Ethan Clarke
When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are various materials to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One popular option is plastic laminate countertops, known for their durability, affordability, and ease of installation. These countertops consist of a wooden core, typically particleboard, covered with a plastic veneer. The thickness of the plastic veneer varies, typically ranging from 1/32 to 1/16, depending on the type of counter and edge treatment. Custom laminate counters usually use 1/16 thick laminate and can be designed in various ways to hide the black seams associated with laminate. Solid surface countertops, on the other hand, are made from thicker sheets of acrylic or polyester plastic, providing seamless edges and greater customisation options. While solid surface countertops offer more design flexibility, plastic laminate countertops are a cost-effective and practical choice for those seeking durability and ease of maintenance.
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What You'll Learn
Standard laminate thicknesses
The standard thickness of laminate for countertops varies depending on the type of laminate and the manufacturer.
Standard Grade
Standard Grade, also known as Horizontal Grade, is commonly used for high-wear surfaces like countertops and desktops. This type of laminate is thicker and less flexible than Vertical Grade, making it more difficult to work with. The standard thickness of this grade of laminate ranges from 0.9mm to 1.1mm (0.035"-0.045").
Vertical Grade
Vertical Grade laminate is thinner than Standard Grade and is typically used for low-wear surfaces such as cabinet faces, doors, and furniture. This grade of laminate has a thickness ranging from 0.7mm to 0.8mm (0.027"-0.029").
Custom Laminate
Custom laminate counters typically use a thickness of 1/16" (1.6mm). This type of laminate can be built in various ways and can accommodate different custom applications and edge treatments.
Post-formed Tops
Post-formed tops are another type of laminate countertop that uses a thinner laminate, typically 1/32" or 1/16" (0.8mm or 1.6mm), to wrap around the edge, creating a rounded edge appearance without the noticeable black line associated with laminate counters.
Solid Surface Counters
Solid surface counters are made from thick sheets of acrylic or polyester plastic and typically have a thickness of 1/2" (12.7mm) for residential applications. However, in some cases, a thickness of 3/4" (19.05mm) may be used.
The thickness of the laminate for countertops is an important consideration, as it can impact the durability, flexibility, and overall appearance of the finished product.
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Custom laminate thicknesses
Plastic laminate countertops, also known by the brand name Formica©, have been available for around 50 years. They are typically durable and inexpensive, and they come in various colours and patterns. The laminate used for countertops consists of a wooden core, usually particleboard, covered with a plastic veneer. The thickness of the plastic veneer depends on the type of countertop being made and the manufacturer.
The plastic veneer is typically either 1/32" or 1/16" thick. If the countertop material is being wrapped around the edge, a thinner veneer is required. This type of countertop is called a post-formed top, and it has a rounded edge appearance without the noticeable black line often associated with laminate countertops.
Custom laminate countertops typically use 1/16" thick laminate and can be built in various ways. The standard custom laminate countertop will have a square or self-edge. Self-edge countertops show the black line on the front edge but do not have large diagonal seams in the corners. Custom countertops can also be made in different sizes and with various front edges to hide the black seams associated with laminate. These edges can be made of wood or plastic laminate and bevelled for a nicer appearance.
Another type of custom laminate countertop is the self-edge or bevelled-edge counter using a solid-colour laminate. These newer solid-colour laminates are 1/16" thick, with the colour running through the material. Solid surface counters, known by the brand name Corian©, are made from thick sheets of acrylic or polyester plastic. They have inconspicuous seams, allowing for complete customisation of counters with almost limitless possibilities. The thick sheets can be shaped with various decorative features and integrated sinks, providing a smooth and seamless transition between the counter and the bowl.
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Solid surface thicknesses
Solid surface countertops are made from thick sheets of acrylic or polyester plastic. They are known for their inconspicuous seams, which can often be invisible, and are commonly sold under the brand name Corian©. Solid surface countertops are popular because they are highly customisable, coming in a variety of colours and patterns, and can be shaped with many decorative features. They are also stain-resistant and easy to clean, requiring only a damp cloth and mild soap.
The thickness of a solid surface countertop will depend on its intended application. For residential applications, solid surface countertops are typically 1/2" thick. This thickness is standard for areas with low to moderate use, such as bathroom vanities, and is often more budget-friendly. For busier areas, such as kitchens, a medium thickness of 3/4" is more suitable. This thickness provides a good balance between durability and cost.
For high-traffic and heavy-duty areas, such as commercial kitchens or workspaces in restaurants, an even thicker countertop is required. In these cases, a thickness of 1" is recommended. This added thickness not only provides increased durability but also creates a bold design statement, exuding a sense of opulence.
