How to choose the right laminate for a kitchen?

The kitchen is a high-traffic area, so you'll want a laminate that can withstand wear and tear. A kitchen is also a place where spills and moisture are common, so you'll want a laminate that can resist water damage. Choosing a laminate that is easy to clean and maintain is important. Laminate does come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, choose one that suits your theme and meet your expectation that complements your kitchen decor. Laminate is easy to clean and maintain, but there are few that require more care.

Affordable laminate vs pricey laminate

If you have a limited budget, affordable laminate can be a good option, as it can provide a durable and attractive surface at a lower cost. How to determine whether an affordable laminate gives you a result that meets your expectation? Look for the AC rating. AC stands for Abrasion Class rating, which is a measure of a laminate's durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is a standardized system used by the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) to rate laminate flooring products, which can also be applied to laminate used for kitchen countertops. The AC rating scale ranges from AC1 to AC5. Each rating reflects the laminate’s ability to withstand different levels of foot traffic and other types of wear and tear. Here is the description of each AC rating mean:

 

• AC1: Suitable for moderate residential use, such as bedrooms or closets.
• AC2: Suitable for general residential use, such as living rooms or dining rooms, with bigger surfaces.
• AC3: Suitable for heavy residential use or moderate commercial use, such as offices, kitchens, and so on.
• AC4: Suitable for general commercial use, such as public buildings.
• AC5: Suitable for heavy commercial use, such as airports and retail, which involves a lot of sustainability work.

Durability

Look for a laminate that is durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, then consider high-pressure laminate (HPL) or solid-core laminate. These types of laminates are more expensive than low-pressure laminate (LPL), but they offer better resistance to wear and tear. Choose a non-porous surface, which means it is resistant to bacteria and easy to clean.

 

Color Options

Laminate comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. If you are looking for a specific design or pattern, be sure to choose a laminate that matches your style. Choose a laminate that is moisture-resistant. Some laminates are also resistant to mold and mildew, making them ideal for use in humid areas.

 

Installation process

Laminate can be installed in different ways, such as glue-down, floating, or click-lock. Be sure to choose a laminate that is easy to install and suits your installation method.

If you have a doubt about choosing your kitchen laminate or are unsure about the product knowledge. Please feel free to contact us, we will assist you with your queries.