Pros Of Installing The Outdated Countertop Material Gen Zers Actually Prefer

Move over granite and quartz — Gen Z is bringing back the laminate countertop. That's according to a fall 2024 study from Formica, which asked 1,000 homeowners if they would consider using laminate for their countertops. In a noticeable generational divide, 86% of Gen Z homeowners said they would think about using laminate, compared with only 56% of Boomers. Turns out, it's no longer necessary to swap out outdated laminate countertops for a trendier alternative.

Laminate is popular among the nation's youngest homeowners for a few reasons. First, it's budget friendly, especially compared to other countertop materials. Installing it also a straightforward DIY project, especially if you work with preformed countertops, which allows you to avoid paying a professional. Laminate counters are also durable and long-lasting. They resist staining and heat damage better than ever thanks to new manufacturing techniques. Laminate is also increasingly sustainable. Nowadays, many laminates are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which ensures wood products are harvested from responsibly managed forests, made from recycled wood fibers, and free from formaldehyde. 

Compared to other countertop materials, laminate is a bargain. It costs about $14 to $38 per square foot installed, while quartz countertops, for instance, can run about $50 to $200 per square foot installed. According to the Formica study, Gen Z is big on savings, with 94% of Gen Z homeowners reporting they would look for cost-effective alternatives for their homes and renovation projects.

The reduced costs don't mean reduced style, though. Laminate has come a long way aesthetically since your grandparents used it in their outdated 1950s kitchens. Back then, laminate counters were often solid colored and edged with a metal band. Thanks to new manufacturing techniques, laminate edges now can be bullnosed, squared, or waterfall — just like the options with stone countertops. It's also harder than ever to tell what's stone and what's laminate. Modern laminate can also mimic not only the look of higher-priced materials like granite, soapstone, or wood, but also the feel. You can even order laminate countertops in custom colors, custom woodgrain stains, or printed with your own artwork.

Manufacturing advances have made laminate countertops even stronger and more durable than ever before. Even so, there are still things you should avoid doing to prevent damage to your laminate countertops. For one, get into the habit of using a trivet or hot pad. If you place anything over 275 degrees Fahrenheit, like a pot pulled from the oven, on laminate, it will very quickly be damage the surface. Anything over 140 degrees Fahrenheit left on the counter could cause the laminate to lift off the underlying materials. Be careful when using knives, too, and always use a cutting board, or the laminate can scratch. 

Following these tips to extend the life of your laminate countertops can help them last at least 10 to 15 years. Most importantly, you should gently clean these surfaces using a mild soap or detergent mixed with warm water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges with scrubbing fibers, which can scratch or damage the laminate. Over time, laminate might start to dull a bit. Laminate polishes can reinvigorate the laminate and keep it looking like new. If there is a particularly pesky stain, it can usually be treated by gently brushing a mix of baking soda and water on the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Be gentle — harsher products, like acidic cleaners or abrasive pads, can damage the countertops.