With its entry-level pricing, laminate is an excellent budget-friendly choice in countertops. It's also very versatile, offering the widest selection of colors and patterns of any countertop product. Today’s premium laminates are available in designs with depth and dimension that emulate the look and feel of granite, stone, solid surface, and even wood.

Laminate is created from layers of kraft paper—a strong, moisture  resistant product with bonded fiber. These papers are treated with resin and fused together using high heat and pressure. The very top layer is a decorative (colored) paper that’s covered with a hard plastic overlay. The result is a hard, durable material that’s water resistant, easy to clean and relatively inexpensive.

Laminate offers a variety of edge treatment options. Besides a range of rolled edges and a beveled edge, laminate countertops can be edged with wood, or use solid surface inserts to create an eye-catching decorative edge. Postform laminate is laminate that is heated and bent around a curved particleboard to produce a seamless front edge, countertop and backsplash.