Make it work for you
MEG’S CHOICE: LAMINATE WORKTOPS
Budget-friendly and with a new and improved design, here’s why this work surface deserves a place in your kitchen…
Thanks to new technology and advanced manufacturing, it is definitely time to give laminate worktops a second chance.
Q What is it exactly?
High-pressure laminate (HPL) is made by soaking multiple layers of decorative paper in resins to form a single layer. This is then applied to a high-density core – usually chipboard or particleboard. It’s the cheapest worktop option, mainly because it’s inexpensive to produce. Allow a budget of between £40m and £100m for premium grade laminate.
Q How can I spot quality?
The thickness of the laminate layer and density of the core board are good indicators. Look for a laminate layer at least 0.5mm thick and of consistent thickness. The core material should be tightly compressed with no little holes.
Q What should I avoid?
Laminates that don’t wrap right around the front edge of the worktop (on the longest sides) can suffer from water ingress and ‘blow’.
Q Will it peel at the ends?
Peeling edge strips used to be a massive problem in the 1980s. Thankfully, improved adhesives have largely eradicated the issue and it’s pretty easy to re-glue any lifting edges if required. One way to reduce the chances of peeling is to have the end edges postformed by a specialist worktop supplier (in the factory) but this will increase costs.
Q What are the latest looks?
Textured, natural-look surfaces are popular, but expect to pay more for the tactility. Square-edge profiles and high-gloss finishes also offer a crisper, more modern look.
“Laminate is the easiest and fastest work surface material to install – an average-sized kitchen can be completed in as little as a single day” RUTH CORBETT, HOUSES EDITOR