We are a small, family-owned business with almost 40 years experience. We specialize in laminate countertop installation. We provide fast, efficient and reliable service with the highest quality workmanship. Whether you are a homeowner looking to customize your kitchen, bathroom or home office OR a property manager looking to upgrade your rental, Tom Foley Installations, is your solution.
"My rental home laminate countertops were badly stained from years of use and abuse from previous tenants, so it was time for a change! I got into contact with Dawn who worked out the logistics of everything and patiently explained what would and would not work. On installation day, Tom worked quickly and efficiently. The countertops were cut and installed within a few hours and he helped us with installing our new kitchen sink and garbage disposal. It has been a few days now and I am still staring at my new kitchen in awe! I feel like the people who built this rental home used shortcuts when they worked on the kitchen, so I am relieved to know that my kitchen was re-done properly. I highly recommend Tom Foley Installation Inc. They are communicative, transparent about the work, and very fairly priced."
Stephanie L on June 2021
We are a small, family-owned business with almost 40 years experience. We specialize in laminate countertop installation. We provide fast, efficient and reliable service with the highest quality workmanship. Whether you are a homeowner looking to customize your kitchen, bathroom or home office OR a property manager looking to upgrade your rental, Tom Foley Installations, is your solution.
"My rental home laminate countertops were badly stained from years of use and abuse from previous tenants, so it was time for a change! I got into contact with Dawn who worked out the logistics of everything and patiently explained what would and would not work. On installation day, Tom worked quickly and efficiently. The countertops were cut and installed within a few hours and he helped us with installing our new kitchen sink and garbage disposal. It has been a few days now and I am still staring at my new kitchen in awe! I feel like the people who built this rental home used shortcuts when they worked on the kitchen, so I am relieved to know that my kitchen was re-done properly. I highly recommend Tom Foley Installation Inc. They are communicative, transparent about the work, and very fairly priced."
Stephanie L on June 2021
RSF Construction Inc. is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
RSF Construction Inc. is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
Rock N Block Landscape takes great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality regardless of how large or small the job.
Rock N Block Landscape takes great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality regardless of how large or small the job.
Elusive Construction refers to a construction company specializing in various aspects of the construction industry. As the name suggests, the company is known for its ability to tackle challenging and complex construction projects with a high level of expertise and efficiency. Elusive General Construction strives to deliver exceptional results while maintaining a reputation for innovation, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The term "elusive" in the company name implies that the company possesses the skill and expertise to overcome obstacles and navigate through difficult construction projects successfully. It suggests that the company has the ability to think outside the box, adapt to changing circumstances, and find creative solutions to construction challenges. Elusive General Construction offers a wide range of construction services, including residential, commercial, and industrial construction. This may include new construction, renovations, remodeling, additions, and other construction-related projects. The company has a team of experienced professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and skilled craftsmen, who work together to ensure the successful completion of each project. By combining technical expertise, industry knowledge, and a customer-centric approach, Elusive General Construction aims to provide clients with superior construction solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements. The company values open communication, transparency, and collaboration, working closely with clients to understand their vision and deliver projects that exceed expectations. Overall, Elusive General Construction is dedicated to delivering high-quality construction projects while maintaining a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
"Most smoothest work we’ve ever had done on our home! The team were very kind & respectful. I’ve had many negative experiences with other companies so at times, I’m hesitant to ask questions but the team always reassured me and continuously made sure my voice was heard. All workers are very respectful of start & end times making workday transitions flow effortlessly. We had our existing siding removed & replaced. We didn’t expect it to be completed so quickly but was happily surprised. They maintained organization & cleanliness not to mention staying within quoted price. Overall, we were very grateful to have received such great work. My family and I will definitely be going to them for any future work. We highly recommend you putting your trust in Elusive Construction. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for making my home look beautiful again!"
