Top-rated laminate countertops installers.

Get matched with top laminate countertops installers in Arlington, VA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Laminate countertops installers in Arlington

Avatar for LLugo, LLC

LLugo, LLC

3850 S Four Mile Run Dr
4.78(
52
)
Approved Pro

LLugo, LLC

3850 S Four Mile Run Dr
4.78(
52
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 94% of Angi customers
Recommended by 94% of HomeAdvisor customers
12 years of experience

When you invite us into your home, you’re not just hiring a builder you’re trusting us with the space where your life happens. We take that seriously. Every project begins with listening, understanding your priorities, and planning. Our Class “A” Licensed team combines craftsmanship with clear communication, so you always know what’s happening, why it matters, and how it benefits you. The result isn’t just a finished project it’s a lasting upgrade that feels right because it was built with care. We don’t aim to be a one-time contractor. Our goal is to be the team you call again and again because we earn your trust with every detail. See the kind of work we’re known for: https://www.instagram.com/llugollc

"They are a great group, it was a bit expensive but it was not their fault"

Jelean S on August 2023

When you invite us into your home, you’re not just hiring a builder you’re trusting us with the space where your life happens. We take that seriously. Every project begins with listening, understanding your priorities, and planning. Our Class “A” Licensed team combines craftsmanship with clear communication, so you always know what’s happening, why it matters, and how it benefits you. The result isn’t just a finished project it’s a lasting upgrade that feels right because it was built with care. We don’t aim to be a one-time contractor. Our goal is to be the team you call again and again because we earn your trust with every detail. See the kind of work we’re known for: https://www.instagram.com/llugollc

"They are a great group, it was a bit expensive but it was not their fault"

Jelean S on August 2023


Avatar for BasementRemodeling.com

BasementRemodeling.com

1680 E Gude Dr
4.75(
256
)
Approved Pro

BasementRemodeling.com

1680 E Gude Dr
4.75(
256
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 92% of Angi customers
Recommended by 92% of HomeAdvisor customers
116 local quotes requested

BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.

"To the entire team, please allow me to express my gratitude, appreciation and extreme satisfaction with your high quality work. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcomes. The team was kind, professional and supportive throughout the entire process. We encountered a challenge with water intrusion from our basement door, and the team was flexible to accommodate troubleshooting with our basement waterproofing team, which allowed us to define the root cause and work to find a solution. The brief delay was unavoidable and the team repaired the area that required deconstruction quickly with high quality. They were also collaborative with our basement waterproofing vendor to ensure we maintained proper water protection. We absolutely recommend the Basement Remodeling team to anyone looking to create a beautiful basement space in their home. From start to finish we felt valued and were treated extraordinarily well."

Kelly L on June 2025

BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.

"To the entire team, please allow me to express my gratitude, appreciation and extreme satisfaction with your high quality work. We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcomes. The team was kind, professional and supportive throughout the entire process. We encountered a challenge with water intrusion from our basement door, and the team was flexible to accommodate troubleshooting with our basement waterproofing team, which allowed us to define the root cause and work to find a solution. The brief delay was unavoidable and the team repaired the area that required deconstruction quickly with high quality. They were also collaborative with our basement waterproofing vendor to ensure we maintained proper water protection. We absolutely recommend the Basement Remodeling team to anyone looking to create a beautiful basement space in their home. From start to finish we felt valued and were treated extraordinarily well."

Kelly L on June 2025


Avatar for Click Construction Remodeling LLC

Click Construction Remodeling LLC

43478 Blacksmith Sqr
4.87(
39
)
Approved Pro

Click Construction Remodeling LLC

43478 Blacksmith Sqr
4.87(
39
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Terrific value
Recommended by 94% of Angi customers
Recommended by 94% of HomeAdvisor customers
494 local quotes requested

WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF BUILDING EXPERIENCE AND FULLY INSURED OUR DEDICATION TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND COMPLIANCE IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY. WE SPECIALIZE IN THE FOLLOWING SERVICES. KITCHENS, BATHROOMS FULL OR PARTIAL, BASEMENT REMODELING. INTERIOR WALL REMOVALS AND ROOM EXPANSIONS. WE CARRY ALL TYPES OF FLOORING FROM TILE TO HARDWOOD. WE ALSO DO DECKS, SCREENED PORCHES AND EXTERIOR TRIM AND A FULL LINE OF SIDING PRODUCTS. OUR REPLACEMENT WINDOW AND DOOR DIVISION OFFERS OVER 20 BRAND NAME REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND WE ARE A DEALER FOR PROVIA DOORS. IF YOU DON'T SEE THE SERVICE YOU NEED PLEASE CALL AND ASK. OUR HANDYMAN SERVICE OFFERS HALF AND FULL DAY RATES. CLICK CONSTRUCTION, ALWAYS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

