One of the evident appeals of an organized laundry room is the countertop. Sorting and folding of clothes on beds, tables, and other makeshift areas can be inconvenient compared to a broad, smooth countertop surface dedicated solely to clothing.
But there are so many types of laundry room countertops on the market, each of them made with different materials. This poses a challenge in the perfect type to select, as countertops are big investments that require optimal efficiency.
Narrowing the various options down to a few top materials (Learn: Bar Tops Materials: Explore Your Right Option) will surely help in making an informed decision. Hence, we’ve picked the 5 best laundry room countertop materials, highlighting their features and how they affect the cleaning and folding of clothes.
Factors Influencing the Selection of Laundry Room Countertop
There are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect laundry room countertop, (Learn: How to Select the Best Countertop Fabricator) and there is no overall best choice. The most suitable option is dependent on the variables discussed below.
Material Properties
Firstly, examine the laundry room countertop materials to make sure they can offer the following features:
- Durability: The countertop material should be one that can withstand the rigors of daily use, including exposure to moisture, air, cleaning chemicals, impacts, and other extreme conditions. The popular durable materials that are used are solid surface sheets or quartz, and this is due to their resistance to heat, stains, and scratches.
- Appearance: One of the best laundry room countertop ideas that can be made is the aesthetic appeal of the material used, as it contributes to the overall ambiance of the space. Sometimes, people prefer materials that match or complement their desired style, such as quartz for an elegant appearance or laminate for a more affordable option. Resistance to stains and scratches is also a variable that affects the countertop’s appearance. Find out how well the material survives against stains and scratches.
- Longevity: Choosing a countertop with a material that offers long-term performance is very important. Some materials tend to require more care and maintenance than others, so when making the decision, factor in the time and effort required to keep the countertop looking its best.
Home Value and Budget
The kind of laundry countertop material used can impact the perceived value of the home. Premium materials like solid surfaces and quartz can increase the resale value of the house, especially if they meet up with the market trends and homebuyers’ preferences.
Additionally, materials costs should be checked to choose the one that aligns with the planned budget. The price for each countertop material varies, ranging from budget-friendly options like laminate to more expensive options like solid surface, but thanks to its durability, appearance, and longevity, the material is worth the price.
It’s essential to consider the initial cost and long-term cost, including maintenance.
Laundry Room Location and Design
Where the laundry room is located contributes largely to deciding which material is used to make the countertop. For example, if the laundry room is placed in a public place in the home like off the kitchen, it would be great to use high-quality materials like quartz and solid surface. They add to the ambiance of the room and give a better impression to visitors.
On the other hand, if the laundry room is situated in a more private place in the home like upstairs where people don’t frequent, a more budget-friendly option like laminate can be used.
The other factor to consider when exploring materials for the best countertop for a laundry room is the design and space of the room. Is it a small space that can only occupy a countertop over the washer and dryer for clothes folding? Choosing a wood countertop will be great for this. Or is it a big room with a laundry sink, lots of cabinets, and even an island? Considering all the water involved, the best selection is a durable material like a solid surface.
Durable Laundry Countertops Material: Solid Surface
With smooth surfaces and unnoticeable, flat seams, solid surface countertops serve as a great space for laundry operations except ironing.
Popularly known for their excellent durability and longevity, discussed below are the major features of solid surface materials, such as their good quality, non-porous nature, a wide range of colors and looks, low maintenance, and moderate price.
Good Quality Raw Materials
Solid surface materials used to make laundry countertops include a blend of acrylic, polyester, and natural minerals. This composition results in a strong and robust surface with the capability of surviving the demands of everyday use. The good quality materials used contribute to the durability and longevity of the solid surface countertop.
Non-Porous
One of the notable features of a laundry countertop made with a solid surface is its non-porous nature. This means that moisture cannot penetrate the material, making the countertop resistant to water damage, stains, and bacteria growth.
Choosing a non-porous countertop is very important in laundry rooms where moisture, spills, and occasional splashes occur. The nature of the countertop will make it easy to clean and maintain.
Wide Range of Solid Colors or Stone Looks
Solid surface countertops come in a wide variety of design options. There is an extensive array of solid colors, which allows for choosing a countertop that matches individuals’ aesthetic preferences, as well as complementing the overall design of the laundry room.
Arguably the best countertop for a laundry room, a solid surface countertop can be designed to mimic the look of a natural stone, offering the aesthetic of materials like granite or marble without additional cost or maintenance.
Low Maintenance
Solid surface countertops are renowned worldwide for their low maintenance and easy-to-clean characteristics. Having a non-porous nature, they are resistant to stains and can be cleaned with just a combination of mild soap and water. Frequent maintenance basically involves wiping away spills.
For stubborn stains and spoils, using a gentle abrasive cleaner is often effective. This is better than some other types of laundry room countertop materials like wood that require tough cleaning.
Also, solid surface countertops don’t require any sealing, reducing the time and effort needed for appropriate cleaning.
Moderately Priced
Solid surface countertops provide a balance of affordability and high performance. While the prices vary depending on the brand, design, size, color, and specific features, a solid surface is generally budget-friendly than some other popular materials like quartz.