Sandra L on August 2024
Elusive Construction refers to a construction company specializing in various aspects of the construction industry. As the name suggests, the company is known for its ability to tackle challenging and complex construction projects with a high level of expertise and efficiency. Elusive General Construction strives to deliver exceptional results while maintaining a reputation for innovation, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The term "elusive" in the company name implies that the company possesses the skill and expertise to overcome obstacles and navigate through difficult construction projects successfully. It suggests that the company has the ability to think outside the box, adapt to changing circumstances, and find creative solutions to construction challenges. Elusive General Construction offers a wide range of construction services, including residential, commercial, and industrial construction. This may include new construction, renovations, remodeling, additions, and other construction-related projects. The company has a team of experienced professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and skilled craftsmen, who work together to ensure the successful completion of each project. By combining technical expertise, industry knowledge, and a customer-centric approach, Elusive General Construction aims to provide clients with superior construction solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements. The company values open communication, transparency, and collaboration, working closely with clients to understand their vision and deliver projects that exceed expectations. Overall, Elusive General Construction is dedicated to delivering high-quality construction projects while maintaining a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
"Most smoothest work we’ve ever had done on our home! The team were very kind & respectful. I’ve had many negative experiences with other companies so at times, I’m hesitant to ask questions but the team always reassured me and continuously made sure my voice was heard. All workers are very respectful of start & end times making workday transitions flow effortlessly. We had our existing siding removed & replaced. We didn’t expect it to be completed so quickly but was happily surprised. They maintained organization & cleanliness not to mention staying within quoted price. Overall, we were very grateful to have received such great work. My family and I will definitely be going to them for any future work. We highly recommend you putting your trust in Elusive Construction. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for making my home look beautiful again!"
Sandra L on August 2024
G&L Design Building and Landscape Inc is a licensed general contractor builder who specializes in the outdoors construction, pool and spa construction , deck, retaining wall, gate and fence ,hardscape, landscape, design & build company that has been servicing residential and commercial clients in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Although unique and functional design is our passion, outstanding customer service is our number one priority. Our talented landscape designers will listen to your needs and then use their expertise to develop an architectural quality landscape design that fits your personality and lifestyle. Members with the CLCA and Angelus pavers.
"I recently hired G&L Design Building and Landscape for a major outdoor project, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results! From start to finish, the experience was seamless, professional, and truly impressive. Dror, the owner, is a visionary. His attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to quality were evident in every phase of the project. He took the time to understand my vision and brought it to life even better than I imagined. His team built a stunning retaining wall, installed lush, vibrant turf, and laid down beautiful interlocking pavers that completely transformed the space. On top of that, they planted an incredible selection of trees and flowers that added the perfect finishing touch—absolutely breathtaking! The crew was punctual, respectful, and worked with great care and precision. It’s rare to find a team so dedicated and passionate about their craft. If you're looking for top-tier landscaping and design, look no further than G&L Design. Dror and his team are the real deal—professional, talented, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!"
iuval h on June 2025
G&L Design Building and Landscape Inc is a licensed general contractor builder who specializes in the outdoors construction, pool and spa construction , deck, retaining wall, gate and fence ,hardscape, landscape, design & build company that has been servicing residential and commercial clients in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Although unique and functional design is our passion, outstanding customer service is our number one priority. Our talented landscape designers will listen to your needs and then use their expertise to develop an architectural quality landscape design that fits your personality and lifestyle. Members with the CLCA and Angelus pavers.
"I recently hired G&L Design Building and Landscape for a major outdoor project, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results! From start to finish, the experience was seamless, professional, and truly impressive. Dror, the owner, is a visionary. His attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to quality were evident in every phase of the project. He took the time to understand my vision and brought it to life even better than I imagined. His team built a stunning retaining wall, installed lush, vibrant turf, and laid down beautiful interlocking pavers that completely transformed the space. On top of that, they planted an incredible selection of trees and flowers that added the perfect finishing touch—absolutely breathtaking! The crew was punctual, respectful, and worked with great care and precision. It’s rare to find a team so dedicated and passionate about their craft. If you're looking for top-tier landscaping and design, look no further than G&L Design. Dror and his team are the real deal—professional, talented, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!"
