Why is the newer formica countertop not as smooth as the old formica.

Sej30295860
by Sej30295860
I've replaced a few counter tops in the past years and have noticed that the old formica had a very smooth easy to clean surface. The newer formica, no matter where you purchase has what seems to be textured surface or pock marks that not only gather dirt but are much harder to clean. The only advantage is the new surfaces have much nicer colors to choose from.

  5 answers
  • John Phillipson John Phillipson on Jan 27, 2018

    New counter tops sold in places like home depot and Lowe’s appear to be a form of plastic instead of Formica. I was looking to replace counter tops in one of my rental apartments and didn’t think they would hold up. I went with stone counter top instead.

  • William William on Jan 27, 2018

    Manufacturers have noted that consumers had been wanting low cost stone look and feel countertops for about 25 yrs. They started making textured and also thicker countertops that not only look but feel like stone. Smooth laminate countertops are still available. Laminate manufacturers needed to compete to remain in business and stay viable.

  • Gale Allen Jenness Gale Allen Jenness on Jan 27, 2018

    first thing you should know if Formica is a brand name. The material is actually called plastic laminate or P lam for short!

    There are several brands of P Lam, Formica being one! There’s also Nevermar, and Wilsonart. Each brand has their own colors, patterns, textures, and solid colors! I’m a contractor, well use to be I’m disambled now! But I bought the different brands at wholesale suppliers. But many flooring retail stores will carry different brands or all the brands! You just have to make sure your buying the smooth surface your wanting on your counters. Their are laminates out there that looked textured but are as smooth as a baby’s bottom! There’s also gloss laminate too, but stay away from anything gloss if it’s going to be in a area that going to get any use like a kitchen counter. Reason being that gloss wears off very quickly and your counters will look 20 years old in just a few weeks to a couple months depending on the use the counters get? I’ve been doing custom cabinets and plastic laminate work for over 45 years doing anything you can imagine with wood or P Lam! Promise I’ll never steer you wrong!

  • Debbie Kuhar Debbie Kuhar on Jan 29, 2018

    Thanks for the tips. Putting in a new kitchen late in the year,