"Click did a great job updating our kitchen and sunroom. Both rooms were last renovated in the 1970's and definitely needed some attention. Alan listened to our requests, made recommendations, and brought the whole thing together. My family left town for duration of the work and Alan did a good job communicating and sending pictures. Work was completed on schedule and within budget even with the unexpected things you find in an older home. Highly recommended."

Steven Q on December 2020

WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF BUILDING EXPERIENCE AND FULLY INSURED OUR DEDICATION TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND COMPLIANCE IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY. WE SPECIALIZE IN THE FOLLOWING SERVICES. KITCHENS, BATHROOMS FULL OR PARTIAL, BASEMENT REMODELING. INTERIOR WALL REMOVALS AND ROOM EXPANSIONS. WE CARRY ALL TYPES OF FLOORING FROM TILE TO HARDWOOD. WE ALSO DO DECKS, SCREENED PORCHES AND EXTERIOR TRIM AND A FULL LINE OF SIDING PRODUCTS. OUR REPLACEMENT WINDOW AND DOOR DIVISION OFFERS OVER 20 BRAND NAME REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND WE ARE A DEALER FOR PROVIA DOORS. IF YOU DON'T SEE THE SERVICE YOU NEED PLEASE CALL AND ASK. OUR HANDYMAN SERVICE OFFERS HALF AND FULL DAY RATES. CLICK CONSTRUCTION, ALWAYS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

"Click did a great job updating our kitchen and sunroom. Both rooms were last renovated in the 1970's and definitely needed some attention. Alan listened to our requests, made recommendations, and brought the whole thing together. My family left town for duration of the work and Alan did a good job communicating and sending pictures. Work was completed on schedule and within budget even with the unexpected things you find in an older home. Highly recommended."

Steven Q on December 2020


Avatar for Xtra Care Landscaping & Design INC

Xtra Care Landscaping & Design INC

8511 Gue Rd
4.79(
214
)
Approved Pro

Xtra Care Landscaping & Design INC

8511 Gue Rd
4.79(
214
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 92% of Angi customers
Recommended by 92% of HomeAdvisor customers
1611 local quotes requested

We understand how important it is to have confidence in the people who design your landscape. We have a friendly staff of highly creative and capable people, and we pride ourselves in our excellent service recognized around DC area, Maryland and Virginia. That’s how we’ve built our business throughout more than 18 years and mostly through referrals. For more than a decade, Xtra Care Landscaping & Design, Inc, has provided professional lawn and yard maintenance as well as comprehensive landscaping design-build services to residential and commercial clients throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area.Whether you choose mowing and edging, artificial turf or mulching our competitive pricing and professional service is among the best in the area, and be sure to ask about our complete landscape design-build services guaranteed to blend your home or office seamlessly into it’s natural surroundings. Call us for any of the listed services: Yard & Maintenance, Hardscaping, Sprinkler Systems, Lighting, Artificial Turf, Decks, Landscape Design, Going Green, Concrete Art, Or Commercial Maintenance!

"Great job. Knowledgeable and professional"

Keith M on September 2025

We understand how important it is to have confidence in the people who design your landscape. We have a friendly staff of highly creative and capable people, and we pride ourselves in our excellent service recognized around DC area, Maryland and Virginia. That’s how we’ve built our business throughout more than 18 years and mostly through referrals. For more than a decade, Xtra Care Landscaping & Design, Inc, has provided professional lawn and yard maintenance as well as comprehensive landscaping design-build services to residential and commercial clients throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area.Whether you choose mowing and edging, artificial turf or mulching our competitive pricing and professional service is among the best in the area, and be sure to ask about our complete landscape design-build services guaranteed to blend your home or office seamlessly into it’s natural surroundings. Call us for any of the listed services: Yard & Maintenance, Hardscaping, Sprinkler Systems, Lighting, Artificial Turf, Decks, Landscape Design, Going Green, Concrete Art, Or Commercial Maintenance!