iuval h on June 2025
Rock Bay Construction & Remodeling . Based in the heart of the Bay Area, CA, and backed by over 10 years of design-build experience. Our family-owned company prides itself on delivering high-quality construction, remodeling, and design services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether modernizing kitchens and bathrooms, adding new rooms, or executing complete home renovations, our expert team ensures precision, reliability, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Partner with us to elevate your space with the perfect blend of functionality and style. Contact us today to get started! Licensed, bonded and insured. Lic # 119693
"It was such a smooth process. Our bathroom looks amazing. The team was very accommodating to last minute changes by us, very transparent in communicating to us on the milestones. We were also at work during the day and felt very safe with the workers around our dog. The project manager brought the right skilled plumbers, electricians and tile people to work on the project and it felt like a white glove treatment. On the cost side, very affordable for the quality of work they perform and we found the transparency in pricing very critical to us picking them."
Nilotpal P on February 2025
Rock Bay Construction & Remodeling . Based in the heart of the Bay Area, CA, and backed by over 10 years of design-build experience. Our family-owned company prides itself on delivering high-quality construction, remodeling, and design services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether modernizing kitchens and bathrooms, adding new rooms, or executing complete home renovations, our expert team ensures precision, reliability, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Partner with us to elevate your space with the perfect blend of functionality and style. Contact us today to get started! Licensed, bonded and insured. Lic # 119693
"It was such a smooth process. Our bathroom looks amazing. The team was very accommodating to last minute changes by us, very transparent in communicating to us on the milestones. We were also at work during the day and felt very safe with the workers around our dog. The project manager brought the right skilled plumbers, electricians and tile people to work on the project and it felt like a white glove treatment. On the cost side, very affordable for the quality of work they perform and we found the transparency in pricing very critical to us picking them."
Nilotpal P on February 2025
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"Quick to respond, gave a quote on the spot and started work after Providing proper documentation in order to perform the job. I explained what I wanted and he delivered exactly that. Amazing job! Definitely recommend him for future work."
Danielle Z on May 2025
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"Quick to respond, gave a quote on the spot and started work after Providing proper documentation in order to perform the job. I explained what I wanted and he delivered exactly that. Amazing job! Definitely recommend him for future work."
Danielle Z on May 2025
Unique Home Design & Remodeling is a leader in providing value-added construction services to our customers by creating a successful partnership throughout the construction process. Our pledge is to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member on our construction team. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's mission is to accomplish full customer satisfaction in every area possible from color selection to project completion. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's main focus is to provide our future clients with a professional home improvement experience. We vow to our customers with the highest level of quality construction services at fair market and competitive prices. To ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business achieved by customer satisfaction in all areas including timeliness, attention to detail and service-minded attitudes.
Unique Home Design & Remodeling is a leader in providing value-added construction services to our customers by creating a successful partnership throughout the construction process. Our pledge is to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member on our construction team. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's mission is to accomplish full customer satisfaction in every area possible from color selection to project completion. Unique Home Design & Remodeling's main focus is to provide our future clients with a professional home improvement experience. We vow to our customers with the highest level of quality construction services at fair market and competitive prices. To ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business achieved by customer satisfaction in all areas including timeliness, attention to detail and service-minded attitudes.
We Stand Behind Our Work, Quality, Brand and Commitment Located in San Jose, My Construction Group is your one source for construction needs, and quality design. Our experienced team and project managers will listen and help you focus on your goals, create an innovative design or renovate on matching your vision, and take all the worry and stress out of the process for you. Our team of professional contractors and project managers oversee and manage each project efficiently through on-site preparation, on-time scheduling, accurate budgeting and cost management. In addition, our goal is to assure quality building services while maintaining consistent client communication throughout each project. My Construction Group is a leading home remodeling company, interested in making the best and most remarkable construction in California. Please click or copy the link to see our new construction project https://youtu.be/1teqJZQhzBA
"Our experience is identical to what other reviewers shared. And yes, you should run from this company as fast as you can. Do not buy what Abraham shared that the payment must be made when the inspection is passed. Check the Business and Professions code yourself, the payment only needs to be made when the job is completed. It is very COMMON that the job is not even done or poorly performed even the inspection is passed. Here are the issues that multiple families including us run into with this company:: The project was delayed for over 9 months. No one manages the job. He often employs young men from his own Jewish community. They are enthusiastic but had no prior experience. The worse part is that they don't get paid. Two of them even set up a new construction business knowing Abraham will never pay them. Subcontractors can put your house on lien also. Many reviews you see on Yelp, Google, Angi are NOT genuine. Even the references are fake with hindsight, we were given 2 references. One reference shared the exact same accent as the PM. The other reference was initially happy with their work, but then reached out to us and shared a similar horror story with them like what we experienced. You will lose a lot of $$$ on materials as the subcontractors will somehow leave a thousand dollars worth of quartz at home. Maybe they want to compensate for the money Abraham owed them? Let me tell you, reordering materials is not fun."
