Which One Is Better: Granite or Laminate Countertops?

A countertop is a big deal—the focal point of the kitchen. If you’re installing—or replacing—kitchen countertops, you might be torn between options. After all, there are plenty of materials to choose from, and each has perks and drawbacks depending on your needs. To help you decide on the best choice of countertop materials, we polled a panel of professionals for their opinions. Here’s what they had to say.

Joe Flanagan

Joe Flanagan, Founder of 90s Fashion World, a nineties culture and fashion blog.

Table of Contents

Have different uses

The truth is both have different uses. With granite countertops, you don’t have to worry about protecting it from heat, whereas with laminates you could ruin it easily with heat. Laminates look cleaner since they are more reflective and you also have more color options. It would really depend on what your needs are. If you need a sturdy countertop, definitely go with granite. It will last you a lifetime.

Durability over cheap price

I would always recommend to my clients to weigh the durability of the items over cheap price. Hence, I prefer a granite countertop over a laminate one because, aside from its tested durability, it is also cheaper if you evaluate it closely.

Laminate countertops range from $15 to $40 per square foot installed, and they can last for 10 years at most. On the other hand, granite countertops cost $100 to $150 and can [last] 50 years or more with proper care. Granite is also considered as a superior building material that resists stains, acids, burns, and scratches, requiring minimal efforts and money for its maintenance.

I get it. Even I would want to save some money from my own renovations, but think about it. Will it all be worth it in the future if you choose the cheaper option today?

Jeneva Aaron

Jeneva Aaron, Founder and CEO of thehousewire.com where she provides honest and objective reviews for home and cleaning products.

Ahmed Ali

Ahmed Ali, Outreach Consultant at Heart Water.

Price point

An average laminate counter will come in a range of $500-$1200 whereas an average granite countertop will come in a range of $3000-$3500 (expensive, but it turns out better in the long run).

Pros & cons of granite countertops
1. Extremely durable
2. Not affected by knives or hot items
3. Lasts for 50 years or more
4. Long lead time and install time
5. Expensive

Pros & cons of laminate countertops
1. Inexpensive
2. Can be refinished or repaired
3. Low maintenance
4. Lasts only 10 years
5. Can be burned or scratched

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