Countertops are often the focal point of any kitchen, so it is imperative to invest in quality materials. Laminate countertops have become popular over time because they are easy to clean and maintain. However, there are many people who wonder if laminate countertops look cheap?
The answer is no! Laminate countertops that are well made and installed will look pricy and pristine. However, there are several things that can make laminate countertops appear cheap if they aren’t well maintained or properly installed.
In the remaining parts of this article, I will show you 9 things that make laminate countertops look cheap.
Things That Make Laminate Countertops Look Cheap
We all love how affordable laminate countertops are, but sometimes they can look a little too budget-friendly. Here are some of the things that make laminate countertops look cheap:
1. Poor Quality Material
Laminate is available in a variety of colors and finishes, but the cheapest option is usually the thinnest and most prone to scratches and dents.
This is why it’s important to find a reputable manufacturer who uses high-quality materials.
What you would normally want to look out for is a good quality paper or film face with a thick resin overlay and a high-pressure laminate.
A thicker countertop will resist scratches and dents better than a thin one. If you’re able to get this right your laminate countertops will look classy and not cheap looking like you would have many others.
2. Unattractive Edges
One of the biggest complaints about laminate countertops is that they have unattractive edges. This can be remedied by finding a manufacturer who offers a beveled edge or by using a trim kit.
So in this case choosing an attractive edge profile – a beveled or decorative edge can make your countertop look classier and more expensive than a plain square or rectangle.
If you’re not sure what type of edge profile will work best for you, ask the manufacturer to provide some samples so that you can compare them first.
Because this is a relatively technical task, it’s best to leave the installation to a professional if you’re not particularly handy.
Engage with your installer and have them show you sample profiles to get an idea of what your countertop will look so you can choose the best option for your kitchen.
This is so that you know in advance what to expect before the actual installation is done. For most installers, this process helps to manage the expectations of clients.
3. Lack of Countertop Seam
A countertop seam is not a deal-breaker, but it can make laminate countertops look cheap if it’s not done well.
If you’re looking for a seamless appearance, be sure to choose a manufacturer who offers a complete solution instead of relying on add-ons or third-party products.
Some manufacturers offer a decorative edge that blends seamlessly into the adjacent surface while others use an invisible joint system to cover the seams.
If you choose this option, be sure to get a sample from your installer so that it meets your requirements before making any commitments.
4. Poor Construction
Laminate countertops are often glued to particleboard or MDF, which can lead to warping and bubbling over time – giving the installation a cheap appearance.
Look for a manufacturer who uses high-quality materials in their construction.
If the construction materials are of good quality, this will give the overall installation a solid, sturdy, and quality feel.
So whether you’re installing the countertops yourself or having someone else do it for you, be sure to inquire about the type of construction materials that are going to be used first.
Another thing that makes laminate countertops look cheap is poor workmanship or sloppy installation.
If you choose a reputable installer and give them plenty of time to complete the job then this shouldn’t be an issue. However, if your installer is in a hurry or rushing through the job, then you might want to consider another option.
5. Having Visible Seams Between Panels
The seams are usually covered by the trim that is used to finish your countertop. However, if you look closely, you may see a small gap between panels and this can make laminate countertops look cheap.
To get around this problem consider using end-matched material or select an installer who offers seamless edges so that there will be no visible seams once the installation is complete.
It’s not hard to find a reputable installer who will be able to manage your project from start to finish including choosing appropriate materials and performing quality workmanship so that you don’t have any issues with laminate countertops later on.
By doing some research in advance, you can avoid most of these problems so that you can be confident your countertops will look great for many years to come.
6. Choosing An Outdated Color Or Style
Another thing that can cause your laminate countertop to look cheap is choosing an outdated color or style.
While laminate countertops are designed to match any decor, you might be better off choosing a more traditional or neutral design for your kitchen so that it doesn’t look out of place in years to come.
If you’re looking for something new and trendy, this is not a problem as long as the style and color suit your kitchen.
However, a laminate countertop that’s too bright or flashy can look out of place in an older home with neutral decor.
Even if you are happy with the way your new kitchen looks now, it might not be as attractive to future owners when they come to sell their homes – so try to find something that will be appealing in the long run.
If you have any concerns about future buyers or just want your kitchen to remain neutral and timeless, then stick with a traditional color scheme so that it doesn’t look cheap.
7. Installing The Laminate Countertops Without A Professional
If you’re saving money by doing the installation yourself, make sure you’re very handy and have installed laminate countertops before. If you’re not very handy, then this project can turn into a nightmare for you.
Also, make sure you have a lot of time on your hands to avoid rushing through the job.
Installing laminate countertops alone is easier said than done because it involves cutting perfectly straight edges when joining panels together – something that’s tricky to do if you’re not experienced.
Unless you have a lot of experience with DIY projects, it’s best to leave the installation to a professional who will be able to complete the job quickly and correctly without any problems.
8. Having Too much “Stuff” On The Laminate Countertop
Another thing that can make your laminate countertops look cheap is having too much “stuff” on your kitchen surfaces.
This includes items like appliances, cookbooks, and utensils – plus other knick-knacks that might be stored in cupboards or drawers.
If you’re looking for a clean minimalist design, it’s best to keep the counters clear of any unnecessary items.
While it’s okay to have a few decorative items on display, you don’t want your countertops to look cluttered or too busy.
If this is the style you’re going for, then make sure everything has a designated place so that it doesn’t create an unsightly mess.
9. Letting Water And Food Dry On The Laminate Countertop
Finally, another thing that can make your laminate countertops look cheap is letting water and food dry on them.
If you’ve just finished preparing a meal for guests or if the kids are eating over at friends’ houses, these surfaces will inevitably get dirty – but it’s important to wipe up any excess liquid immediately so that it doesn’t cause any damage.
Food can also be a problem, especially if it’s left to dry on the surface. Not only will this make your countertops look dirty and stained, but it can also lead to them becoming cheap-looking, scratched, or damaged over time.
If you’re not able to clean up any messes right away, then make sure you at least wipe them down with a damp cloth so that they’re not left to dry and cause any damage.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are several things that can make your laminate countertops look cheap.
However, by choosing the right color scheme, installing them properly, and keeping the surfaces clean, you can avoid these mistakes and ensure your countertops look expensive.
If you’re planning to have a new kitchen installed, then it’s worth doing some research on the various styles available so that you can find something that suits both your needs and budget.
If you avoid these things, then laminate can look just as good as a natural stone or wood countertop. The key is to choose quality materials and have them professionally installed.