Jaqueline R on May 2025
We Stand Behind Our Work, Quality, Brand and Commitment Located in San Jose, My Construction Group is your one source for construction needs, and quality design. Our experienced team and project managers will listen and help you focus on your goals, create an innovative design or renovate on matching your vision, and take all the worry and stress out of the process for you. Our team of professional contractors and project managers oversee and manage each project efficiently through on-site preparation, on-time scheduling, accurate budgeting and cost management. In addition, our goal is to assure quality building services while maintaining consistent client communication throughout each project. My Construction Group is a leading home remodeling company, interested in making the best and most remarkable construction in California. Please click or copy the link to see our new construction project https://youtu.be/1teqJZQhzBA
"Our experience is identical to what other reviewers shared. And yes, you should run from this company as fast as you can. Do not buy what Abraham shared that the payment must be made when the inspection is passed. Check the Business and Professions code yourself, the payment only needs to be made when the job is completed. It is very COMMON that the job is not even done or poorly performed even the inspection is passed. Here are the issues that multiple families including us run into with this company:: The project was delayed for over 9 months. No one manages the job. He often employs young men from his own Jewish community. They are enthusiastic but had no prior experience. The worse part is that they don't get paid. Two of them even set up a new construction business knowing Abraham will never pay them. Subcontractors can put your house on lien also. Many reviews you see on Yelp, Google, Angi are NOT genuine. Even the references are fake with hindsight, we were given 2 references. One reference shared the exact same accent as the PM. The other reference was initially happy with their work, but then reached out to us and shared a similar horror story with them like what we experienced. You will lose a lot of $$$ on materials as the subcontractors will somehow leave a thousand dollars worth of quartz at home. Maybe they want to compensate for the money Abraham owed them? Let me tell you, reordering materials is not fun."
Jaqueline R on May 2025
Family owned business with over 22 years of experience -Remodeling - General - Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom - full home remodels - room additions - ADU's - Full Roof replacement -
"Would not recommend them to anyone. We had the worst experience with these guys. Scope of project: kitchen complete remodel, replacing carpet flooring with vinyl tile flooring , redo electrical for kitchen area only cost: 100K+ what went to plan: - kitchen demo - made one nice dry wall - setting up and framing of the kitchen area what went wrong: - communication/scheduling : we would never be told ahead of time when work was being done. Sometimes there would be days stretches where no one showed up and then guys would show up randomly on a Sunday morning. At the start of the project we told them we were going to move into the back half of the house, so just have that clean. We moved into trash and debris everywhere. They also saw a vinyl strap , strapped to our tree, tied to our neighbor's fence (it was there keeping the fence up as the tree was leaning into the neighbors fence). In their brilliance, they decided to cut the strap and use it for themselves. How did we know? we found it on our roof, used to tie some electrical conduit. Who the heck does that?! We should've cut ties at that point, it was just the start...if we only knew. But we gave them the benefit of the doubt...but things kept going wrong. - Kitchen cabinet install was not leveled, we end up telling them to not bother coming back and we installed the whole kitchen ourselves (re-leveling the base cabinets, putting on the hardware, installing the cabinet doors. - broke several custom panels (to their credit, they did pay for the reorder) but we ended up installing it ourselves , which we were never offered refund the labor. - the kitchen counter was not leveled, we also had to redo it ourselves in order for the independent countertop guys to install it. - cut hole for electrical switch too big, huge gap now in our org Eichler panel that is not repairable unless we replace the whole wall. - cut hole in wood beam ceiling too big for ceiling vent even though they had the manufacturer's specifications. tried to fix it, but it looks terrible. - lied and said