Formica Countertops - Kitchen Countertops with a History

Formica is a variety of plastic laminate countertop, which skyrocketed in popularity in the 1950s. Interestingly, Formica existed several years before the Formica countertop made its debut. What made this laminate so popular for kitchen countertops was its being spill-resistant and heat-resistant. Needless to say, both of those features can come in handy in any kitchen.

Advantages of a Formica Countertop

1. Price - Laminates are fairly expensive, by definition making Formica an affordable laminate as well. If you're on a shoestring budget or in a tough economy, then the cost of your kitchen countertops will certainly be an issue. But even if you're not particularly set on saving money, it wouldn't hurt anyway--right?

2. Flexibility - This is yet another huge benefit of formica countertops. For instance, you can find several premade laminates for your current countertop. You could also use a preformed countertop. That includes the one that's already situated in your kitchen! This provides you with an affordable DIY project that can rapidly boost your home's value. Which one is better? It's advisable that you choose the preformed countertop, making the DIY project quicker and easier.

3. Installation - The installation of this laminate is relatively easy. Formica is available in sheets, and you simply have to cut out the sheets so they fit your kitchen countertop. Before applying the Formica, you'll need to do some preparation work on the countertop. That involves removing all varnish and paint from the countertop, and sanding it. This will allow the contact cement on the Formica sheets, to adhere better to the countertops. Finally, simply place the Formica sheets onto the countertop, via the contact cement.

4. Adjustments - After creating your Formica countertops, you can still make adjustments. One option is to paint the Formica surface. You'll need to clean and sand the surface completely. Then you'll need to apply primer, multiple oil-based paint layers, and a topcoat of polyurethane. Another option is to remove the old laminate and install a new one. While this is more involved than simply painting the laminate, it's definitely a simple method of giving a facelift to your Formica countertop.

Drawbacks of a Formica Countertop

1. Durability - As with other laminates, a Formica laminate is less durable than other countertop types, such as concrete and granite. Obviously, this means that Formica is more easily damaged, making it less reliable than other sturdier countertop types.

2. Cleaning - Another main drawback of Formica is that it's much more difficult to clean than other countertop types are. Some methods require mild soap and water, or baking soda. Overly rough cleaning or materials can also damage the laminate.

Although the material is far from new, the Formica countertop still provides several benefits when designing or renovating your kitchen. Formica can be a heavyweight lightweight material in your home.

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