The Price Difference Between Laminate and Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Every homeowner knows a kitchen renovation or new construction requires a keen eye on specific areas. One of those areas is the kitchen countertop which serves as the most integral part of a kitchen.

When selecting the ideal material for your kitchen countertop, comparing different options is vital. You want to pick something that complements your kitchen design, fits within your budget, and supports your lifestyle.

Laminate and quartz are two common materials for kitchen countertops. While both options are great, there is a huge pricing gap between them.

What creates this price difference between laminate and quartz countertops? This article brings a head-to-head comparison of laminate countertops vs. quartz to help us understand why there is a substantial pricing difference between the two.

Laminate Countertops vs. Quartz: Which is Better

To make a solid comparison between laminate and quartz countertops, it’s important to first explore their features:

Cost

Pricing is a significant factor to consider when buying countertops for your kitchen. The price of quartz can be more than double that of laminate.

Laminate countertops cost from $8 to $20/ft while quartz costs from $75 to $105/ft. There is no doubt that this difference is quite significant.

However, for a more luxurious look coupled with durability and longevity, quartz is a better investment, despite being a little on the higher side price-wise.

Laminate best suits a homeowner who is on a strict budget. But in the long run, investing in better quality and luxurious material proves to be a wiser choice.

Appearance

Both Quartz and laminate countertops share a similarity. They have a stone-like appearance and structure that many homeowners prefer for kitchen countertops. These structural features enhance the kitchen appearance and are durable enough for areas where water and other substances are frequently spilled.

Colours

You can find quartz and laminate countertops in a wide range of colours. However, a deeper look reveals why quartz takes the lead.

While quartz has a limited variety of solid colours, it has a broad range of speckled colours with the appearance of natural stone. On the other hand, laminate has a wider range of solid colours, from soft whites, pastels, vibrant oranges to rich blacks and grays.

Laminate is more affordable, but in a luxury home, the aesthetics matter. Quartz kitchen countertops are ideal when it comes to realistic replication of stone.

Laminate Countertops vs. Quartz: Why Quartz Costs More than Laminate

To better appreciate why there is a significant price difference between laminate and quartz kitchen countertops, let’s explore the pros of quartz over laminate countertops.

1. Natural and Uniform Look

Quartz countertops are a higher priced option but, it’s worth the extra cost when you consider its natural and seamless look. Quartz countertops look and feel different from laminate countertops.

Since quartz is made using quality materials, the colour variation is evident. In simple terms, it’s more common to get quartz that has a harmonious texture and colour than it is with laminate. Such uniformity adds to the luxurious look of a modern kitchen.

2. Style Varieties

Every homeowner wants kitchen countertops that are unique. As you compare laminate countertops vs. quartz cost, you will notice quartz has more style varieties.

With so much to choose from, you’re sure to find a surface that matches your style and preferences. Quartz surfaces are also readily available and easy to find so there’s no need to compromise on getting the countertop you really want.

3. Durability

While comparing laminate to quartz, consider durability. Typically, quartz countertops are more durable and robust than laminate countertops.

Quartz manufacturers use top materials to engineer these strong surfaces. Each piece consists of 10% polymers and 90% quartz minerals. The high quartz content results in a durable and robust countertop for your home.

Since the kitchen has numerous activities going on for the better part of the day, it’s better to invest in countertops that don’t scrape, burn, or chip quickly. Quartz countertops can withstand spillages and other wear for a long time.

The higher initial cost balances out in the long run when you have a quality product that serves you for decades.

4. Easier to Work With

Have a conversation with your contractor as you make a laminate vs. quartz kitchen countertops comparison. Many contractors prefer quartz countertops because they’re easier to work with.

Since the countertop must fit the particular design of your kitchen, it’s necessary to manipulate the slabs. Quartz slabs are simpler to cut without harming or chipping, and it’s easier to manipulate each slab as there are specific resins available. Therefore, fabricators can shape and bend the quartz material to fit every inch of the kitchen surface. The size doesn’t matter since the material is easy to cut.

5. Non-porous

One concern most homeowners have is the porosity of kitchen countertops. Over the years, a porous surface can become a hub of microbes due to water and other liquids seeping through cracks. This can result in many health issues and poor hygiene.

Fortunately, this isn’t an issue with nonporous quartz kitchen countertops. This engineered material is non-porous and perfect for the kitchen area. Not only are the surfaces easy to wipe clean, but nothing slips through.

Thus, germs and bacteria can’t find favourable areas to reproduce in your kitchen. Everything remains clean and pristine.

6. Easier to Maintain

When conducting a laminate countertops vs. quartz cost comparison, add maintenance costs into your consideration. With professionally installed quartz countertops, it is possible you will never require regular maintenance.

Quartz countertops are not only the best quality, but they are also low maintenance. While laminate countertops may need regular waxing or sealing, quartz remains intact for a long time. Since the surface is non-porous, there’s no chance of stains ruining the aesthetics.

7. Better Warranty

Quartz countertops are more durable and strong than laminate ones. Quartz manufacturers offer homeowners incredible warranties because they’re confident it won’t be damaged easily after installation.

Many companies, Caesarstone included, offer buyers lifetime warranties. This is a guarantee that the countertops will serve you well for years to come.

8. Better Long Investment

In the discussion of laminate vs. quartz kitchen countertops, it’s vital to consider a long-term investment. While quartz is expensive, it’s durable and won’t require replacement any time soon, unlike laminate.

Key Takeaway

Laminate countertops have some excellent features but for the most durable solution for your home, it’s better to work with quartz.

Quartz is a high-end product that adds value to your home. The sleek and sophisticated finish makes your kitchen stand out. Anyone who has worked on a Caesarstone surface can attest to the top-quality of a quartz countertop.

Additionally, quartz adds to the value of your home. Using quality materials during your home renovation can increase the market value of your home. Quartz countertops aren’t only aesthetically pleasing but are top-quality and drive the value of your home up.

In essence, quartz countertops not only increase your home aesthetic but the value too. Market value can increase anywhere from 3% to 7%. That alone is reason enough to invest in quality quartz countertops for your kitchen.