It is important to note that thicker countertops are generally more durable, but the material's quality must also be considered. For example, a high-quality 2 cm countertop may last longer than a low-quality 3 cm one. Therefore, it is essential to balance thickness with material quality when selecting a solid surface countertop.
Solid surface countertops are also available in different finishes. The most practical finish for heavy-use applications is a matte finish, while a semi-gloss or high-gloss polished finish can amplify the beauty of the countertop but may require more maintenance as they tend to show more scratches.
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Installation techniques
The installation process for plastic laminate countertops involves several steps and can be done by a professional or as a DIY project. Here is a detailed guide on the installation techniques for plastic laminate countertops:
Preparation
Before starting the installation, carefully inspect the particleboard surface and repair any imperfections. It is recommended to use either 3/4" particleboard or 3/4" furniture-grade plywood as the substrate for the countertop. The plywood should have a consistent thickness and a smooth surface.
Cutting the Substrate
Use a circular saw to cut the basic rectangular shape of the countertop and a jigsaw to cut any curved sections. Ensure that all radii are 2½ inches or larger to avoid difficulties when attaching the laminate.
Preparing the Laminate
Once the substrate is ready, unroll the plastic laminate sheet. Clamp a straight edge over the laminate to hold it securely in place. Use a scoring tool to mark the laminate, then flex it gently to break it along the score line.
Gluing the Laminate
After final fitting adjustments, it's time to glue the laminate to the particleboard. While professionals often use solvent-based contact cement, it is recommended to use water-based cement for safety reasons, despite its slower drying time. Apply the glue to the substrate and carefully attach the laminate, ensuring proper alignment.
Bending and Trimming
Use a heat gun to bend the laminate around the ends of the substrate, then glue on the edge piece. For a seamless finish, carefully trim any excess laminate using a utility knife. If you are installing a sink, cut out the sink hole at this stage.
Finishing Touches
After the laminate is securely attached and trimmed, focus on the finishing details. This includes installing edge treatments, such as the classic square edge or more decorative options like bullnose or ogee. You can also add a backsplash to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your countertop.
Plastic laminate countertops offer a range of benefits, including durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance. With the proper installation techniques, your new countertop will provide a beautiful and functional surface for many years.
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Edge treatments
Plastic laminate countertops are a durable, lightweight, and reasonably priced option for kitchen countertops. The standard custom laminate countertops will typically have a square or self-edge. Self-edge counters will show a black line on the front edge, but will not have large diagonal seams in the corners.
Custom countertops can be made in a variety of ways to hide the black seams associated with laminate. These seams are usually visible and the counters are not renewable if stained, scratched, or chipped. One way to hide the seams is to use a beveled edge made out of wood or plastic laminate. This type of counter will be more costly than either post-formed or a custom self-edge laminate top. The third type of laminate counter is a custom self-edge or beveled-edge counter using a solid-colour laminate. These newer solid-colour laminates are typically 1/16" thick and have the colour going all the way through the material.
Solid surface counters, known by the brand name Corian©, are made from thick sheets of acrylic or polyester plastic. This thick plastic, when assembled properly, has inconspicuous seams that are often invisible. These counters can be made with a variety of different borders and edge stripes. The edges can be shaped with many decorative features, such as a soft curve that mimics the "bullnose" granite edge. This versatile edge blends into most kitchen designs and can be achieved with a "no brown line" for flat-edge laminate applications.
If the adhesive holding the edge banding on a plastic laminate countertop comes loose, it can be repaired by re-gluing the laminate with contact cement. This can be done by pulling the laminate edging away from the countertop and applying a thin coat of contact cement to both surfaces. Use a pencil or Popsicle stick to keep the two surfaces from touching for 15-30 minutes while the cement dries. If you do not want to use contact cement, you can try to reactivate the old adhesive by placing a cloth over the edging and using a household clothes iron to heat the edging while pressing firmly.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard thickness of plastic laminate for countertops is typically either 1/32" or 1/16" (0.031" or 0.0625"). The thickness of the material depends on the type of counter being made. If the countertop material is being wrapped around the edge, a thinner laminate must be used.
Custom laminate countertops typically use 1/16" thick laminate. The standard custom laminate counter will have a square or self-edge. Self-edge counters show a black line on the front edge but will not have large diagonal seams in the corners.
Solid surface countertops are made from thick sheets of acrylic or polyester plastic. The sheets can be either 1/2" or 3/4" thick, depending on the application. Most residential applications only require the use of 1/2" thick material.
