The “Old World” look of natural stone is more popular than ever in kitchens today, but people often ask how they can create this look on a budget. The answer may be in a new generation of laminate countertops that mimic the look of stone surfaces at a much lower price.

These finishes are known by different names, depending on the manufacturer, but you’ll find them listed as “honed,” “etched” or “textured” surfaces. Subtle indentations and crevices create the illusion of real stone, not only to the eye, but to the touch as well. Coupled with a choice of a matte or polished finish they can create a kitchen with a very rich look on a shoestring budget.

Of course the brand, color and edge treatments you choose will make a difference but on an average, these laminates will cost 50-65% less than a true stone surface.

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5 Comments on “Textured Laminate”

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1. susan Says:
   March 29th, 2007 at 2:26 pm

   I think these laminates are really fantastic. The fact that they have responded to creating a more realistic look than ever before is good news for so many people, for whom natural stone is out of their budget range. The look is really not so far removed, that’s the good part.

2. Rachel Says:
   April 9th, 2007 at 10:47 am

   I’ve seen these countertops in home centers and I really look the like for the price point. I doubt I’ll be able to afford granite when I redo my kitchen so if anyone has had a good experience with these surfaces I’d be interested to hear about it. I’d rather not settle for boring laminate…

3. 

   Allen Says:
   April 13th, 2007 at 3:58 pm

   I’ve seen full kitchens with the new textured laminates, and they really are a good alternative. It’s not the same as true stone, but it beats the heck out of plain laminates. Whatever you do, though, don’t get the high gloss laminates. They scratch in a heartbeat.

4. donnamarie burak Says:
   April 25th, 2007 at 2:17 pm

   I live in Fernie BC, about three hours west of Calgary Alberta and want to know where a supplier of this textured laminate could be found in Canada.

5. Linda McConkey Says:
   June 19th, 2008 at 11:21 am

   I have recently had the textured laminate counter tops installed in my kitchen and I can’t tell you how thrilled we are with the decision! We saw a kitchen done in a local big box store in the Wilson Art product and picked a pattern that looks very much like my sister’s pricey granite. Our finish is a combination of flat and glossy and gives just the right amount of texture. No problems with scratches, just an affordable, attractive alternative to granite.

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