Laminate and quartz are both popular countertop materials, but they have some key differences. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you decide which is best for your home.
Introduction
When choosing new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, you have many options. Laminate and quartz countertops are two of the most popular choices due to their attractive appearance, durability, and affordable price points. But they are made of different materials and have distinct performance characteristics.
Below we’ll compare laminate vs. quartz countertops across factors like durability, maintenance, appearance, cost, and more. That way you can weigh the pros and cons to determine which material suits your needs and budget best!
Durability and Longevity
Laminate countertops are made by laminating plastic resin onto particle board or MDF. This gives them good impact and scratch resistance for daily use. However, laminate can chip or peel away at the edges if subjected to heavy impacts. The typical lifespan of a laminate countertop is 5-10 years.
Quartz countertops are engineered from quartz crystals blended with resins and pigments. This makes them extremely hard and durable. Quartz is nearly non-porous and resists scratches, stains, chips, cracks, and heat much better than laminate. Properly installed quartz countertops can last 20-25 years or longer with proper care.
So in terms of durability and longevity, quartz is the clear winner over laminate.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Laminate countertops are easy to clean with just soap and water. You do need to avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic coating. Minor scratches can be sanded and buffed out. Re-laminating is needed to repair significant damage.
Quartz countertops also clean up nicely with mild soap and water. The non-porous surface resists stains from spills. Quartz rarely needs resealing or polishing. For stubborn stains, a poultice method may be required, but overall maintenance is low.
When it comes to cleaning and care, quartz requires less maintenance than laminate over time.
Appearance and Styles
Laminate comes in almost endless colors and realistic patterns like wood grain, stone, and concrete. Seamless appearances are possible with post-form laminate. The matte finish nicely resists fingerprints and smudges. However, laminate lacks the depth and sparkle of natural materials.
Quartz also comes in a diverse array of colors and patterns. The natural quartz crystals give it an elegant, shimmering appearance. Quartz can convincingly mimic luxury materials like marble and granite. The consistent coloration lacks natural stone’s variation though.
For contemporary and natural-looking styles, quartz counters often have the edge over laminate. But laminate offers incredible design flexibility.
Cost Comparison
Laminate countertops are the most affordable option starting at $20-30 per square foot installed. Their low cost makes laminate a budget-friendly choice. DIY installation can further reduce costs.
Quartz countertops range from $80-150 per square foot installed. This puts quartz at 3 to 5 times the cost of laminate. The high durability and low maintenance help offset the higher initial investment over time.
Laminate is better for cost-conscious buyers, while quartz makes sense if budget allows.
Pros and Cons Summary
| | Laminate | Quartz |
|-|-|-|
| Durability | Low to moderate, lasts 5-10 years | Extremely high, lasts 20-25+ years |
| Maintenance | Easy routine care, occasional repairs | Very low maintenance needs |
| Appearance | Huge variety of colors/patterns, matte finish, lacks depth | Natural sparkle, consistent patterns, mimics luxury materials |
| Cost | $20-30 per square foot installed, DIY friendly | $80-150 per square foot installed |
Which is Better for Your Home?
For many homeowners, quartz countertops are worth the higher investment. Their extreme durability and low maintenance requirements deliver excellent long term value. The elegant natural-stone appearance also enhances kitchens and baths beautifully.
However, laminate countertops can make sense in certain situations. For rental properties and flips, the low cost and easy repairs of laminate are ideal. The vast color and pattern options also offer great design flexibility. Laminate works well in kids’ bathrooms too thanks to the low cost and impact resistance.
Carefully weigh your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences when choosing between laminate vs quartz. This will lead you to the best countertop material for your home improvement project!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laminate or quartz more durable?
Quartz is far more durable and damage resistant than laminate. The resin and natural quartz crystals create an extremely hard, non-porous surface able to withstand heavy use for decades. Laminate’s plastic coating scratches easier and can chip or peel over time.
Which is better for kitchen countertops?
Quartz is usually the better option for kitchen countertops. Its superior durability handles hot pots, cuts, and spills better than laminate over the long run. Quartz also resists staining from common kitchen substances like wine, coffee, and tomatoes. The elegant natural-stone look quartz provides also suits most kitchen designs well.
Can you cut on laminate or quartz countertops?
It’s fine to cut directly on properly sealed quartz countertops as long as you use a cutting board for meat. However, you should avoid cutting foods directly on laminate counters whenever possible. Use a cutting board instead to prevent damaging the laminate surface.
Is laminate cheaper than quartz?
Yes, laminate is significantly cheaper than quartz. Laminate countertops start around $20-30 per square foot installed. Quartz averages $80-150 installed. The lower cost makes laminate one of the most budget-friendly countertop options.
Is quartz worth the extra cost over laminate?
In most cases, quartz provides good value for the higher cost due to exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care, quartz counters last over 20 years, more than twice as long as laminate. The elegance and low maintenance of quartz also enhance a home’s resale value. But laminate can make sense for rentals, flips, and kids’ bathrooms.
Conclusion
While laminate and quartz each have advantages, quartz countertops edge out laminate for durability and natural beauty in most home applications. Yes, quartz costs significantly more upfront. But with a lifespan over two decades and minimal maintenance required, quartz delivers excellent long-term value for most homeowners. Just be sure to carefully research installers and inspect slabs before purchase. With durable, gorgeous quartz counters that will last for years, you can enjoy easy-clean convenience and added resale value.