Laminate Worktop Cost

A kitchen worktop has to be functional and look great. Laminate worktops tick these boxes. They are heat resistant, durable and low maintenance. They are also available in a huge range of patterns, including those that look like other materials such as wood, marble and quartz.

Laminate is an affordable choice for householders who want to buy a worktop that will last around ten years.

Read our laminate worktop guide to find out how much it will cost to buy and install, the additional costs you’ll need to add to your budget and other types of worktops you can consider.

Find out more about Laminate Worktop costs:

Depending on the complexity of the job, you can expect to pay, on average, around £150 for 3 metres of laminate kitchen worktop.

When you need a kitchen specialist to install laminate worktops, we can help you get free quotes.

How Much is a Laminate Worktop?

Laminate worktops are cheap when you compare them with the price of stone or marble. There are several things which will have a bearing on the price you pay for laminate, and these are:

Size

Size is one of the main considerations when installing a laminate worktop. A small kitchen worktop will cost you less. You can save money by measuring the area correctly, so you don’t buy too much.

Quality

The quality of the laminate you buy will also affect the price. It is possible to buy branded or compact laminate, which comes with a higher price tag.

Design and Pattern

You can order a laminate worktop in a variety of designs, and some brands are more expensive than others. For example, a branded luxury laminate with an oak finish could cost in the region of £235, but you could buy a non-branded oak finish for around £119, a difference of over £100.

Location

Where you live will also affect the cost of a laminate worktop. The price of a worktop and its installation tend to be higher in London and the South East of England than in other parts of the UK. For example, a carpenter charges, on average, between £16 to £40 an hour. You’re likely to pay the top end of the scale if you’re in London or the South East of England.

Supplier

Where you buy your worktop may also affect the price. Specialist kitchen showrooms may be more expensive than buying online. If you have a worktop made by a carpenter, then you will probably pay more because it will be made to your exact size and design.

Laminate Worktop Prices

Laminate worktops are usually sold per metre or in a standard size, such as 3 metres or 4 metres. If you buy a worktop cut to a standard size, then you may have to cut the worktop to the size you need or add an additional length if you need a larger size.

The thickness of the laminate might also affect the price. Many online companies have a large stock of worktops cut to 38mm or 40mm. But you can find other choices. If you choose a slimmer thickness, such as 22mm compact laminate, you may pay more because the quality is better.

Here are some tables with the costs of laminate worktops:

Laminate Countertop Prices

Supply Costs for Laminate Worktops

The supply costs for laminate worktops mostly depend on the quality and the brand. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find according to the quality of the laminate:

Standard Laminate – Standard laminate consists of chipboard and MDF (Engineered Wood Fibre) The boards are treated with a resin to make the material strong and durable. The top sheet of laminate is printed with the desired pattern, such as wood, marble or granite.

Branded Laminate - Branded laminate is often made up in the same way as standard laminate except that the grade of material is higher, making the quality better than standard laminate

Compact Laminate - Compact laminate is made up of solid layers without chipboard, which makes it durable and water resistant. It is the best quality laminate, and that’s why it is more expensive.

Other items you may want to buy with your laminate worktop:

• Sink or Hob Cutout - If you can’t buy a worktop with a cutout, then you may need the services of a carpenter to cut any holes you require. The costs for cutouts or holes for taps range, on average, between £175 to £190. A Carpenter’s hourly rate is on average between £16 to £40 an hour. However, the price you pay may be per cutout rather than at an hourly rate.
• Grooves for a Sink Drainer - Creating grooves for a drainer is on average between £140 and £160.
• Kitchen Splashback and Worktop Upstands – You can buy splashbacks and upstands with the same pattern as your worktop. Laminate upstands cost, on average, between £39 and £150. Splashbacks are between £80 and £400.
• Edging Strips – The cost of edging strips depends on the length of the strip. For example, 2-metre strips cost, on average, between £13 and £18.
• Installation Kits – A typical installation kit used to join worktops or fix a sink will have inserts, nuts, bolts, sanding pads, biscuits and jigsaw blades. They cost around £40.
• Sealants and adhesives – These items will, on average, cost between £12 and £25 per tube.

Additional Costs

You might also have additional costs on top of the budget for your laminate kitchen worktop if you have planned to renovate your kitchen.