they had experience installing lux vinyl tile. They didn't. The flooring , which is supposed to be new, looks like flooring that has been there for years and hadn't been replaced. It was discolored, uneven, not leveled, and not even lined up. How can you mess up lining up squares? Our sales person Joe ,came and made excuses after excuses , telling us " no one can install it better than them" , that this is the "best" we'll get. I cannot believe he could look us in the face and say that. We ended up requesting 1500 back, though for us to reorder redo the tiles for the kitchen will be 3K+. - as a last F you to us, they gave us the bill for the permit fees which includes a 3% of project cost recycling deposit that is 100% refundable if they just do the paperwork and let the city know where they recycled the demolition material. Our kitchen project was 80K and so it was $2400. Guess what, they "never heard of this" and have no proof of where they recycled the material and so cannot get the refund. I have no idea where they dumped the material.....and we're out 2400. The best thing about this project is finishing and NEVER having to deal with them again."
bobby p on April 2020
Family owned business with over 22 years of experience -Remodeling - General - Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom - full home remodels - room additions - ADU's - Full Roof replacement -
"Would not recommend them to anyone. We had the worst experience with these guys. Scope of project: kitchen complete remodel, replacing carpet flooring with vinyl tile flooring , redo electrical for kitchen area only cost: 100K+ what went to plan: - kitchen demo - made one nice dry wall - setting up and framing of the kitchen area what went wrong: - communication/scheduling : we would never be told ahead of time when work was being done. Sometimes there would be days stretches where no one showed up and then guys would show up randomly on a Sunday morning. At the start of the project we told them we were going to move into the back half of the house, so just have that clean. We moved into trash and debris everywhere. They also saw a vinyl strap , strapped to our tree, tied to our neighbor's fence (it was there keeping the fence up as the tree was leaning into the neighbors fence). In their brilliance, they decided to cut the strap and use it for themselves. How did we know? we found it on our roof, used to tie some electrical conduit. Who the heck does that?! We should've cut ties at that point, it was just the start...if we only knew. But we gave them the benefit of the doubt...but things kept going wrong. - Kitchen cabinet install was not leveled, we end up telling them to not bother coming back and we installed the whole kitchen ourselves (re-leveling the base cabinets, putting on the hardware, installing the cabinet doors. - broke several custom panels (to their credit, they did pay for the reorder) but we ended up installing it ourselves , which we were never offered refund the labor. - the kitchen counter was not leveled, we also had to redo it ourselves in order for the independent countertop guys to install it. - cut hole for electrical switch too big, huge gap now in our org Eichler panel that is not repairable unless we replace the whole wall. - cut hole in wood beam ceiling too big for ceiling vent even though they had the manufacturer's specifications. tried to fix it, but it looks terrible. - lied and said they had experience installing lux vinyl tile. They didn't. The flooring , which is supposed to be new, looks like flooring that has been there for years and hadn't been replaced. It was discolored, uneven, not leveled, and not even lined up. How can you mess up lining up squares? Our sales person Joe ,came and made excuses after excuses , telling us " no one can install it better than them" , that this is the "best" we'll get. I cannot believe he could look us in the face and say that. We ended up requesting 1500 back, though for us to reorder redo the tiles for the kitchen will be 3K+. - as a last F you to us, they gave us the bill for the permit fees which includes a 3% of project cost recycling deposit that is 100% refundable if they just do the paperwork and let the city know where they recycled the demolition material. Our kitchen project was 80K and so it was $2400. Guess what, they "never heard of this" and have no proof of where they recycled the material and so cannot get the refund. I have no idea where they dumped the material.....and we're out 2400. The best thing about this project is finishing and NEVER having to deal with them again."
bobby p on April 2020
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.