

With a sturdy chipboard core and a printed resin surface, laminate counters affordably replicate the appearance of high-end materials. They also come in various lengths, profiles, and thicknesses, making it easy to create a bespoke look in any space.

See laminate worktops

Compact laminate

Compact surfaces have a dense core, which prevents water ingress and means they can be fitted in washing areas. They are also ultra-thin, which creates a minimal look that suits contemporary designs.

See compact laminate worktops

What colours are available?

What profiles are available?

Bridgemere Navy Storm Grey Worktop And Upstand

Square

Designed to have a straight edge, square counters have clean lines which draw the eye across a room to give the illusion of space. They also bring geometric accents to a layout, making them a good addition to schemes inspired by architectural features.

See square edge laminate worktops

Bullnose

Usually found on thicker counters, bullnose profiles have a rounded shape that creates a soft, flowing look. The curved design also means there are no sharp edges that could cause injury, making it a safer option for households with little ones.

See bullnose laminate worktops

Planning considerations

Chilcomb Paint To Order Garnet Red Worktop And Backboard

Length

Choosing the right counter length will save money and time during installation. Smaller panels will minimise waste in compact layouts, like corners. Meanwhile, longer options measuring 3.6m can cover larger areas with ease.

See 3.6m laminate worktops

Natural Oak Worktop Corner View of Kitchen

Matching features

For a coordinated look, opt for matching features, such as upstands. As well as creating a stylish border, they will cover gaps between the wall and surface for a neat finish that prevents trapped dirt from building up.

See laminate upstands

Customisation

Thanks to their solid core, compact laminate surfaces have a consistent look throughout the panel, so there is no need to apply edging strips. They can also be customised with drainer grooves or routered edges to create a bespoke design.