WHICH LAMINATES AND SURFACE SOLUTIONS ARE BEST FOR KITCHENS?

Merino Laminates, December 7, 2020

Kitchens are at the heart of most homes, whether they’re contemporary and rooted in the here and now or timelessly elegant. If you’re trying to renovate your kitchen or design this all-important space in your new home, the choice of kitchen laminates and surface solutions can matter more than you’d think. They can alter not just the look and feel of the space but even impact functionality.

What is the best laminate for your kitchen?

While you could consider things like tiles and granite for countertops in the kitchen, the grout buildup and maintenance issues make those infinitely less attractive as an option. Stainless steel is another choice, but is limited in the design possibilities it offers. Compact Laminates for the countertops on the other hand, while scoring on performance, also let you replicate the look of marble, wood, slate…the possibilities are endless.

What Features Should You Look For In Kitchen Laminates & Surface Solutions?

Let’s not forget, a kitchen laminate or surface solution needs to do more than look good. It also needs to be durable, easy to maintain, and suitable for the multiple activities that happen in a kitchen. Be sure your choice meets the requirements below.

Hassle-Free and Low-Maintenance

Your kitchen surfaces must be easy to maintain so you don’t have to spend precious hours polishing and scrubbing when you’re done cooking a meal or eating at your breakfast island. For instance, the Finguard Laminate doesn’t even show up fingerprint marks, making it a great option if you want your countertops to look pristine.

Must Pass the Clumsy Test

A kitchen needs to be usable and pass the ‘clumsy test’. If you’re a family or share your home with anyone else, you’ll know that not everyone is careful, and spills do happen. Imagine if the clumsiest person ran amok in the kitchen – those drips, spills, and sloshes need to be catered for. Check if your kitchen countertops will hold up to that wear. Merino high pressure laminates and special laminates like the Tuff Gloss MR+ are designed expressly for this. You could also explore other options as per your needs and usage.

In general, try and look for something that meets some or all of these requirements, depending on what features are most critical for you:

 1 Scratch-resistant

 2 Stain-resistant

 3 Impact-resistant

 4 Moisture-resistant

Stays Germ-free

The last thing anyone wants is bacteria or mold growing on their kitchen surfaces. Consider installing an antibacterial and antifungal laminate for that extra hygiene. It’s fully sanitizable – bonus points for that. Finguard Surfaces which are fingerprint resistant and are available in super matt finishes are another great choice from Merino.

Allows Versatile Design Options

Kitchen laminates, whether they’re for worktops, countertops, the backsplash, or your breakfast bar – must also seem like they belong in the overall design of your kitchen. The Compact Laminate range UniColour Core Top “Impreza” from Merino, for instance, comes in a variety of designs and can be custom-designed to your needs. Whether you’re aiming at that warm wood look, a clean black slate, the classic Carrara in white, there are options at the ready.

Trending Kitchen Laminate Ideas

1. Marble-Inspired Elegance: Utilise laminate countertops that replicate the complex veining and opulent appearance of natural marble to embrace the timeless beauty of marble. These laminates provide a more affordable option without sacrificing visual appeal. For a classy and stylish kitchen, combine laminates with marble-inspired patterns with neutral cabinets.
2. Warmth of Woodgrain: With woodgrain laminates, you can give your kitchen the coziness and beauty of real wood. These laminates, which range in colour from light oak to rich walnut, can be utilised for backsplashes, cabinets, and countertops. They create a rustic or Scandinavian-inspired ambiance by adding cosiness and warmth.
3. Minimalism: Choose laminates in solid colours with elegant finishes for a contemporary and minimalist kitchen. While matte finishes radiate a subtle refinement, glossy laminates can produce a modern and reflective appearance. Combine with clean lines and handle-free cabinets for a sleek, uncluttered look.
4. Bold Textures and Patterns: With laminates that have striking patterns and textures, you can make a statement. Your kitchen can benefit from the visual intrigue and artistic flourishes provided by geometric patterns, abstract themes, and textured surfaces. Use these laminates on specific cabinet fronts or as accent pieces.

At Merino, we offer a wide range of laminates for kitchen countertops, cabinets etc. No matter what you choose whether FR+ Fire Retardant Laminates, Imagino Digital Laminates or Tuff Gloss MR+, our laminates offer with unlimited design and colour options that suit your taste and preferences. 

FAQs

How long does laminate last in kitchen?

Answer: High quality laminate countertops in the kitchen can often last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. However, it’s critical to comprehend the elements that contribute to laminate’s durability in this potentially severe environment.

Which laminate is best for kitchen?

Merino has a wide range of kitchen laminates but FR+ Fire Retardant laminates are the best choice for your kitchen countertops. The range is smoke and fire resistant offering a whole assortment of design options.

What is the best thickness of laminate for the kitchen?

For maximum longevity and aesthetic appeal, your kitchen surfaces must be laminated with the proper thickness. Various applications, including countertops or cabinets, have different optimal thickness requirements. For example: 0.7mm to 1mm is the recommended thickness for laminate countertops. 

A thickness of 0.5mm to 0.7mm (about 0.02 to 0.028 inches) is typically adequate for laminate used on cabinetry and backsplashes.  

Is laminate a good choice for kitchen cabinets?

Laminate is a common and useful material for kitchen cabinets, providing a number of advantages that make it a popular choice for many homeowners. Laminate can be a great material for boosting the looks and practicality of your kitchen, whether you’re looking for durability, adaptability, or a wide range of design alternatives.

How do I choose a laminate kitchen colour?

Making the appropriate choice for the colour of your laminate is essential because it may significantly change how your kitchen feels and looks as a whole. Think about the look you want for your kitchen. You can select vibrant hues like red or blue or neutral shades like beige and grey.