"Great job. Knowledgeable and professional"

Keith M on September 2025


Avatar for First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

7154 Montevideo Rd
4.69(
118
)
Approved Pro

First Impression Hardscapes, LLC

7154 Montevideo Rd
4.69(
118
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
1313 local quotes requested
15 years of experience

First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.

"Prompt service. We are very happy with the quality of work. We would hire them again."

Jesse T on May 2025

First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.

"Prompt service. We are very happy with the quality of work. We would hire them again."

Jesse T on May 2025


Avatar for Ossa Contracting Group

Ossa Contracting Group

5801 Pamela Dr
5.00(
4
)
Approved Pro

Ossa Contracting Group

5801 Pamela Dr
5.00(
4
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
309 local quotes requested

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of quality interior and exterior carpentry, deckbuilding, home addition and structural services. We can also help with home repairs including painting, drywall and other smaller projects around the home. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details of each and every project with which we are involved. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"If I could give this company a 6 out of 5 stars I would! They did a fantastic job overhauling my mother's deck, back patio, fencing, and front portico. All of the work was absolutely essential for safety and structural reasons, and I'm so glad I chose OSSA to do the work. My mother has Alzheimer's, which presented additional issues, but the entire crew was incredibly kind, respectful, and understanding of the unique challenges they faced. They were responsive and kept me aware of everything regarding the job along the way. My mother is so pleased, and I have the peace of mind that all of her outdoor space is safe, beautiful, and accessible. I will be hiring OSSA to do some work in my own home, as I look to make necessary improvements in the future. I've told everyone I know how how wonderful they are. 6 out of 5 stars!"

Traci L on February 2025

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of quality interior and exterior carpentry, deckbuilding, home addition and structural services. We can also help with home repairs including painting, drywall and other smaller projects around the home. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details of each and every project with which we are involved. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"If I could give this company a 6 out of 5 stars I would! They did a fantastic job overhauling my mother's deck, back patio, fencing, and front portico. All of the work was absolutely essential for safety and structural reasons, and I'm so glad I chose OSSA to do the work. My mother has Alzheimer's, which presented additional issues, but the entire crew was incredibly kind, respectful, and understanding of the unique challenges they faced. They were responsive and kept me aware of everything regarding the job along the way. My mother is so pleased, and I have the peace of mind that all of her outdoor space is safe, beautiful, and accessible. I will be hiring OSSA to do some work in my own home, as I look to make necessary improvements in the future. I've told everyone I know how how wonderful they are. 6 out of 5 stars!"

Traci L on February 2025


Avatar for City Renovations & Remodeling LLC

City Renovations & Remodeling LLC

938 E Swann Creek Rd
4.06(
303
)
Approved Pro

City Renovations & Remodeling LLC

938 E Swann Creek Rd
4.06(
303
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
1032 local quotes requested
38 years of experience

City Renovations & Remodeling, LLC, a Professional Design Build company, with one simple concept in mind, “We Create Your Thoughts”. Michael Wiggs, founder and CEO, believes in providing customers with a one of a kind design and remodeling experience. This approach gives our customers the opportunity to custom design their own masterpiece and watch as CITY makes their dreams a reality. City Renovations & Remodeling, LLC is a licensed, bonded, and insured company serving the DC metropolitan area for over 18 years. We offer kitchen renovations and remodeling, bathroom renovations and remodeling, additions, decks, finished basements, driveways and much more. CITY offers quality home improvement projects using quality materials backed by a five-year warranty in most cases. Call us today at 1-888-630-CITY (2489) to see what we can do for you. Or Email us at city@cityrenovations.net

"Although we wound up going with a different contractor, the folks at City Renovations were fantastic. They were very responsive, checked in to see if we had questions, and their process for allowing customers to monitor jobs seemed top-notch. Mike and Simone were both wonderful. Although we did not use City Renovations this time, we are keeping them at the top of our list for future renovations as well as smaller jobs."

