When it comes to Quartz OR Laminate countertops, you’re looking at two kitchen countertop materials that are very different. Lots to consider when comparing quartz versus laminate counters.
Each kitchen countertop material has very different styles and price points to consider, so there’s a lot to be said in this debate that could easily sway your purchase decision.
Here we’re going to look at the pros and cons of laminate and quartz countertops, helping you to decide which kitchen counter material is best for you.
Let’s get to it!
What is a Quartz Countertop?
Quartz is a “manmade” or engineered stone which is made in a factory, as opposed to a natural stone like granite countertops which are found in quarries and then cut to size.
Quartz is made from around 93% quartz minerals (which are found in the earth) and then 7% artificial resins, polymers, and pigments. Because these materials are all selected, it means that you can order these surfaces in custom patterns and colors to fit your kitchen’s design aesthetic.
Quartz countertops are quite expensive, but they have practical qualities that make people want to buy them.
What is a Laminate Countertop?
Laminated counters are essentially wood countertops which are covered by a thin, plastic-like material known as “laminate”.
You often find laminated cabinets in kitchens, though sometimes a high-quality laminate can be used for countertops too. The design on laminate counters can be customized in whatever stoe you want, giving you precise styling options to play with.
Laminated counters are a lot cheaper than quartz counters (on the whole) but they don’t tend to be as durable or longlasting in the kitchen environment.
Quartz vs Laminate Countertop Comparison Chart
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertop
Quartz countertops have several qualities that make them perfect for several homeowners, though there are always some drawbacks to consider too:
- Non-porous material (water and stain resistant)
- Low maintenance – very little maintenance required
- Resists scratches and burns quite well
- Lasts for decades if cared for properly
- EXPENSIVE
- INCONSISTENT PATTERNS
- HARD TO REPAIR
On the whole, quartz counters are excellent value for money. They’re almost 100% non-porous due to their manmade design, so spills and water don’t really sink into the countertop and stain it at all.
Unlike granite countertops (their main natural stone countertop rival), quartz counters don’t need to be sealed regularly, so there’s very little maintenance apart from everyday cleaning and occasional stain removals.
If you care for a quartz counter properly, it will last for decades into the future, especially if it’s a high-end version.
However, bear in mind that these quartz counters are expensive, hard to repair, and their patterns are a little more inconsistent than laminate counter designs despite being manmade.
We Compared Marble, Granite, Laminate, Solid Surface and Quartz Countertops!Free Countertop Chart
Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops
A cheap and cheerful options for those on a budget, these counters have many pros and cons that make them worth considering:
- Cheap and easy to install
- Easy to redecorate and change the surface
- Consistent printed colors and patterns
- Stain-resistant
- EASILY BURNED
- HARD TO REPAIR SMALL DAMAGE
- NOT SUPER DURABLE
There’s no doubt that laminate counters are much cheaper than granite, quartz, or stainless steel countertops by a long shot. The wood used under the laminate film is normally quite cheap, though top-tier wood versions are indeed available.
Laminate is printed according to specifications, so you can get exactly the color and pattern you’re dreaming of without any variations in the style. Whenever you get bored of the design, it’s also super easy to change the surface sticker into something totally different.
The veneer is also naturally stain-resistant if you take care of it properly!
The main downside is that these counters are easily burned, scuffed, and damaged – they’re just not built to last that long. They’re also difficult to repair in small parts because the veneers are often printed as large all-in-one designs.
Can laminate countertops look like quartz?
If you really like the look of quartz but you don’t have the budget to afford it, you can always get cheap laminate versions that are printed to look like quartz or granite kitchen counters.
Of course, they won’t be as durable as quartz, but you’ll be able to rock that style nonetheless. Take a look at our gallery of kitchen countertop materials for more inspiration.
Is Quartz better than laminate?
There’s no doubt that quartz is much better than laminate in your kitchen – this engineered stone provides an incredibly solid surface that is scratch-resistant, burn-resistant, longlasting, non-porous, and low-maintenance.
It’s literally designed to be a convenient work surface in the kitchen.
However, quartz costs significantly more than laminate per square foot, so it’s only really an option if you’re able to afford this long-term investment which undoubtedly will add value to your property when it comes time to sell one day.
See More Countertop Comparisons Below
Quartz Comparisons
- Quartz vs Granite
- Quartz vs Marble
- Quartz vs Solid Surface
Laminate Comparisons
- Laminate vs Granite
- Laminate vs Marble
- Laminate vs Solid Surface
