Granite countertops might be holding strong as the most popular countertop material, but it might not be an option for some budget-conscious homeowners. Though laminate is attractive to those watching their budgets, durability should be considered. Countertop experts explain the good and bad about laminate countertops.

“Laminate is one of the most affordable materials available,” says Dewayne Randle of highly rated Irving Counter Top in Irving, Texas. “It’s been around since 1958, and it’s the most popular material on the cheaper end of the scale.”

The Dallas-area countertop installer says laminate countertops can cost as little as $25 per-square-foot, whereas granite could cost as much as $75. But if the price doesn’t convince a homeowner, the wide availability of colors might, as laminate can be ordered to match just about any home interior or desired look.

“You can get laminate in just about any color or pattern you can imagine,” Randle says, noting laminate can even be made to look like other materials. “Now you can get laminate in color ranges and patterns that look just like granite.”

So if you can get the popular look of a granite countertop from a much cheaper material, why doesn’t everyone opt for laminate instead of granite? It could be for the simple fact that with laminate, durability is sacrificed for affordability.

"Laminate countertops are easily damaged, and they aren’t repairable,” says Tom Jeffers, Indianapolis countertop installer at Pioneer Kitchens. “They are not very resistant to heat and scratching.

“Laminate countertops are like four sheets of craft paper pressed together, and then coated with a permanent seal. Once that seal is scratched or damaged in some other way, you get down to the material underneath. Laminate cannot be repaired or resealed, so you’ll end up having to replace the countertop eventually.”

Jeffers says laminate lasts about 10 to 12 years or longer if it’s cared for exceptionally well. Laminate is relatively easy to care for on a day-to-day basis.

“You’ll want to make sure you’re using a non-abrasive cleaner so you don’t scratch the seal, and avoid harsh chemicals like bleach,” Jeffers says.

A common concern among homeowners when doing a remodel is the potential value of their home if they were to place it on the market. If selling is something a homeowner is taking into consideration, Tom recommends an upgrade in the countertops.

“Countertops are something many people look at before they purchase a home,” he explains, “While laminate isn’t a particularly bad thing, it could possibly hurt a sale. I mean, if you have laminate in your kitchen that’s OK, but the buyer might go pick the house down the street that has granite countertops. I think you’re just better off upgrading.”