Asked on Sep 21, 2013

Can you use Laminate Flooring for counter tops?

Lori Fisher
by Lori Fisher
I was just given some laminate flooring, not enough for any of my floors but I really need new counter tops and was wondering if any one had done this before?
  16 answers
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Sep 21, 2013
    NO...laminate floors and water do not get along.....no matter what you try. You will be wasting your time
    • Sharon Williams Sharon Williams on Feb 04, 2018

      I have laminate in my Kitchen on my counter tops and it is awesome! you can put hot pots and baking dishes on it with no worries ! I wash with a Microsoft rag and it is staying very nice ! I have had them for almost 9 years and have served potluck many times ! I highly recommend this !!!!!

  • Positive Solutions Inc. Positive Solutions Inc. on Sep 22, 2013
    NO, laminate is carboard and will not hold up to water!!!!!!
  • Well actually you can but it would not be the smartest idea. Proper prep & maybe using an epoxy to protect the seams might get you some long life. One other catch is the hardness of the material, if you can indent it with your fingertip it wont last long at all.
  • Tamela Bowie Interiors Tamela Bowie Interiors on Sep 22, 2013
    I would not....simply because of the lack of water resistance of the laminate flooring.
  • Cindy Cindy on Sep 23, 2013
    But it might be an awesome cabinet, drawer liner if you didn't mind cutting it to size!
  • Jsinclair2 Jsinclair2 on Sep 23, 2013
    I know someone who actually did this........looks great but I would consider some type of urethane or waterproof finish. Not sure how it would hold up
    • Hen9683528 Hen9683528 on Apr 24, 2018

      I did this using a waterproof finish and it is holding up beautifully. the only problem I have is how to finish the edges.


  • AmericanWoman AmericanWoman on Sep 23, 2013
    My DH knows a lot about remodeling, HVAC, etc. He said a waterproof sealant would work as long as the counter top doesn't stay saturated with water. :)
    • Alex Carson Alex Carson on Sep 04, 2019

      What type of waterproof food safe sealant did he use our would he suggest?

  • Cynthia E Cynthia E on Jan 06, 2014
    I agree as long as you seal with waterproof sealant and counter not stay saturated with water you should be fine. I would also get some molding trim for edges and stain same color as laminate before sealing.
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Jan 07, 2014
    Laminate flooring is made with a melamine plastic top layer covering a printed photo of the wood or stone surface. This top layer is very slick and will not hold any finish. You could try sealing all of the joints with silicone or a water proof seal.......but in the long run, you are wasting your time. Sorry....Gary
  • Cynthia E Cynthia E on Jan 09, 2014
    Lori Fisher Instead of using on countertop you could use as a backsplash or to cover an accent wall if have enough) or use them to make table tops or shelves (dining/coffee etc.) . For countertops you could use one of the paint kits for them or this product we are fixing to use near future.. Seems to be Durable, Very DIY and inexpensive! http://www.instant-granite.com/
  • Janet Smith Janet Smith on Jan 09, 2014
    I definitely would NOT use laminate for a countertop. If any moisture stands on it for long, the particle board or MFD will absorb it and it will swell and buckle. (That's why most manufacturers don't recommend laminate flooring for bathrooms or kitchens.) I honestly don't think you can seal it well enough to prevent this from happening. There are some really nice laminate countertops at Lowes or Home Depot that are relative inexpensive that you can install yourself. I think you would probably be much happier with that in the long run.
  • Cynthia E Cynthia E on Jan 09, 2014
    I have laminate flooring throughout house (kitchen living areas, bedrooms laundry and master bath) the only areas it is NOT in are kids baths. As long as you wipe up any water that hits floor (don't let it sit , especially on sides and ends of planks ) it holds up great on floors
  • Capernius Capernius on Apr 18, 2015
    I would never use anything that is laminated for a counter top. Why you ask? her is why: #1) it's lack of being water resistant. counter tops are notorious for being wet/damp/etc. and then you have tomatoes & other acidic fruits & veggies...the acid in these foods will make that laminate swell about as big as a hillbilly's head walking into Bass Pro Shops. #2) will never last any length of time. if you get 1 month out of this flooring before it begins to swell, 'd be surprised. #3) If you use the best sealer known to man, with all the acidic food, the water, and other stuff that most people do on their counter tops, even the best sealer in the world won't stand up to that kind of punishment. So if you need new counter tops, you have 2 main options; build it yourself, or buy it. Someone mentioned drawer liners.... yes you could use them for that... they could also be used for: dividers in the cabinet where your pots & pans are crafting board>protects the table/work bench while gluing, cutting,etc. There is a million things you could use these for if you stop & think about it.... just DO NOT put them down on a counter top & expect them to last.
  • Alan Jeffrey Alan Jeffrey on Feb 28, 2019

    Luxury Vinyl planks work

    • Trudy Peavy Trudy Peavy on Jan 26, 2020

      Did you do vinyl planks on countertops And how did you do the edges I’m doing it in my kitchen and need some tip

  • Von Von on Sep 04, 2019

    I've asked my hubby who's a floor layer and he said it's ok as long as you seal all the joints and avoid using it to cut or chop directly on x

  • Susan Susan on Sep 04, 2019

    We live in a mid-century modern house and the laminate on the floor is the countertops as well. So it can be done, but I personally hate it & plan to make a change.