Jen G on December 2019

City Renovations & Remodeling, LLC, a Professional Design Build company, with one simple concept in mind, “We Create Your Thoughts”. Michael Wiggs, founder and CEO, believes in providing customers with a one of a kind design and remodeling experience. This approach gives our customers the opportunity to custom design their own masterpiece and watch as CITY makes their dreams a reality. City Renovations & Remodeling, LLC is a licensed, bonded, and insured company serving the DC metropolitan area for over 18 years. We offer kitchen renovations and remodeling, bathroom renovations and remodeling, additions, decks, finished basements, driveways and much more. CITY offers quality home improvement projects using quality materials backed by a five-year warranty in most cases. Call us today at 1-888-630-CITY (2489) to see what we can do for you. Or Email us at city@cityrenovations.net

"Although we wound up going with a different contractor, the folks at City Renovations were fantastic. They were very responsive, checked in to see if we had questions, and their process for allowing customers to monitor jobs seemed top-notch. Mike and Simone were both wonderful. Although we did not use City Renovations this time, we are keeping them at the top of our list for future renovations as well as smaller jobs."

Jen G on December 2019


Avatar for Ultimate Remodel LLC

Ultimate Remodel LLC

5703 General Washington Dr
4.85(
198
)
Approved Pro

Ultimate Remodel LLC

5703 General Washington Dr
4.85(
198
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 95% of Angi customers
Recommended by 95% of HomeAdvisor customers
568 local quotes requested

Owner operated full service design, build & remodeling company. We specialize in custom homes, kitchens, bathrooms and whole house renovations. What makes us successful and one of the most profitable boutique companies is, excellent communication skills and having the owner on job site!!!

"Tunch, Alex, and his team did a great job with our remodel. They were on time in the mornings and did all they could every day. He provided pictures of items for us to choose from and we were also able to select from his showroom. They also came back to touch up some things we wanted. They did a great job and we're really happy with the results. We would definitely hire them again in the future."

Irma A on August 2025

Owner operated full service design, build & remodeling company. We specialize in custom homes, kitchens, bathrooms and whole house renovations. What makes us successful and one of the most profitable boutique companies is, excellent communication skills and having the owner on job site!!!

"Tunch, Alex, and his team did a great job with our remodel. They were on time in the mornings and did all they could every day. He provided pictures of items for us to choose from and we were also able to select from his showroom. They also came back to touch up some things we wanted. They did a great job and we're really happy with the results. We would definitely hire them again in the future."

Irma A on August 2025


Avatar for Z&O CONSTRUCTION LLC.

Z&O CONSTRUCTION LLC.

1800 N Oak St
4.98(
59
)
Approved Pro

Z&O CONSTRUCTION LLC.

1800 N Oak St
4.98(
59
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
783 local quotes requested

For the quickest response, please call us directly. We are specializing in residential services including: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling, Flooring, Granite Counter top installation, Full Basement Remodeling, Painting, Deck, I am Oral Aydogdu. My wife, Fatma Zehra Aydogdu and I are the owners of this business. I have been in construction business since 2003 and have completed many projects with my in house employees. Free estimates provided so please give us a call today!

"Very easy to go and friendly service. My husband was the more relaxed person in the process and I was the more fine tuning customer. Oral and his team would answer both our texts, phone calls, emails, and questions. We wanted our kitchen redone under a certain budget amount while expanding it and arranging the dishwasher. The concept renderings were nicely done and changes made to things I liked and didn't like. As customers though we weren't super fussy (at least I like to think so) and settled on white cabinets with a white/grey backsplash and white/grey counter....which seems to be the 'in' style. Picking out the cabinets and countertop was easily done at their warehouse in Alexandria, same with the back splash tiles. It was hard to imagine was it would be like when finished, but we are more than thrilled with the end result. We went from a super cramped 1980's kitchen layout to a bigger, more streamlined kitchen."

Scott L on November 2021

For the quickest response, please call us directly. We are specializing in residential services including: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling, Flooring, Granite Counter top installation, Full Basement Remodeling, Painting, Deck, I am Oral Aydogdu. My wife, Fatma Zehra Aydogdu and I are the owners of this business. I have been in construction business since 2003 and have completed many projects with my in house employees. Free estimates provided so please give us a call today!

