How Much Do Laminate Countertops Cost?

Laminate Countertop Cost Factors

Laminate countertop prices will depend on factors like the type of laminate you choose, the shape and size of the installation area, and whether additional labor is required to remove old countertops.

Type of Laminate

Laminate countertops are sometimes thought of as plastic. Though they have the same sleek, clean, and modern appearance, they’re actually made of several paper layers covered with a protective melamine resin top layer. These countertops are light, wallet-friendly, and easy to work with, often designed to look like more expensive solid materials such as wood, marble, or granite.

Aside from the variety of patterns, colors, and edging options, different types of laminate countertops include different surface coatings to add function and durability. For example, while standard laminate countertops only cost $10 to $15 per square foot, you’ll pay up to $30 per square foot for an antimicrobial finish or up to $40 per square foot for a scuff-free, high-durability finish.

Supplemental Material

Expect to pay between $30 and $60 for supplemental materials, including silicone glue and mounting screws. If you hire a countertop installer near you, they typically include the cost of these materials in their estimate.

Tools

If you’re installing kitchen countertops yourself, you’ll need to prepare the countertop area and have a few tools, such as a jigsaw, drill, straight edge, clamps, chalk gun, belt sander, screwdriver, and tape measure. If you don’t have these already, you can borrow, rent, or buy them.

Countertop Size and Complexity

The length and width of your countertops impact the price of the material and the time it takes to install. If you have a complex design, such as a kitchen with many corners or turns, the cost of labor will go up since it’ll take more time to cut and install the laminate.

Labor Costs

Expect to pay $30 to $40 per square foot to hire a pro for laminate countertop installation.

Removing Old Countertops

If you need to remove your old kitchen countertops before installing your laminate, expect to add $500 to $800 to the total countertop installation cost for a pro to handle removal and disposal.

Edge Options

Standard laminate countertops will come with a sharp-cornered square edge. However, you have a variety of options when it comes to edge design, each with its own price range.

• Square: A flat edge with sharp, square corners; no additional cost

• No-drip: A slightly raised edge that stops small spills; adds $5–$7 per linear ft.

• Eased: A slightly softened square edge; adds $5–7 per linear ft.

• Full bullnose: A completely rounded edge; adds $7–$10 per linear ft.

• Half bullnose: A rounded top edge with a square bottom; adds $7–$10 per linear ft.

• Ogee: A long, sharp top edge with a long bottom curve; adds $10–$20 per linear ft.

• Dupont: A short, sharp top edge with a short bottom curve; adds $10–$20 per linear ft.

Enhancements and Improvements

You can do several other enhancement and improvement projects while installing new laminate countertops. For example, $1,000 is the average cost of a kitchen or bathroom backsplash, which you can add at the same time as your countertops to update the look of your entire room at once.

Most countertops include a sink cutout, though you must purchase the sink separately. Sink installation costs between $220 and $610. If you’re removing an existing countertop to install laminate, you’ll have to pay to replace countertops, usually a flat rate of $50 to $300.

Laminate Countertop Cost per Square Foot

It costs $40 to $80 per square foot to install laminate, including materials and labor. Higher-end laminate and complex kitchen layouts cost more. Laminate countertop materials alone can cost anywhere from $10 to $40 per square foot.

Laminate Countertop Costs by Room

You can install laminate countertops in various rooms throughout the home, including bathrooms and both indoor and outdoor kitchens. Prices will vary between each space based on the average size of the countertop and the specific considerations these different settings require.

Kitchen

Laminate kitchen countertops cost $600 to $2,400 on average. The higher costs are due to the amount of space kitchen countertops use up. Most kitchens have 30 to 40 square feet of countertops, depending on the kitchen size and whether it has an island or peninsula. The cost to remodel a kitchen also increases if you install a sink or backsplash.