This makes it a cost-effective choice for people who want a durable, non-porous, elegant, and low-maintenance laundry countertop without breaking the bank.
However, installation can be a challenge for some individuals, hence the services of a professional will be needed, which means labor costs must be calculated during the decision-making process.
Affordable Laundry Room Countertops Material: Laminate
Laminate is a synthetic material, consisting of a wood particle substrate and a printed plastic surface laminated on the top. This material has made a huge leap, style-wise, as one of the best countertops for a laundry room.
It serves as the perfect option for individuals who are seeking a budget-friendly laundry countertop, costing as little as $20 per square foot for a very basic option.
Discussed below are the major features of laminate material and how it affects laundry countertops.
Work Well for Sorting and Folding
Commonly known for its affordability, laminate countertops have a smooth and flat surface, making them suitable for sorting and folding laundry. The broad, plain, and mostly seamless countertop ensures that clothes are easily spread out, making laundry tasks more convenient and efficient. This results in a faster work rate and a smooth cleaning process.
Wide Range of Colors and Finishes
Laminates come in many colors, patterns, and finishes, which allow individuals to choose countertops that match their desired look. Whether it’s a solid color, artificial stone, or a realistic representation of natural materials like stone and wood, they are all available. There are various options to suit the laundry room’s design theme and personal preferences.
Easy to Process
Laminate is a man-made material produced through a relatively simple and cost-effective process, which is why it is less expensive compared to some other laundry room countertop materials like solid surface and quartz. The printing technology of laminate countertops has made incredible advances.
They can be designed to look like wood planks, natural stone, solid colors, and even chalkboards. Sometimes, these easily-made custom countertops can be difficult to differentiate from other materials.
Poor Heat Resistance Performance
While laminate offers many benefits, it is plagued with some disadvantages and one of them is its poor resistance to heat. Laminate countertops are not among the top laundry room countertop ideas because they are susceptible to hot elements like irons and heated appliances. Placing hot items directly on a laminate surface may result in marks or discoloration. To avoid this and maintain the optimal appearance, protective pads or trivets can be used.
Limited Lifespan
Laminate is not a very strong and long-lasting material, hence among the best laundry room countertop materials, it has the shortest lifespan. Even without exposing the laminate countertop to heat, the surface begins to chip, peel, or flake over time, and this is mainly due to its frequent use. The color also tends to fade easily. So, it may require replacement or refurbishment after some years.
Cheapest Laundry Room Countertops Material: Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is generally recognized as the most affordable material for laundry room countertops. Some people find it grouting annoying because of its numerous seams, which pose a problem when a smooth and flat surface is needed. Regardless, ceramic tile has many features that make it a great option for individuals who are on a tight budget.
Strong Heat Resistance
One of the cogent benefits derived from using ceramic tile for laundry room countertops is its excellent resistance to heat. Some of the major appliances used in laundry are hot iron, steamer, and even hairdryers. Unlike laminate, ceramic tile can withstand high temperatures caused by these hot appliances without wear, warps, cracks, or discolorations.
Ceramic tile’s impressive heat resistance ensures that the countertop maintains its appearance and functionality even with constant exposure to heat. Well-maintained ceramic tile countertops can last for decades, functioning optimally. For maintenance purposes, heavy items like large containers of laundry detergent or irons should not be stored in cabinets above tile countertops.
Easy to Process
Ceramic tiles are very easy to process and install, eliminating the stringent methods of production and additional installment costs. They are available in various sizes, shapes, textures, and colors, providing a wide range of options for selection. Also, they can be easily cut and modified to fit the specific dimension and design of the laundry room countertop. Its easy processing and simple installation contribute to its overall affordability.
Scratch Resistance
Ceramic tile has a hard and strong surface that’s commonly known for its scratch-resistant properties. The tough surface helps to resist scratches from sharp objects or abrasive materials. With this, there is a guarantee that the laundry countertop will maintain its sleek look and functionality over time despite the rigors of daily use.
Limited Aesthetic Value
A major disadvantage of ceramic tile countertop is its limited aesthetic value. While the material offers many functional benefits like strong heat resistance, easy processing, and scratch resistance, it lacks the visual appeal, elegance, and sophistication of other laundry room countertop materials. Ceramic tiles basically have a standardized appearance and may not offer the wide range of design options provided by other materials like quartz and solid surface.
Aesthetic Laundry Room Countertops Material: Quartz
Also known as engineered stone, quartz is an excellent material for making a laundry room countertop. It’s made from mineral chips and resin, with incredibly strong and durable properties. Quartz laundry countertops are extremely long-lasting and resistant to stains and heat, making them easy to care for and maintain.
Discussed below are the major features of quartz material and its effects on laundry countertops.
High Aesthetic Value
Quartz is popular for offering a luxurious and high-end appearance to countertops. The engineered stone surface composed of natural quartz crystals and a mixture of resins and pigments provides a stunning countertop that can be available in various colors, patterns, and textures. Lush, sleek, and with unparalleled visual depth, this countertop is often used by people with a desire for fashion and a high budget.
