Decor decisions can make upgrading your kitchen a challenge. That includes selecting a kitchen countertop material to suit your style and needs.
There are several materials to select from, including granite, laminate, quartz, and stainless steel. The two most popular are laminate and quartz.
Although both are durable, beautiful and luxurious, there are big differences between them. For example, quartz is easy to maintain and scratch-resistant, while laminate is versatile and affordable.
In this post, we discuss the key reasons why quartz countertops are a better choice than laminate ones for your Mississauga kitchen.
Let’s get started.
Reasons for Choosing Quartz Countertops Over Laminate for Your Mississauga-Area Home
Laminate and quartz are very different kitchen countertop materials. Below are the key reasons for choosing the latter.
1. Durability
Compared to laminate, quartz countertops are nearly indestructible. This is because they have a unique composition of nearly 90% quartz and 10% binding polymers and coloured pigments. Their high quartz content makes these countertops hard, long-lasting, and a great countertop material for kitchens, where scratches and spills are common. That means you may use quartz countertops for years without worrying about cracks, scratches, or chips.
Laminate countertops are made up of layers of synthetic resins and kraft paper. They employ broad particleboards slab that is not properly visible as it is mostly covered with thin laminate. Although laminate is resistant to heat and staining, it will stain whenever spills are not wiped up quickly, or display burn marks when hot pans are left unattended. By contrast, the durability of quartz makes it a better option for high-traffic kitchens.
2. Look and Feel
If you want your countertop to imitate the look of a stone such as marble during the kitchen redesign in your Mississauga home, then quartz is a great choice. Premium laminate can also mimic the look of natural stones like granite or marble but not as precisely as quartz. This is because quartz has a visual depth that laminate is devoid of.
When it comes to colours, laminate countertops are available in a wide range of solid shades, vibrant oranges and soft whites to rich blacks and greys. However, quartz has a range of both solid colours and flecked ones.
3. Repair and Maintenance
As neither quartz nor laminate needs refinishing or sealing, they are low-maintenance materials. In order to keep them clean, just wipe them using mild soap and water.
While laminate countertops are beautiful and cost-effective, they are susceptible to staining, so you need to wipe up stains quickly. Moreover, laminate countertops can develop gouges or scratches with regular use. And since they cannot be refinished, replacement becomes the only choice.
Quartz countertops are easier and faster to repair because of their uniform patterning. Moreover, quartz is unlikely to chip or break.
4. Pricing
The price difference between quartz and laminate countertops is significant, with quartz nearly double that of laminate.
Though laminate countertops are more affordable, quartz is worth the investment as it will look new for many years and requires little maintenance. So, the initial price is higher but it is a better investment considering its long-term advantages.
5. Add Value to Your Property
Laminate countertops are more affordable, but quartz kitchen countertops are more durable and attractive to enhance your home’s resale value. That’s why prospective homeowners may want a home with quartz countertops. In fact, their visual appeal and strength is an important selling points for those who want to enhance their property’s resale value.
Quartz kitchen countertops are a better choice over laminate for your Mississauga home as they are longer-lasting and call for less maintenance. These countertops withstand heat, stains, and scratches and offer a modern and stylish appearance that can add value to your space. On the other hand, laminate countertops cost less but don’t last as long. They also need more frequent replacement or repairs. Are you looking for top-quality quartz or granite countertops at affordable pricing? Get in touch with Cabinets & Granite Direct. Our experts will help you to create a functional and beautiful kitchen.