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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.