There are also pre-fabricated Formica counter-tops available in hardware stores or home improvement centers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Surface textures vary from shiny and smooth to matte or grain finishes. You may even combine these with other colors and patterns with endless possibilities of unique looks and designs.
Samples
You could purchase samples from the various retailers and hardware stores so that you can try to see how the color and texture would look like in your kitchen or bathroom. When you are ready, you can purchase your selection in the size based on your measurements of the area you will install it on.
Formica is easy to install on your own but does require knowledge of the process of installation and special Formica tools. You may opt to leave it with a professional too who would do a clean, quick, and relatively cheap installation based on the size of your counter-top surface area.
Applications
Formica and laminate sheets, like most things, would go through wear and tear, but are durable and versatile in that the sheets can conform to almost any size or shape regardless of angle or irregularity of the mount position.
Normally, most home-builders or homeowners use Formica for the counter-top area, back-splash and front nose or edge. The edging should match the main counter-top whereas the back-splash could be different.
For back-splashes, the usual installation is the cove back splash. You can create this look when one Formica sheet is used for the counter-top and back-splash itself.
The sheet rolls from the flat deck to the vertical position of the back-splash creating a seamless surface. It can go all the way up to the bottom of the cabinets or just up to 6 inches from the counter-top.
To prevent mold and mildew from growing in your walls, do not forget to apply caulking using silicone to provide a watertight seam.
Edging on the other hand may be applied with the square edge, which has a seam between the edging and counter-top deck; or the rolled edge, which provides a waterfall effect.
Another option for Formica edging is using wood. Make sure that you use hardwood such as maple, oak, hickory or cherry woods. These are more durable and can withstand direct water and moisture better than poplar or pine.
Formica sheets are available in limited sheet sizes. 1/16th of an inch thickness is of general grade but there is 1/32nd of an inch vertical grade that is for back-splash uses normally.
Typically, Formica sheets are available in widths of 3, 4, and 5 feet, by lengths of 8, 10 and 12 feet. You can mix and match to complete your required dimensions.
As seams can allow water to sink in the surface, or dirt to collect, ensure that you will layout your counter-tops with the minimum amount of seams.
Proper Care
As it is very easy to clean, very contact resistant, and can keep looking good with proper care and maintenance, Formica is a great inexpensive choice as counter-top material.
You have the choice of installing this yourself or getting a professional to install it for you, it still will not break the bank.
As usual, if you plan your project well, before you start on anything, you will be able to achieve the kind of look that you prefer, one that will last you for a long, long time.
For more information on Formica, click here.