In St. Louis, laminate counters are just as likely to be cited as the impetus for a kitchen or bathroom remodel as it is to be a part of the remodeling process. Old, bland, stained counters can be an eyesore, certainly, but this doesn't necessarily mean that laminate isn't the answer for your new countertop. Some of the bad rep laminate counters have gotten comes from characteristics that no longer apply to modern laminate counters. Plus, while it's difficult for many homeowners to resist the appeal and pomp of granite counters, laminate are undeniably the most cost-effective countertop on the market.

The New Laminate Countertop in St. Louis
Perhaps the biggest misconception homeowners have about laminate counters is that they can't be stylish. Laminate counters have virtually endless possibilities when it comes to colors, textures, and decorative styles. They can imitate stone or they can be fashioned with any number of bold, colorful looks. They're performing at higher levels than ever before, as well. They won't be able to match stone counters or even most solid surface counters, but newer laminate is at least 20 percent stronger than older laminate material. Moderately scratch and stain resistant, as long as you don't go out of your way to abuse your countertops, there is no reason to think your new laminate counter won't last many, many years and look good doing it.

St. Louis Laminate Countertop Costs
While laminate counters can be beautiful, functional counters, without looking at the price tag, nobody could argue that laminate stands up to stone counters. It's the value of laminate counters that attracts many homeowners. While the average stone counter installation costs about $4,800 and the average solid surface counter costs about $4,300, a comparable laminate counter might cost only about $1,400. This means you could install a laminate counter three times and still not hit the expense of these high-end counters. Larger countertop spaces are likely to see even greater savings, which you can put toward the rest of your kitchen remodel.

St. Louis Laminate Counter Maintenance and Repair
Maintaining a laminate countertop involves little more than most homeowners do everyday. Keep your counter clean and don't let food or drink sit on your counters for days at a time. Don't set scalding hot pots and pans on your counter for more than a couple seconds. If something does go wrong with your laminate counter, replacing the damaged section is a relatively inexpensive project. According to the data we collect every day, the average cost of a laminate counter repair is about $400. Admittedly, this isn't peanuts, but high-end countertops generally can't be repaired at all.

St. Louis Laminate Counter Installation
Another reason to consider laminate counters is the shortened installation time. While high-end counters tend to take two, possibly even three, weeks to install, laminate counters can generally be installed in a week or less. As part of a larger remodeling project, this can generate even more savings than the previous figures suggest. If other subcontractors are delayed in their work or other complications arise, this will affect the cost of the project. Plus, this means an extra week or two in which your kitchen or bathroom is out of commission, a significant hassle.

Of course, any successful countertop installation begins with finding a quality contractor. Too many homeowners head off to Home Depot or Lowe's, assuming these stores will have the best price. The problem arises when the installation fee is tacked on, as these stores are known for overcharging. Maybe they have the price, but often it pays to get estimates from both these huge chain stores and independent contractors. Not only are our professionals prescreened, but you can view our online customer ratings and reviews to see what other St. Louis homeowners have said about individual contractors.