Cost To Install A Formica Countertop

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The choice of the kitchen countertop, more precisely the material from which it is made, is a well-known problem for all those who have completed the design project of a kitchen. The range of materials you can choose from is vast and isn’t it so that, often, the criteria on the basis of which you make your choice tend to contradict each other? We refer to the classic question: what is more important – to look beautiful or to be durable? The ideal answer is, of course, both.

Created in 1913 as a form of insulation, Formica – which is the brand name for laminate countertops made by the Formica Group – is not made entirely of plastic, despite the look and feel. It is actually made from many layers of paper, which are soaked in resin, dried, and then sealed in clear melamine.

How Much Does It Cost To Install A Formica Countertop?

The cost of Formica countertop installation is affected by several factors such as the installer you choose to work with, the finish or the pattern selected, the most common being 180F and Premium FX, the complexity of the layout of the countertops (the installation costs are higher for longer lengths or unusual shapes), the extra elements such as cutout or any onsite fabrication and location outside of main urban areas.

However, you should expect to pay anywhere between $45 and $48 per linear foot for installing Formica countertops, as you can see in the table below.

Cost considerations

The costs of removing the old cabinetry and countertops or hauling away the debris and dirt are not included in the price range mentioned above.

Also, the costs do not include the addition of other elements like backsplashes.

You might also like our articles on other types of countertops, like the ones made of granite, Cambria, or Labradorite.

The cost of Formica countertops will increase significantly if you want something customized like drop-in sink cuts.

Thickness can play an important role in the final cost of the installation. The standard thickness of a tabletop is approximately 0.40 – 0.80 inches. Thinner countertops are significantly cheaper than thicker ones of the same size and material.

The shape and size of the countertop can also have an impact on the cost. For example, a kitchen island will require a larger piece of material.

Color can also play a role, as some rarer shades can cost more.

How can I save money?

It is recommended to wait until the early winter for booking an installation if you want to save money. This way you may be able to save up to 15% of the total cost, or even more.

DIY considerations

If you choose to install the countertops yourself, you should also consider the cost of other materials such as glue, saws, specialty drill bits, and others. These will cost around $220 or even more per installed section.

Even though you may be able to install the Formica countertops yourself, it is not recommended as the measuring process must be done with precision. Even a small mistake could cost you the entire project budget.

It is hard and even dangerous to lift and maneuver a moderate-sized piece of Formica. So, this is not a project for only one person.

Though, if you want to treat this work as a DIY project, you should hire a professional to measure and cut the sections for you. But the cutting fees and the laminate facings needed to cover the cut marks will add to the final costs.

Important things to consider

Formica countertops are an inexpensive, low-maintenance solution to natural stone countertops, and are available in many styles that mimic expensive surfaces such as granite or marble.

However, laminate countertops are not heat-resistant and can be easily scratched. Laminate kitchen countertops are made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), on which decorative paper is applied. Thus, it cannot be compared with the strength and durability of granite, which is a massive magmatic rock, formed at great depths in the earth’s crust.

Laminates are non-porous materials, so they will be more difficult to stain. The edges can delaminate if they are often exposed to water and humidity, which can cause the top to peel off. On average, laminates have a lifespan of approximately 10 years.