Updated on May 09, 2025
Both durable and less expensive than many other countertop materials, plastic laminate has come a long way from the kitchen of your childhood. Laminate countertop makers are stepping up their game and transforming the way people think about this countertop surface option. Here are 10 updated laminate countertops that don't look at all like laminate.
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Like the look of wood but don’t want to deal with the upkeep? Enter laminate that looks like wood. Low-maintenance and scratch- and scuff-resistant, laminate comes in a variety of finishes that can look like everything from maple to oak to cherry. Psst! Here’s how to paint laminate cabinets to update the appearance of your kitchen.
If you like the look of granite but don’t like the price tag, Wilsonart makes laminate countertops that look like granite. This versatile pattern has a unique blend of gray, chocolate and black veining with a cream backdrop.
Synonymous with laminate countertops, Formica offers countless styles and colors. If you like the look of quartz, this Bottle Glass Quartz style from Formica may be what you’re looking for.
If you like the look of exposed brick on walls or stone appeals to you, Wilsonart offers laminate countertops that look like whitewashed brick. Unlike natural stone countertops that can be difficult to care for, this laminate can be washed with just a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap or detergent. This buying guide will help you choose the right countertop for your kitchen.
From rounded edges to crisp corners, laminate countertops come in a variety of edging styles. Hartson-Kennedy, a cabinet top company, offers nine decorative edging options, including no-drip edges that have a raised, rolled edge to help contain spills.
Wilsonart offers a unique laminate countertop material that looks like water frozen into a geometric grid. The surface appears translucent and will certainly add a unique look to any bathroom. The design is also available in green. Follow this expert advice for how to select laminate countertops.
You can have the look of a stainless steel countertop without the trouble of dealing with constant smudges. This laminate from Wilsonart looks like brushed stainless steel with a light to medium gray tone.
Laminate is one of the most cost-effective countertop materials, ranging in price from about 20 to $50 per square foot. Here are some other things to consider when buying laminate countertops.
Yes you can install a sink with a laminate countertop. The countertop is simply measured and cut with an opening the same size as the sink. Some sinks can even be installed undermounted. According to Formica, “To be undermounted to high pressure laminate (HPL), a sink must have an approximately 1-inch rim made from resin. It needs to have been machined completely flat, so it meets the bowl wall at a 90-degree angle.”