New Units

If you are replacing your kitchen cupboards and units, you can expect to pay between £2000 and £4000 or material and labour costs if you have a small kitchen with around 8 units. A larger kitchen with 12 units will be, on average, between £4350 and £6850.

New Sink and taps

The cost of a sink and taps depends on the amount you want to pay. You can buy a standard stainless-steel sink for under £30. A designer sink might cost you over £1000.

Taps are similar. You can buy a cheap pair of taps for under £15, but if you want a boiling water tap, then you can expect to pay £700 or more.

New Kitchen Floor

The price of a kitchen floor will depend on the size of your kitchen and the type of flooring you choose. For example, 180 if you want to lay luxury vinyl, you’ll pay between £20 to £30 per m². That means in a kitchen that’s 9m², luxury vinyl will cost you between £180 and £270.

But if you decide to lay tiles, then the price will range from around £15 per square metre to £50 per square metre, depending on the type of floor tile you install. A 9m² kitchen will cost between £135 to £450.

New Appliances

Here’s a handy chart with the types of appliances you may want to buy new for your kitchen with average prices:

Labour Costs and Timescales for Installing Laminate Worktops

If a kitchen fitter or carpenter is installing your worktop, then they might charge per job or by the hour. If you are having a full kitchen renovation, then the worktop installation will be included in any quotes you have for fitting the units.

These are some average costs for the labour involved in fitting a kitchen:

The average costs for kitchen installation are:

To fit a kitchen worktop only could take between 3 hours and 1 day depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the job. For example, if you need cutouts for a sink, tap and hob then the job will take longer.

A carpenter or kitchen fitter is likely to charge, on average, between £54 and £66 for 3 hours of work. Hourly rates are normally between £18 and £22 an hour, which is a day rate of between £144 and £176.

Expect to pay more if you live in London or the South East of England, where service charges are generally higher than in other parts of the UK.

Cost Factors for Laminate Worktops

The costs you need to consider when you want to install a new laminate kitchen worktop are:

• Whether you buy a standard, branded or compact laminate. Prices range from just over £100 for standard laminate to just over £400 for compact laminate
• The materials that the laminate resembles are wood, stone or quartz. The cheapest style of standard laminate is either a plain pattern or an oak copy, which you can buy for around £117 for 3 metres.
• How easy it is to install A complex installation will take longer, and therefore, you will pay more to get the job done
• Whether you are buying from a kitchen specialist, online or having a bespoke worktop made by a carpenter. A bespoke piece will be made to your exact requirements, so you can expect to pay more.
• The cost of delivery. Some companies charge for delivery. Depending on your location, the cost might be between £25 and £75. Many companies, though, offer free delivery if you spend more than a set amount.

Building Regulations Related to Laminate Worktops

Building regulations don’t apply to a change or installation of a kitchen worktop. But if you are undergoing a full kitchen renovation and need gas and water installations, then you will need to comply with building regulations. Your local council office can give you the information you need to comply with the regulations and pay any necessary fees.

For gas and water installations, it is best to use plumbers and electricians who are part of the Competent Persons scheme. It means you won’t need an inspection of the work by building regulations because the tradesperson can self-certify their work under building regulation rules.

Types of Laminate Worktop

Laminate comes in three types: standard, branded named laminate and compact laminate.

Standard laminate is the cheapest of the three. Compact laminate is the most expensive. The finish you choose also affects the price. You’ll pay a higher price for a marble or stone laminate worktop.

Laminate is an affordable option for a kitchen worktop, and it is available in a large range of colours and styles.

The Worktops are made of MDF particleboard and kraft paper, which makes them strong and durable. A laminate sheet is then placed over the MDF, mimicking materials like stone, wood, and marble.

Pros of Laminate

• ✔ An affordable choice if you’re on a budget
• ✔ Plenty of colour and design options to choose from
• ✔ It can be fitted as a DIY job due to the ease of installation

Cons of Laminate

• ✖ You need to be careful with water and heat, as laminate can warp
• ✖ It may not last as long as other materials
• ✖ Joining worktops will mean visible seams, so you won’t get the look of a one-piece

Alternative Types of Worktops

Wood Worktops

A wooden worktop makes a kitchen appear warm and inviting. It’s long-lasting, stylish and practical. It is also easy to repair, and it can be sanded down and repolished to renew the finish. It’s also more affordable than many other worktop types. A solid wood worktop will cost around £108 per linear metre.