Quartz countertops sometimes are difficult to differentiate from natural stone because of the clinical and professional engineering quality process they undergo. This sophisticated and elegant aesthetic enhances the overall beauty of the laundry room.
Look Luxurious
Quartz countertops come with a sense of luxury and refinement. The composition of natural quartz crystals and engineered resins used in its making creates a surface with depth, shine, and visual appeal. The beautiful coloring and patterns in quartz countertops provide a polished and upscale appearance that enhances the laundry room aesthetic.
The Seams are Noticeable
Unlike some laundry room countertop materials like solid surface and laminate, quartz has noticeable seams where individual slabs are joined together during installation. However, the degree of visibility depends on the installer’s skill, as well as the color and pattern of the quartz.
Highly-skilled professionals can reduce the seams’ appearance, although they will still be noticeable a little bit, especially on larger countertops. But the beauty of this is that the appearance of the seams doesn’t outweigh the overall aesthetic value and luxury of quartz countertops.
Vulnerable to Heat Damage
While quartz has some level of resistance to heat, the material is not entirely capable of withstanding heat damage. Extreme heat, such as placing hot iron or steamer directly on the quartz countertop can cause thermal shock, which leads to discoloration or cracking.
To avoid this, it is recommended to use trivets or hot pads when placing hot items on the surface. This precautionary measure will help maintain the beautiful and aesthetic appeal of the countertop over time. With good maintenance, quartz countertops can last for decades.
Available Laundry Room Countertops Material: Wood
The last but definitely not the least common material used for a laundry room countertop is wood. While most laundry room countertop ideas are predominantly on natural stone, wood materials also look amazing as a laundry countertop.
It comes with several features, which are discussed below:
Flat and Seam-Free
Wood laundry countertops have flat and seamless surfaces that enhance a clean and uniform appearance. They are easy to process as wood slabs can be joined together, eliminating the presence of visible seams. This seamless and smooth surface enhances the aesthetic appeal of the laundry room, resulting in an inviting and smooth working space.
Durable
The durability of wood countertops is one of the best, especially those made from hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut. When properly sealed and maintained, wood countertops are great options for quality countertops that can withstand the rigors of daily use. They are resistant to scratches and impact, as well as wear and tear. This is one of the laundry room countertop materials that guarantee reliability and longtime use for many years.
It’s important to include that wood countertops require regular maintenance if they must remain attractive and last long. They should be properly sealed to protect against moisture, stains, and growth of bacteria.
Dynamic Aesthetic Value
Wood can be cut and shaped into any design, hence allowing for the inclusion of a warm and beautiful aesthetic in the laundry room. The natural grains, colors, and patterns of different types of wood create a dynamic and visually enticing surface. Selection can be made from the diverse options of the rich and deep hues of walnut to the lighter tones of maple. Also, over time, wood countertops develop a unique patina that adds character and charm to the laundry room.
Folding Difficult
While wood countertops offer many pros like flat and seam-free structure, durability, and dynamic aesthetic value, it is not very good for folding clothes. This is because wood is a tough and solid material that lacks the cushioning or softness of other materials like solid surfaces or laminate. However, this can be fixed by using a padded surface or a separate table for folding laundry.
KKR: Solid Surface Countertop Power up Your Business
KKR is a professional solid surface producer and fabricator with over 23 years of experience in molding and thermoforming technologies. Our expertise cuts across making solid surfaces for many industries, including laundry room countertops, wash basins & sinks, bathtubs & other bath accessories, custom countertops & vanity tops, and solid surface sheets.
OEM/ODM Acrylic Solid Surface Sheet Maker
Using high-grade resins, KKR makes versatile solid surface sheets that are available in more than 3000 colors and 127 patterns. They can be fabricated to be 100% pure or modified surface sheets, and are used for various applications. Depending on your specifications, all the needed materials and resources are available to meet your demands.
KKR Excel at Acrylic Solid Surface Sheet
Using the finest acrylic materials, KKR makes solid surface sheets that possess incredible properties, such as flexibility, versatility, and ease of cleaning. Thanks to years of experience and a team of skilled professionals, we seamlessly manufacture acrylic solid surface sheets. They are of optimal quality and can be easily fitted on furniture and other surfaces.
Outstanding Solid Surface Countertop Production Capabilities
KKR produces solid surface countertops with excellent features, such as anti-deformation, color-fastness, natural gloss, and smooth surface. As one of the best solid surface countertop manufacturers in the world, we offer a wide range of customization, quality products, and satisfactory after-sale services. We are capable of providing you with custom countertops regardless of the size, pattern, color, sink option, faucet hole option, edge & backsplash option, and shape & surface finish option.
Conclusion
The laundry room is an important part of any home, and having a durable countertop that’s perfect for sorting and folding clothes makes the laundry process easier. The countertop can be made with several materials and in this post, we’ve discussed the 5 common materials to be considered before making a decision.
At KKR, we specialize in manufacturing solid surfaces that can be used across different applications, including laundry room countertops, washbasins, and vanity tops. Our team of experienced professionals can offer assistance in choosing the best type of solid surface style and color for every unique need and preference.
So if you are looking for the best solid surface countertop, look no further than KKR. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a quote.
