According to the National Association of Home Builders, laminate countertops are one of the most popular materials for kitchen and bathroom counters. They offer a lot of benefits such as easy-care, low maintenance, and durability. But can laminate countertops be used outdoors?
While laminate countertops can be used in a limited number of outdoor applications, they are not recommended for use outdoors because of the many risks involved. If you are looking for an outdoor countertop material, consider granite or concrete instead.
To learn the details on why laminate countertops are not good for outdoor use, keep reading this article.
Reasons Why Laminate Is Not Good For Outdoor Use
1. The Particleboard Support Will Be Ruined By Weather
Laminate countertops are often made up of laminate material and support which is usually particleboard.
The particleboard will not hold up to weathering and will quickly deteriorate, which could lead to the laminate material coming loose as well.
As we all know, particleboards are not particularly resistant to water and they will swell up, warp, and even rot when exposed to moisture for any length of time.
So if you are thinking of using laminate countertops outdoors, forget it – the particleboard support simply won’t stand up to the weather.
This will cause your laminate countertop to fall apart in no time and it will be a huge hassle to try and repair it, or worse – replace it.
2. The Laminate Countertops Will Fade Outdoors
Laminate countertops are also very prone to fading when exposed to sunlight for any length of time.
This is definitely not an attractive prospect if you are thinking of using your laminate counters outdoors – they will likely end up looking quite faded and unsightly.
Laminate countertops are not very resistant to the sun’s UV rays. This means that if you were to use them outdoors, they would quickly fade and look terrible.
The colors will be dulled, the surface will become scratched and pitted, and it is likely that warping or other unpredictable kinds of damages will occur too.
In short, using laminate countertops outdoors is not a good idea because they will not last long and they will look terrible.
So if you are thinking of using them in an outdoor area, it’s best to steer clear and choose a different material.
3. The Adhesive Will Become Weak
Laminates are made of several layers of material that are glued together with an adhesive.
The adhesive is usually quite strong, but it will not hold up to weathering and it will become weak and brittle over time.
This means that the laminate countertop could come apart at the seams or even completely fall apart if it is used outdoors.
It is also likely that the adhesive will start to seep onto the surface of your laminate countertop making it sticky and difficult to clean.
Also, even if the laminate material itself holds up the adhesion between the laminate material and the support may fail, causing the countertop to split.
4. The Countertop May Warp
Warping is a common issue that can occur with laminate countertops, and it is especially likely to happen if they are used outdoors or in conditions that are not ideal.
The countertop may start to curve or bend, and it is also likely that the edges will become curled upwards. This can be a real eyesore and it will make using the countertop very difficult.
In some cases, the warping may be so bad that the countertop becomes completely unusable.
This can be largely attributed to the support giving in to the extreme outdoor conditions. This means that if the countertop gets even the slightest bit of moisture, it could start to warp.
5. The Laminate Will Be More Prone to Stains and Scratches
Laminate countertops become a lot more prone to stains and scratches when they are used outdoors.
This is because the material is not as resistant to water, sunlight, or other outdoor elements.
So if you have a nice, shiny laminate countertop that you are using outdoors, be prepared for it to quickly become stained and scratched.
It will start by losing the protective layer on the surface, and then the scratches will become deeper and more pronounced over time.
In the long run, this means that your countertop will not look very good anymore and it may even start to fall apart.
So, if you are thinking of using laminate countertops outdoors, think again! The material is not resistant to weathering or outdoor conditions, and it will not last long. You are better off choosing a different material for your outdoor area.
6. The Countertop May Be Damaged by Heat
Laminate countertops are not very resistant to heat, and this can be a real issue if they are used outdoors.
If the countertop is subjected to high levels of heat – for example, if it is in direct sunlight – things can begin to go south really quickly.
This is definitely not an attractive prospect, and it can lead to the countertop becoming damaged or even ruined.
High levels of heat can cause the adhesive to weaken, the laminate material to peel and chip, and the surface to become scorched.
So if you’re thinking of using laminate countertops for an outdoor barbeque stand, then think again. The heat will quickly cause the laminate to melt and warp.
7. The Countertop May be Moisture Damaged
Last but not least, another common issue that can occur with laminate countertops when they are used outdoors is moisture damage.
Laminate is not very resistant to moisture, and it can quickly start to swell and delaminate if it’s allowed to constantly get wet.
This means that the countertop could become rotten, moldy, and generally in a state of disrepair.
This is not what you would want your outdoor countertop to look like, so it is best to avoid using laminate countertops in these conditions.
Final Thoughts
So, if you are thinking of using laminate countertops outdoors, think again! The material is not resistant to weathering or outdoor conditions, and it will not last long.
You are better off choosing a different material for your outdoor area. Laminate countertops may be affordable and easy to install, but they are definitely not the best option for an outdoor space.
In conclusion, laminate countertops should not be used outdoors because they are not resistant to weathering or outdoor conditions. The material will not last long and it may become damaged or ruined.
