Commonly considered the crown jewel of a kitchen remodel, the choice of your countertop material is one of the most important you'll have during any kitchen or bath remodel. It's easy to gravitate toward high-end materials such as granite and other stone counters, but for the homeowner who seeks value from their remodeling projects, you can't dismiss laminate. No matter where you live in the greater Orlando area, no matter if you're considering a large remodel or a standalone countertop installation, let us help you find the right person for the job.

Orlando Laminate Counter Maintenance and Repair
Laminate counters have gotten a bad rep over the years, but much of the negative attitudes toward laminate no longer apply. The bland colors and textures in your current kitchen won't resemble the number of colorful and visually appealing options you'll have. Plus, laminate manufacturers have put out laminate that is supposedly at least 20 percent stronger than old laminate. You won't be able to use your counter as a cutting board, and you should clean up any spills in a timely manner. Yet, with a little care, there is no reason to believe you can't have a laminate counter for years without any signs of staining or scratching.

And, if something does happen to your laminate counter, the cost of laminate repair tends to be very reasonable. Our data suggests the average repair might cost $400 or less, while stone counters frequently can't be repaired at all.

The Cost of Laminate Counters in Orlando, FL
So, how much do you stand to save? This is a critical question for homeowners on the fence about laminate vs. stone or solid surface counters. In fact, the answer to this question is often what tips the scale. For while the average cost of stone counter installation is about $4,700 and solid surface counter installation is about $4,300, a comparable laminate counter is only going to run you $1,300. Think about that. You can install laminate twice over and still save money on your kitchen counter. With the increased performance and decorative options, laminate makes a lot of sense for a lot of people.

Finally, don't think that home improvement chains will deliver superior laminate for a better price. This homeowner, who completed a $700 laminate countertop installation in Orlando told us, "Home improvement stores are not the way to go. Find an independent contractor." We've heard this sentiment from many homeowners time and time again. Large chains might have buying power, but they also tend to overcharge for installation. At the very least, you should get an estimate from an independent contractor before you run to one of these chains.

Orlando Laminate Counter Installation and Contractors
Another reason to consider, and a major reason for the cost difference, is the installation time associated with laminate counters. The average time to complete an installation is only a week, while more high-end counters can take two or three. When this can make the difference between a kitchen remodel that lasts four weeks and one that lasts six or eight weeks, not only do the savings multiply, but you won't experience anywhere near the same level of hassles and headaches.

When looking for a contractor, consider asking ServiceMagic to help you find the best local contractors out there. Each and every professional in our system is put through a rigorous 10-step screening process that ensures basic industry credentials. More than this, our online database of customer ratings and reviews allows you to see what other Orlando homeowners have said about individual contractors and creates powerful motivation for them to meet and exceed your expectations.