The Outdated Bathroom Countertop Trend That's Getting Left Behind For A Good Reason

Bathroom countertop materials continue to evolve endlessly, providing homeowners with more choices than they can probably even register. One of the most affordable countertop materials out there is laminate, which first entered the scene in the '30s and positively took over interiors in the decades following. At the time, the colorful, stain-resistant, and durable possibilities of laminate conquered the hearts of homeowners everywhere. 

Eventually, better-looking, stronger, and similarly affordable options like engineered stone, also known as quartz, began slowly pushing laminate out of homes and designers' good graces. Now, laminate is considered an outdated countertop trend that will make you want to replace yours.

If you have laminate countertops in your bathroom, odds are they are devaluing your home. This material may be affordable, but the low price is usually reflected in its appearance and functionality. Designers and homeowners are generally turned off by its plastic, glossy look and wary of its short lifespan. 

Laminate technology may have developed to provide more realistic stone and wood designs over the years, but at the end of the day, it's still a printed surface that can never truly replicate the three-dimensional texture of real stone. Besides, the most attractive laminate usually comes with a steeper price tag, so you're better off spending a few extra dollars for the more interesting look of quartz or granite. 

Beyond aesthetics, and as easy as it is to clean, laminate has always been known to scratch and chip, as well as be susceptible to burns. Repairs are also nearly impossible, so when the top layer inevitably starts peeling off from water damage or you accidentally place a hot pan directly on it, the entire surface will likely have to be replaced. Even with modern, high-end improvements, laminate still can't match its competitors, some of which, with a little bit of upkeep and care, can last you a lifetime. All of these factors make laminate the low-cost countertop you should consider replacing before you sell your house.