Kitchen Buying Guide

Laminate Worktops Buying Guide

Stylish, easy to install, and simple to maintain, laminate kitchen worktops are a practical and affordable choice for busy homes. Learn more about this manmade material in our laminate worktop buying guide, which covers everything you need to know to help you choose the right option for your home.

What are the benefits of laminate worktops?

Cost effective

Made from low-cost chipboard, laminate counters are easier to manufacture than other materials, making them readily available and inexpensive. This means they suit those on a smaller budget, or homeowners who want to save money for other features.

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Wide variety

Thanks to advances in printing technology, laminate surfaces can re-create the look of premium materials like wood, marble, and concrete for less. They are also available in a selection of widths and lengths, achieving a custom fit in any layout.

Easy to install

Laminate counters come with lots of features, like thinner edges, which reduces trimming and making them easier to fit. The compact laminate styles also have a solid core that removes the need for edging strips, saving both time and money.

Low maintenance

Featuring a tough resin top layer, laminate counters have a hardwearing surface that keeps a design looking newer for longer. The resin coating is also simple to clean with a damp cloth, making these counters a good choice for busy homes.

What are the different types?

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Laminate

Featuring a densely compacted chipboard core that is wrapped with a resin impregnated decorative surface, laminate counters replicate the appearance of high-end materials in an affordable way. They also come in a variety of lengths, profiles, and thicknesses, which makes it easy to create a bespoke look in any space.

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Compact laminate

A solid laminate worktop, compact counters are growing in popularity with homeowners looking for a versatile and stylish option. They 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.

Discover compact laminate worktops

What colours are available?

Grey

A contemporary neutral that can complement any decor, grey continues to reign as the colour of choice for interiors. Bringing cool hues to a space, it comes in a variety of finishes and this trending tone works well with black, blue, white, and cream cubpoards.

See grey laminate worktops

Oak

Featuring warm, rich tones, oak-effect counters are a classic option that re-create the look of wood without the upkeep of the real thing. Complementing cupboards in grey, white, cream, navy, and green, this design is great for scandi or heritage themes.

Find oak laminate worktops

Black

Bold and on-trend, black creates a striking look that can elevate any design. Good for adding contrast to paler cupboards or for blending in darker layouts, this deep hue will hide scratches and fingerprints, to keep a space looking newer for longer.

Explore black laminate worktops

White

Bringing bright tones to a space, white is a safe bet that will match any colour cupboards whilst maximising natural light – great for dark or compact areas. It also has a hygienic appearance that keeps a design looking fresh with minimum effort.

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Gloss

With a reflective surface, gloss finishes will bounce light around a room to make it appear more open - a good addition to smaller layouts. This polished texture can also be used to lift darker cupboards, for a less intense effect and offer a contrast to matt fronts.

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Matt

Offering a light-absorbing finish, matt counters reduce visual distractions to create a serene feel – great for pared-back interiors. This texture will also minimise imperfections, offering a low-maintenance choice that complements smooth or matt cupboards.

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Textured

For a realistic touch, laminate counters that have a timber or stone pattern often come with a textured surface that replicates the feel of natural materials. This helps to create a high-end look best suited to grained cupboards or rustic settings.

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Smooth

Smooth surfaces have a minimal look that offers a soft backdrop to other statement features, like gloss cupboards or dark fronts. This flat surface is also easier to clean, as there are no grooves where dirt can get trapped, making it hygienic.

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What profiles are available?

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.

Browse bullnose laminate worktops

Things to consider when planning for a new laminate worktop

Length

Choosing the right counter length will save money and time during installation. Smaller panels will minimise waste in compact layouts, while longer options measuring 3.6m in length can cover larger areas with ease. They also ensure there are fewer joins – great for creating a continuous, seamless effect.

Peruse 3.6m laminate worktops

Thickness

The thickness of a counter plays a big role in the overall look of a design. Chunkier surfaces make a great focal feature and have a robust feel. Thinner styles, like the 12.5mm versions in our compact laminate selection, create a subtle look that works well in schemes inspired by minimal aesthetics.

See 12.5mm laminate worktops

Matching features

Co-ordinated designs look premium because they appear considered. To create this effect in your home, opt for matching features, such as upstands. As well as creating a stylish border, they will cover any gaps between the wall and surface for a neat and tidy finish that prevents trapped dirt building up.

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Edging strips

Standard laminate surfaces have a chipboard core, which is exposed at the ends. To prevent physical damage or water ingress, use edging strips to provide a protective barrier. These strips are available in matching decors too, making it easy to create a cohesive look.

See worktop edging

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Joint sealants

Counters are used regularly throughout the day, which can result in scratches and stains occurring over time. To refresh a surface quickly, use a joint sealant, which can be used to repair tiny imperfections and create a waterproof seal on joins for a longer-lasting product.

See worktop joint sealants

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. This also means they can be customised with drainer grooves, or routered edges to create a bespoke design that is unique to your home.