What Is the Cost of Laminate Countertops in 2025?
Laminate countertops cost an average of $1,244
The average cost of laminate countertops ranges from $841 to $1,738, with most homeowners spending an average of $1,244.
Material costs average $35 per square foot.
Expect to pay between $30 and $40 per hour for professional installation labor.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Expect to pay between $841 and $1,738 for the cost of laminate countertops, with most homeowners landing at an average of $1,244. That figure covers labor and materials. Your final price depends on how much countertop you need, the laminate grade you choose, and where you live.
Laminate stays far cheaper than most countertop materials at an average of $35 per square foot. Bring in a pro so the job stays on schedule and the counters go in right the first time.
Laminate Countertop Cost Factors
Several details shape the final price tag—from the laminate style you pick to the layout of your kitchen and whether the crew has to haul away the old counters.
Type of Laminate
Despite the rumors, laminate isn’t just ‘plastic.’ Manufacturers press layers of paper together under high heat, then seal everything with a tough melamine resin. The result is a lightweight, budget-friendly slab that can mimic wood, marble, or granite for a fraction of the cost.
Beyond patterns, colors, and edge styles, you can also choose finishes that boost performance. Standard or horizontal-grade pieces run $10 to $18 per square foot, antimicrobial finishes cost $15 to $35, and high-durability coatings land between $20 and $55.
Countertop Size and Complexity
The more surface area you cover, the more sheets of laminate and labor hours you’ll pay for. A kitchen full of corners or angles also bumps up labor costs because the installer has to make extra cuts and seams.
For a full installation, you can expect to pay an average of $35 per square foot. Standard-grade materials run between $10 and $18 per square foot, with premium finishes and additional edge detailing increasing the price.
Labor Costs
Professional installation costs range from $30 to $40 per hour or may be offered as a flat rate, averaging $400 to $800. A complete installation—including removal and disposal of existing countertops—can cost between $700 and $1,300 for an average project.
Edge Options
Your choice of edging for your laminate countertops can have a significant impact on your pricing, depending on your selection. Here are the average costs for various edge options.
| Edge Style | Description | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Flat edge with sharp, square corners—standard option | No extra cost |
| No-drip | Slightly raised edge to stop spills reaching the floor | $5–$9 |
| Eased | Softened square edge | $5–$9 |
| Full bullnose | Completely rounded edge, curved top and bottom | $9–$11 |
| Half bullnose | Rounded top edge, square bottom edge | $8–$10 |
| Ogee | Sharp top extending downwards into a long curve | $11–$25 |
| Dupont | Short, sharp top edge with a short bottom curve | $10–$20 |
Enhancements and Improvements
A countertop upgrade is the perfect time to tackle a matching backsplash. A pro-installed backsplash usually runs $600 to $1,300—or $15 to $40 per square foot—depending on the material and design.
Most countertops include a sink cutout, though you must purchase the sink separately. On average, sink installation costs range from $215 to $626. Additionally, the sink fixture itself can vary widely in price—from $150 up to $3,000—depending on the style and features selected.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops
Weigh these pros and cons to decide whether laminate fits your kitchen plans.
Pros
Affordable material and installation costs compared to other countertop options.
Simple installation that can be done as a DIY with the right experience.
Low maintenance with no required sealing or special cleaners.
Able to resist scratches, scuffs, and bacteria.
Cons
Cracks easily, especially around the edges.
Can warp and bubble on the surface when exposed to excess moisture.
Lacks the depth and authentic appearance of natural wood or stone.
Doesn't add to your home's resale value.
Not eco-friendly and can't be recycled.
Shorter life span than other countertop materials.
Budgeting for Laminate Countertop Installation
Laminate beats granite and concrete on price, but it’s still a major purchase. Try these tips to trim the bill without cutting quality:
Opt for prefabricated countertop sections to save on custom cutting expenses.
Remove your old countertop yourself to save a few hundred dollars on professional countertop removal costs.
Compare costs and features among different laminate brands to find the best value per square foot.
Reduce costs further by choosing simpler edging (or sticking with the standard square edge that comes with your countertop).
DIY vs. Hiring a Laminate Countertop Installer
Unless you’re a seasoned DIYer, it’s best to leave laminate installation to a pro. Precise measurements, seamless joints, and specialty tools make all the difference. Skilled installers also suggest the best materials for your budget and kitchen setup, so the counters look great and last longer. Bring in a local laminate countertop installer for a flawless, long-lasting finish.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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