[trillium]

I had never heard of these guys before - Wilsonart
apparently they do laminate countertops plus have a selection of back splashes
They show up in the Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publication for "Kitchen MakeOver"

Their website is : http://www.countertop.com/Default.aspx

I've been nosing around - has anyone ever went with a laminate countertop or is this a relatively new product? I am curious because the cost seems so much less expensive then the granite I had been looking at.

Thanks

[jgsearls]

trillium - there are a number of laminate countertop manufacturers. We looked at Wilsonart and Formica and ultimately settled on Formica.

Here's an article from Bob Vila's website outlining different countertop materials:

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library...ops-A1579.html

The costof our countertop was approximately $1000. That included a beveled edge and a sink cutout. We didn't get the 4"backsplash piece of it.It was definitely cheaper than any other option out there. We're used to using trivets and cutting boards so that was fine with us. Ours has a honed finish which means that it has texture like real limestone does. The nice thing, for us, is that ifI get fickle (let's be honest - I am fickle) and change my mind I can easily change out the counter top and not vomit over the lost cost as I might if I got sick of my granite choiceor some other more expensive material.

You can see pictures of our counters here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/5800927...7594118052371/

[kmcg]

Wilsonart has been around at least 20 years, but probably lots more. Now there are lots more interesting colors and finishes available, though. I used it in a kitchen about 4 houses ago, and it held up well. You just don't put hot things down on it, but that's a pretty easy habit for most people.

Kathy

[trillium]

Thanks for the details on the counter top...but WOW! You're kitchen is gorgeous!

[kmcg]

Thanks very much!

[jennoconn]

We used Wilsonart on our last kitchen remodel and this time we've chosen Formica. Laminate gets a bad rap, I believe, not only is the price much less but the maintenance is too. What people don't tell you is the special cleaning and protecting that natural stone needs. No you can't put hot things down on it and you really should be using a cutting board anyway but in the 5 years I had it in my last kitchen I didn't have a single nick or crack.

It's can also be unbelievably fun! This time we're using Formica's "charcoal boomerang" and we've ordered it with a metal style edge like what you would see in the 50s. Check out my attachment (if it worked) or go to www.formica.com.

Both HD and Lowes carry both brands and can fabricate it for you.

Have fun!

[DesignDiva]

I love that pattern! So retro!

[mzgloves20]

I installed the Adel Md/Brn cabiets and went with the Formica Bronze Fusion. It has a very nice tone to it without taking away too much of the lovely color in the cabinets...

I got prices from H/D and L#wes and they wanted around $1,100total for what I needed. I had them price an 88 x 14 for the breakfast bar, a 88 x 24 for the island (with cooktop cutout), and an 86 x 24 (with sink cutout). I did some homework and found a place near where I live that got me the same for $640.00 total.

They are perfect and included two radius corners( H/D andL#wes didn't offer that) and a no-drip edge.

I have the number to the place I used for anyone in the Pittsburgh area looking for counter top help...

[greenie227]

Formica and Arborite are considered "green" options for laminate, if you have those concerns. Both have formidable websites.

[Shouva]

Laminates (what Formica, Wisonart, Pionite are) have been around since at least the 1950's The kitchen counters of my parent's homeswere laminate. One house that wasbuilt in 1962 had laminate counters that still looked good in 1986 when they sold it.

My condo was built in 1974. The original laminate counters were still there in 2005. Despite having been used as a rental property for 20 years the counters were in excellent condition. One chip about 2 1/2" long along the bottom edge of the "waterfall" edge near the stove was the only real problem.

I went with Numerar blue-grey stone effect 'cause I know laminates have an excellent track record for durability. Spent onlyabout $300 too. WhenI sell my townhouse the new owners can change out the counter and drawer/door fronts without much $$ to make the place look how they want. If I used granite and a buyer did not like it they may think twice about buying my place and having to tear out a $3,500 counter top.

Don't be afraid of using a laminate counter

Shouva