Pros of Wood Worktops

• ✔ It’s got character and warmth
• ✔ Has antibacterial properties, making it hygienic to use
• ✔ May last decades

Cons of Wood Worktops

• ✖ Needs to be maintained by sealing to prevent water ingress
• ✖ Heavy to install
• ✖ Can mark and scratch over time

Copper Worktops

Copper isn’t a cheap choice for a worktop. It’s popular because it’s a material that improves over time and develops a unique look that no one else will have. Plus, it is practical and easy to clean. You’ll pay around £400 for a length of around 1000 mm.

Pros of Copper Worktops

• ✔ Anti-bacterial
• ✔ Develops its own unique patina over time
• ✔ Easy to clean

Cons of Copper Worktops

• ✖ Hot plates and pans could leave burn marks
• ✖ Heavy objects could cause dents in the copper
• ✖ It’s not a cheap choice of material

Marble Worktops

Marble is a great choice if you enjoy baking, as it has a naturally cool surface. It’s easy to clean and very hardwearing. Marble costs on average between £300 and £400 per m².

Pros of Marble Worktops

• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Resistant to heat
• ✔ Every slab of marble is different, so your worktop will be unique

Cons of Marble Worktops

• ✖ Can scratch easily
• ✖ Harsh chemicals or strong colours can stain the worktop
• ✖ Heavy to install

Stainless Steel Worktops

You mostly see stainless steel in professional kitchens because it’s heat-resistant and easy to clean. But it is also popular with householders who spend a lot of time cooking and want the convenience of a practical work surface. You can expect to pay around £150 for a 600mm length of worktop.

Pros of Stainless-Steel Worktops

• ✔ Resistant to heat
• ✔ Anti-bacterial
• ✔ Low maintenance

Cons of Stainless-Steel Worktops

• ✖ It may not suit your kitchen style
• ✖ Does have a tendency to dent and scratch if mistreated
• ✖ Not the cheapest choice

Stone Composite Worktops

Composite worktops are made up of stone, resin, pigments for colour and minerals. If you need a unique design, composite is easy to cut and shape. Stone composite costs between £200 and £250 per m².

Pros of Stone Composite Worktops

• ✔ Doesn’t stain or scratch
• ✔ Long-lasting
• ✔ Easy to clean

Cons of Stone Composite Worktops

• ✖ Over time, the colour may fade
• ✖ It isn’t heatproof like natural stone.
• ✖ Installation may be complex because of its weight

Quartz Worktops

Quartz worktops aren’t the cheapest option, but you are paying for a material that’s long-lasting and highly practical for a kitchen surface. There are a number of things that affect the price, but you can expect to pay £1250 on average.

Pros of Quartz Worktops

• ✔ Resistant to stains and bacteria
• ✔ Doesn’t scratch
• ✔ Strong and durable

Cons of Quartz Worktops

• ✖ High Cost
• ✖ Heat damage may lead to discolouration
• ✖ It’s not a natural material

Porcelain Worktops

Porcelain is a good choice if you want a cheaper solution to natural stone. It’s strong, durable and easy to maintain. The cost for a porcelain worktop, on average, is between £200 and £300 per m².

Pros of Porcelain Worktops

• ✔ Scratch and stain-resistant
• ✔ Handles heat well
• ✔ Long-lasting

Cons of Porcelain Worktops

• ✖ More expensive than some other worktop materials
• ✖ Needs care with heavy objects because porcelain can crack if a heavy object is dropped on the surface
• ✖ Needs renewing if it breaks as it’s not possible to repair

Hiring a Kitchen Specialist Checklist

Here is a checklist of things you should consider when you want to hire a contractor to install your laminate kitchen worktop:

• To compare quotes easily, make sure each one is fully itemised
• Ask about their experience installing kitchen worktops
• Make sure they have insurance. Public Liability Insurance will cover property damage or an accident while they are working at your premises
• Find out if an installer will remove and dispose of your old worktops as part of the job
• Get at least 3 quotes so that you can compare prices

Removing Existing Worktops

If your worktop is connected to a hob or a sink, then you will need to disconnect the water and gas supply and remove the sink and hob.

If you have a lightweight worktop like laminate, then you may be able to do the job yourself. But if the worktop is heavy, it may be advisable to hire a professional to do the job. The cost of removing a kitchen worktop is, on average, between £100 and £200.

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