How much do laminate countertops cost?
How much do laminate countertops cost?
$20 – $80 average cost per square foot installed
$600 – $3,200 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Cost of laminate countertops
The average cost of laminate countertops is $600 to $3,200 total or $20 to $80 per square foot with installation. Material prices are $10 to $50 per square foot, while labor costs are $10 to $30 per square foot. Antimicrobial and high-durability laminates are popular, affordable choices for kitchen countertops.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $400 – $2,400 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $600 – $3,200 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $800 – $4,800 |
Laminate countertop prices per square foot
Laminate countertop prices are $10 to $50 per square foot for materials only, depending on the type and quality. Laminate comes in many different patterns, colors, edges, and finishes, including some that mimic the look and texture of granite or wood.
| Laminate type | Price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Standard horizontal grade finish | $10 – $15 |
| Antimicrobial finish | $15 – $30 |
| High-durability / high-definition finish | $20 – $50 |
*Not including installation.
Be sure the countertop and backsplash complement each other. Bold colors or patterns work best when paired with subdued patterns or tones.
Laminate countertop prices by brand
| Brand | Material prices per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Arborite | $10 – $30 |
| Pionite | $10 – $30 |
| Formica countertop cost | $10 – $40 |
| Wilsonart | $20 – $40 |
*Not including installation.
Laminate countertops installation cost
| Item | Cost per square foot | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate materials | $10 – $50 | $300 – $2,000 |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $10 – $30 | $300 – $1,200 |
| Total cost to install | $20 – $80 | $600 – $3,200 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Material quality and style – Kitchen surfaces may benefit from antimicrobial or scuff-free finishes. Laminate that looks like granite or premium materials often costs more than basic designs.
Custom vs. prefabricated – Custom countertops cost more than prefabricated counters but are ideal for countertops with unique shapes or complex angles.
Removal – Many contractors include the cost to remove and dispose of the old countertop, while some charge $10 to $15 per square foot for removal.
Substrate – Laminate countertops are made of a plastic sheet and a substrate made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood. MDF often costs more than plywood.
Permits –A bathroom or kitchen remodel permit costs $200 to $1,500 and is required for structural, electrical, plumbing changes. Some cities may not require a permit for replacing an existing countertop.
Labor cost to install laminate countertops
The labor cost to install laminate countertops is $10 to $30 per square foot and may include:
Cutouts – Contractors cut holes in countertop materials for a sink, faucet, or cooktop. Some prefab countertops come with pre-cut holes.
Backsplash – Adding a matching backsplash or end splash costs extra. A traditional tile backsplash costs $10 to $50 per square foot installed.
Plumbing – Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour. A plumber may need to disconnect and reconnect the water line.
New sink – The cost to remove and replace a sink is $380 to $1,400 for a kitchen sink or $280 to $1,200 for a bathroom sink.
Faucet install – The cost to replace a faucet is $600 to $2,000 for a kitchen or $150 to $700 for a bathroom, including labor and materials.
Warranty – Most contractors include a warranty for defects in workmanship.
Laminate countertop edge options
Laminate countertop edge design costs $5 to $30 per linear foot, depending on the style. Square and no-drip edges are the cheapest, while Ogee and Dupont are the most expensive options.
Square edges are standard and free or charge.
No-drip edges are slightly raised to stop small spills.
Eased edges are rounded or "softened" square edges.
Full bullnose edges are completely rounded.
Half bullnose edges are rounded on top and flat on the bottom.
Ogee edges have ornate concave and convex arching on top.
Dupont edges have a square dip followed by a tapered point.
Cost to install laminate countertops by location
| Surface | Square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter | 20 – 30 | $400 – $2,400 |
| Average kitchen counter | 30 – 40 | $600 – $3,200 |
| Kitchen island | 16 – 20 | $320 – $1,600 |
| Small kitchen island | 10 – 12 | $200 – $960 |
| Bathroom vanity top | 5 – 8 | $100 – $650 |
| Bar top | 4 – 6 | $80 – $480 |
Pros & cons of laminate countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Laminate countertops cost vs. other options
Laminate countertops cost $600 to $3,200, including materials and installation, which is less than the average cost of countertop installation. In comparison, solid surface countertops cost $1,500 to $6,000 installed.
However, laminate countertops typically don't provide the same appeal or return on investment (ROI) as quartz, granite, solid surface, or other materials.
Laminate counters FAQs
What are laminate countertops?
Laminate countertops are made of a thin sheet of plastic layered over plywood, particleboard, or medium density fiberboard (MDF).
How long do laminate countertops last?
Laminate countertops last 10 to 20 years on average with correct installation and proper care.
Can you put laminate over laminate countertops?
Yes, you can put a new layer of laminate over an existing laminate countertop after proper preparation. This process is called countertop resurfacing or refinishing.
Can laminate countertops be repaired or resurfaced?
Yes, laminate countertops can be repaired or resurfaced, depending on the amount of damage.
Repair small scratches or chips with laminate repair paste or a repair pen in a matching color.
If the plastic layer of laminate separates from the plywood below it, use glue designed specifically for laminate counters to re-adhere it.
Resurface or refinish a laminate countertop by sanding the old surface and applying paint or epoxy coating or cover the surface with tile.
Where to buy laminate countertops
You can buy laminate countertops online or at hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
Who installs laminate countertops?
A professional countertop installer or handyman can install a laminate countertop.
Getting estimates from laminate countertop installers
Before hiring countertop installation pros near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Look for a company specializing in laminate countertops.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Check out their portfolio of similar countertop installations.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How many laminate countertops have you installed in the past year?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What does the estimate include?
What additional costs can I expect?
Does this installation require a permit? If so, will you handle it?
How long will the project take?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it include?