Laminate vs Quartz Countertops

You plan, dream, and budget for your kitchen remodel years before it becomes a reality. From new appliances to your favorite style of cabinets, you make every decision with care. While every single aspect of your renovation is hand-picked, the kitchen countertop material you choose is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Your countertop material choice determines your HGTV-worthy look, what it’s like to use the kitchen on a daily basis, and the price of the project. Two of the most popular countertop styles are laminate and quartz – two very different materials that are each popular for their own reasons. Since both materials are having their own moment in the spotlight, laminate vs quartz countertops is one of the common questions we answer for our customers. Read our latest blog for the insider details on the most popular countertop materials.

Laminate and Quartz

Countertop colors and rock selections at showroom

You’ll cook on these countertops for decades to come, you’ll proudly tell your friends how you hand-picked the pattern. You need to pick the perfect one.

Laminate countertops and quartz countertops are both fantastic – that’s why we are more than glad to recommend and install each. Laminate is a true 21st century plastic product designed to be inexpensive and strong. On the other hand, quartz countertops are the luxury option, built from real stone upgraded with synthetic fillers.

So, which material takes the crown? Both. Each material has their own advantages and disadvantages – and homeowners need to keep these in mind when deciding between laminate vs quartz countertops.

We’ll break it down for you:

Laminate Pros & Cons

Laminate countertop installed in Lancaster County

Since laminate is man-made, there are a lot of practical advantages to love like the stain-resistance and the bacteria-resistance. Plus, when considering laminate vs quartz countertops, remember that laminate has the best price point, checking in at about half of a quartz countertop’s price.

Pros:

  • Budget-Friendly Price
  • Resistant to Stains like Wine and Coffee
  • Non-Porous Surface Providing Bacteria-Resistance
  • Hides Scratching

Cons:

  • Can Be Burned by Hot Pots or Pans
  • Can Look Worn Sooner, After 15 or 20 Years
  • Doesn’t Have the Same Variety or Beauty as Natural Stone Countertops

When you’re keeping budget in mind, and practicality matters, it’s hard to beat laminate. This countertop material is one of the most popular we install, and homeowners absolutely love it. Plus, this material comes in more styles and is more beautiful than ever before!

 

Quartz Pros & Cons 

Quartz countertop in modern white kitchen

Quartz is probably the most sought-after deluxe countertop material on the market today. This premium countertop combines the natural stone style of granite with the practical advantages of an engineered solution. The high price tag earns a wide variety of practical and aesthetic benefits that make it a popular choice for big budget renovations.

Pros:

  • Showstopping Beauty
  • Non-Porous Surface Providing Bacteria-Resistance
  • Resists Heat from Pots and Pans
  • Low-Maintenance, Long Lifespan Quality

Cons: 

  • High Price Tag
  • Has a Cold, Hard Feel that Some Homeowners Don’t Like

The one-of-a-kind beauty of quartz alone is enough to see why it’s earned massive appeal. Some homeowners even say that the clarity of the quartz stone pattern almost has a 3D look to it.  However, the beauty of this kitchen countertop goes beyond the surface: the long lifespan and ease of ownership make it a great choice – if your budget supports it.

 

Compare Laminate vs Quartz Countertops & More

The best way to decide between laminate vs quartz countertops? See them in person. While we can show you pictures and tell you all about the practical advantages of each, getting hands-on experience with both is your best bet.

Whether you’re in the early stages of planning your kitchen, or you’re getting price quotes, we invite you to visit our design showroom. Here you can explore all of your countertop options as well as discover tons of other options for everything in your kitchen, including cabinets, appliances, and more!

Contact us for your free quote or stop by anytime!

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Quality work! These boys are hard workers and you can tell that they don’t cut corners! We are so delighted with our new windows! Thank you Choice home remodeling! One very happy customer here!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the review Britini! Our team strives for their best and ensuring satisfaction. We are thrilled you had such a positive experience with us.
A huge thank you to the Choice team for making the stress of choosing and installation of new windows and slider door seamless. Each person that we encountered was Professional, knowledgeable, kind, skilled and took Pride in what they do. They did a fantastic job, from protecting the floors, showing kindness to the dog and working in the brutal cold for 3 days and taking the time to show me all I needed to know about these windows and door. I will have them back to do the last door and 2 windows.

Family owned, local business. Thank you. Love the windows/door.
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I had 7 windows and 1 glass replacement installed using Home Choice Remodeling. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a quality company. I needed windows that were good quality but not extremely expensive. I learned about Okna windows from the salesperson - I had never heard of them before. I am glad I listened because they were very affordable and are much higher quality than my current windows. During install day, the crew was very respectful and were in and out in much less time than I expected. They laid drop cloths down and made sure to leave the space exactly as they found it. I am cvery happy with the results. Great company!
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Beautiful custom Pella windows in my historical family cottage. Thank you to Evan Kratz and crew for the loving care they gave the place!
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