Anneka’s choice: LAMINATE WORKTOPS

Impressed by Anneka’s worktops? Here’s why this budget-friendly material deserves a place in your kitchen

hanks to new print technology and advanced manufacturing that has improved design and durability, it’s time to look again at laminate worktops. Laminate can be fitted on-site, without factory-based templating, so it’s also the fastest way to get cooking in your new kitchen.

TWhat is laminate worktop?

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, because it’s inexpensive to produce. Allow £40-£100 a linear metre for premium grade laminate.

How can I spot quality?

The thickness of the laminate layer and density of the core is a good indicator. Samples, available at showrooms, usually show the cross-section. 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.

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’. A good-quality laminate will be wrapped around the full edge of the worktop, continuing far enough underneath to ensure a watertight seal.

Will it peel at the ends?

Peeling edge strips used to be a problem, but improved adhesives have largely eradicated the issue. 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 involve careful templating (measuring) and increase your costs.

What is the latest laminate look?

Textured surfaces that convincingly mimic natural materials are hot, but expect to pay up for the tactile treat as it requires a thicker laminate. The new square-edge profiles offer a crisp, more contemporary look, compared to the traditional rounded edges. Matt surfaces bring a fresher look than super-shiny, dust-gathering gloss.