Bathroom

Laminate bathroom countertops cost $120 to $720 on average. Most bathrooms only need between 6 and 12 square feet of counter space, depending on whether it’s a main or guest bathroom. Laminate bathroom countertops must also be high quality and resist moisture and delamination. Consider these factors as you estimate the cost to remodel a bathroom.

Outdoor

If you’re installing laminate countertops in an outdoor kitchen, expect to pay $240 to $1,200 on average. Like in bathrooms, outdoor laminate countertops need to be able to handle moisture. You can help them last longer by installing them in a covered or protected area, such as beneath a pavilion or on a covered porch.

Average Cost of Laminate Countertops by Location

The cost to install laminate countertops ranges depending on the local material costs and labor prices in your region.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops come with their fair share of pros and cons. Read below to gauge whether this countertop material is right for your home and needs.

Pros of Laminate Countertops

• Affordable materials and installation labor compared to other materials

• Simple installation that can be done as a DIY with the right experience

• Low maintenance with no required sealing or special cleaners

• Able to resist scratches, scuffs, and bacteria

Cons of Laminate Countertops

• Crack easily, especially around the edges

• Can warp and bubble on the surface when exposed to excess moisture

• Don’t have the same depth of appearance as wood or stone

• Don’t add to your home resale value

• Not eco-friendly and can’t be recycled

• Shorter life span than other countertop materials

DIY vs. Hiring a Laminate Countertop Pro

The cost to hire a laminate countertop pro ranges from $30 to $40 per square foot on top of the cost of materials, for a total of $40 to $80 per square foot. This doesn’t include the cost of additional finishing or the cost to mount a sink.

Countertop installation requires careful measuring and accuracy. It’s best to pay for the delivery of your countertops, as they can break if transported incorrectly. Delivery costs depend on the vendor and how far they need to travel. 

Cost to Install Laminate Countertops Yourself

If you’re an experienced DIY-er, you may be able to install laminate countertops yourself. It’ll take a day or two, and it can be helpful to have another person assist you. You’ll need tools and additional supplies like silicone glue and mounting screws.

You’ll save $30 to $40 per square foot if you do the installation yourself. But hiring a local laminate countertop installer can save you time and ensure accurate installation. Countertops that are even and level will last longer and look better in the long run.

FAQs

Is installing laminate countertops easy?

Installing laminate countertops is moderate in difficulty and takes one to two full days for an experienced DIY-er. You’ll need the right tools and time to measure and install the countertops correctly. 

Can you put laminate over laminate countertops?

Yes, you can put laminate over laminate countertops, but it requires preparing the surface and carefully applying the new laminate. Precision and time are essential to installing laminate countertops that look beautiful and last with everyday use. 

Is laminate countertop cheaper than granite?

Yes, laminate countertops are less expensive than granite countertops by about $30 to $60 per square foot. The cost of labor to install granite is also more expensive due to the weight of the material. Installing granite countertops costs $35 to $85 per hour, while installing laminate countertops ranges from $30 to $40 per hour. 

What is the difference between laminate and Formica countertops?

Formica is a brand of laminate countertops. Premium edges like Formica IdealEdge and premium finishes like Crystal and Natural Grain can increase the price of materials. Formica has two top-selling lines: the 180fx (a marble pattern) and Premiumfx (available in five finishes). Other popular manufacturers of laminate countertops include Pionite and Wilsonart. 

How do you change laminate countertops without removing them?

You can paint, tile, or put a layer of concrete over your laminate countertops if you don’t want to remove them. Take caution with these projects to ensure the final result is smooth and holds up to everyday wear and tear.

What are the pros and cons of laminate countertops?

How do you remove stains from laminate countertops?

You can apply a homemade cleaning solution to remove stains from laminate countertops. Mix baking soda and water to create a paste, then leave it on the stain for about five minutes. Don’t scrub the paste, as baking soda is abrasive. Remove the paste using a soft, damp cloth. Repeat this process as often as needed if the stain isn’t gone after your first try.