"Very easy to go and friendly service. My husband was the more relaxed person in the process and I was the more fine tuning customer. Oral and his team would answer both our texts, phone calls, emails, and questions. We wanted our kitchen redone under a certain budget amount while expanding it and arranging the dishwasher. The concept renderings were nicely done and changes made to things I liked and didn't like. As customers though we weren't super fussy (at least I like to think so) and settled on white cabinets with a white/grey backsplash and white/grey counter....which seems to be the 'in' style. Picking out the cabinets and countertop was easily done at their warehouse in Alexandria, same with the back splash tiles. It was hard to imagine was it would be like when finished, but we are more than thrilled with the end result. We went from a super cramped 1980's kitchen layout to a bigger, more streamlined kitchen."

Scott L on November 2021


Avatar for East Coast Landscape Design

East Coast Landscape Design

2000 SPENCERVILLE ROAD
4.59(
139
)
Approved Pro

East Coast Landscape Design

2000 SPENCERVILLE ROAD
4.59(
139
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
938 local quotes requested
46 years of experience

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING. East Coast creates inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, water features and drainage solutions that bring beauty, new outdoor experiences and exceptional value to your life and home. SPECIALIZING IN: Patios, walkways, driveways, landscaping, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, drainage and erosion control (including eco-friendly permeable pavers, dry riverbeds and rain gardens through RainScapes and RiverSmart rebate programs). TRUSTED: Employees drug tested and background checked. License #42490. Insurance #Q89-0102236-M. ADDITIONAL EMAIL: mark@eclandscapedesign.com

"that Roberto and the crew did a great job on the retaining wall and driveway. The workmanship was excellent, and Roberto accommodated my every request for alterations in the design without question. In addition, his suggestions contributed to creating the finished product that I had envisioned."

Robert R on February 2025

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LIVING. East Coast creates inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, water features and drainage solutions that bring beauty, new outdoor experiences and exceptional value to your life and home. SPECIALIZING IN: Patios, walkways, driveways, landscaping, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, drainage and erosion control (including eco-friendly permeable pavers, dry riverbeds and rain gardens through RainScapes and RiverSmart rebate programs). TRUSTED: Employees drug tested and background checked. License #42490. Insurance #Q89-0102236-M. ADDITIONAL EMAIL: mark@eclandscapedesign.com

"that Roberto and the crew did a great job on the retaining wall and driveway. The workmanship was excellent, and Roberto accommodated my every request for alterations in the design without question. In addition, his suggestions contributed to creating the finished product that I had envisioned."

Robert R on February 2025

...
Showing 1-10 of 868
FAQs for laminate countertops installation projects in Arlington, VA

With the right care and a professional installation, laminate counters last 10 to 15 years. Wipe up spills quickly, clean with a nonabrasive product, and keep hot pots off the surface to prevent warping or scorch marks. Limiting prolonged moisture at seams also pays off. Your installer can walk you through simple maintenance habits that will help you squeeze every year out of your new counters.

Yes—if the existing laminate is solid and level, a pro can bond a fresh sheet right on top. They’ll rough up the old surface, apply the correct adhesive, and make precise cuts so the new layer sits tight. Skipping steps can lead to bubbles or weak seams, so this project is best left to an experienced installer who has the tools to deliver a clean, durable finish.

Absolutely, you can give tired laminate a facelift with paint, tile, or a concrete overlay instead of a full tear-out. The key is thorough prep: clean, degrease, and lightly sand so the new finish sticks. 

Follow the product instructions for primer, sealers, and cure times, or hire a pro if you’d rather avoid the mess. When done correctly, these updates freshen the look and add a few more years of useful life.

Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a paste, then spread it over the stain and let it sit for five minutes. Wipe away with a soft, damp cloth—don’t scrub, as abrasives can dull the surface. Repeat if needed. For stubborn marks, ask your installer about cleaners made specifically for laminate.

Laminate isn’t built to battle the elements. Water, UV rays, and temperature swings quickly cause swelling, fading, and mold. Even a covered patio won’t protect the material for long. If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen or bar, skip laminate and choose a weather-tough option like stone, tile, or concrete so you don’t end up replacing your counters after the first season.

Traditional laminate isn’t the greenest choice. Most sheets rely on plastics like melamine and can emit trace VOCs over time. They also can’t be recycled at the end of their life. A few brands now use recycled pulp cores, but plastics still make up much of the product. 

If sustainability tops your list, consider natural or recyclable materials such as solid wood, stone, or recycled glass instead.

The Arlington, VA homeowners’ guide to laminate countertops installations

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.