HIGHLIGHTS:
Material definition: Formica is a manufacturer that offers high-pressure laminate Formica counter top in hundreds of colors, patterns, finishes and textures. Created from layers of decorative paper and kraft paper—a strong, moisture-resistant product with bonded fiber. These papers are treated with resin and fused together using high heat and pressure. To make a fully prefabricated countertop, the laminate is bonded as one piece with the backsplash and edge.
Tips for Selection: A great product for your Formica counter top is Quartz surfacing. Quartz surfacing is an engineered stone composite that is popular for use in kitchens and baths for Formica counter tops. Two popular high-end products usually used for Formica counter tops are granite and solid surfacing. Quartz surfacing may be in existence because of the competition between these two Formica counter top materials.
Advantages:
- won't support mold or bacteria growth
Disadvantages:
- it can be scratched, cut, or chipped
Average Material Cost: about $35 to $45 per square foot
OVERVIEW on Kitchen Countertops: The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen counter tops is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen counter materials. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.
Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen countertop material make sure to think through its integration with your kitchen cabinets, appliances, and the backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinet. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant.
DETAILS on Kitchen Formica Countertops: Pick your color, pick your look, and take your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary! With Formica countertops, you’ll get lots of styles to choose from, easy-to-clean convenience, and a sensible price.
Formica laminate countertops have been a favorite for decades. And with a long-standing history of advances in design and craftsmanship, today’s Formica counter tops are more wear-resistant than ever before.
GREEN Considerations: Most likely will use powerful chemicals with some toxic properties in the resin bonding process.
