When working with Formica, typically homeowners install a prefabbed countertop as where a professional contractor is usually the one who will install formica sheets cut to size from scratch to your prepped and ready countertop substrate. Formica is not extremely hard to install on your own, however it does require special formica or laminate tools and some knowledge of the installation process. Depending on the size of your countertop surface area, installation from a professional is usually quick, clean, painless and relatively inexpensive.

Plastic laminate and formica sheets are not indestructible, however are extremely durable and versatile making them unlike most other materials that are used for similar purposes. Formica sheets can conform to almost any shape or size regardless of irregularity, angle or mounted position meaning that it can also be mounted vertically and even upside down. There are three general parts that make up the traditional countertop area that can be covered by formica, among other materials. These three parts include the actual countertop deck, the backsplash, and the countertop front edge or nose. In general, the edging will most likely match the countertop as where the backsplash does not necessarily have to match the countertop or the edging.

There are several typical ways in which Formica sheets are installed for backsplash applications. One of the most common and preferred ways for installation is that of a cove back splash. A code back splash occurs when the backsplash and the countertop itself are one continuous Formica laminate sheet. The formica sheet rolls from the flat deck of the countertop to the vertical position of the backsplash providing a seamless transition from countertop to backsplash. Coved backslashes can either rise from the countertop all the way to the bottom of the upper cabinets, which is usually 18 inches or they can simply rise as little as 4 to 6 inches. If you’re formica backsplash does not reach your upper cabinets and is only a few inches high, it is important to apply silicone caulking to provide a watertight seam to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your walls or behind your cabinets.

There are several different methods for choosing the front edging of your formica countertops. Depending on your home’s decor and your personal preference you can choose between a square edge which typically has a seam between the countertop deck and the edging. Or you can choose a seamless edging by going with a rolled edge. The rolled edge gives a waterfall effect or look, and is only a 1/4 circle. Then there is a full wrap that extends a half circle giving a solid look like that of granite or corian. Another option for Formica edging is using a wood edging. When choosing to go the route of wood edging, it is important that you use some kind of hardwood such as oak, maple, cherry or hickory woods. Hardwoods are more durable, and can withstand moisture and direct water better than softer woods such as pine or poplar.

When installing Formica sheets in your home, keep in mind that sheet sizes are limited. Thickness include a general grade that is 1/16 of an inch thick and then there is a 1/32 of an inch vertical grade that is typically used for backsplashes. If the depth or the run of your countertop is deeper or longer than the dimensions of the laminate sheets you are using, then there will be a seam in your countertop. Formica sheets come in widths of 3 foot, 4 foot and 5 foot and come and lengths of 8 foot, 10 foot and 12 foot. Typically you can mix and match these sizes meaning that the largest laminate sheet size available will be 5′ x 12′ and the smallest laminate sheets that are available will be 3′ x 8′. Use these dimensions to layout your countertops in a manner that will require the least amount of seams. You never want to have a seam close to where your sink will be located, as seems can eventually allow sitting water to penetrate the wood surface below your formica countertop, seams are also a place for dirt to collect.

Formica is very impact resistant, easy to maintain and can keep its good looks for many years with simple and proper care. It is a great choice for any home as an inexpensive, long-lasting countertop material. It is up to you to decide whether or not you can take on the task of installing Formica sheets from scratch or you should take the route of a preformed formica countertop. Preparation and attention to detail is key to make sure that your countertops are installed properly to ensure they last for many years.

If you take home 10 Formica samples, and none of them meet your taste after you have compared them with your furniture, cabinets, flooring or your paint selection, simply take them back and bring home 10 new ones. After you have gone through multiple colors, and most likely changed your mind at least five times, narrow your Formica samples down from 10 to 3 - 5 samples.

Now that you have narrowed it down, you need to take some time and really think about the colors and patterns you have chosen. Often time people take weeks, months or years before they decide to pull the trigger on a kitchen remodel, so why rush the most important decision of the entire remodeling process? The best way to ensure a good decision is made, is to sleep on it. Lay out the top three colors that you really like, and go to bed. When you wake up the next morning you will feel refreshed, and ready to narrow it down to your final pick.

If after hours or even days of considering multiple Formica sample colors, and you still cannot come to a definite conclusion, it may be time to hire some professional help. There is nothing wrong with bringing in a professional designer, or decorator to help you choose the correct colors for your home. Changing your countertops is a big decision, and should not be taken lightly. If you choose the wrong color, it is either an expensive mistake that you learn to live with, have to replace or you are stuck living with a color you are never going to be happy with.

If you live far from civilization, or any hardware stores that may stock Formica samples, you can printout many different Formica colors, remember that you can download many different samples of Formica colors online. As discussed in previous articles, make sure that you use the natural lighting in your kitchen or bathroom, as that will be the lighting that you see your Formica countertops in on a daily basis.

The first thing you should do is visit a dealer, or look through samples of formica countertops online. Next time you are standing inline at your local retail store, grab a home and garden magazine and start flipping through the pages, they are filled with great ideas for any home. While looking over samples of different Formica countertops, get an idea of what color and pattern will accent and complement your home the best. There are literally hundreds of laminate countertop choices and you are usually able to take samples home to compared to the paint colors and appliance colors in your home. When taking samples home, do not be shy. It is a good idea to take at least a dozen or so different colors and patterns home with you at a time.

When considering a new for my countertop in your home, think about the extras that are involved in installing a unique look in your home. Did you know that there are a variety of edge variations available? There is the traditional flat edging, and there is also a waterfall edge that gives your countertop a seamless look. The sales rep that you are dealing with at a Formica dealer, should have several different edging samples available for you to look at.

Also consider the possibility of using a laminate formica for your backsplash as well. If you’re going for a look that is not completely uniform, then consider using a tile or stone as your backsplash. Tile and stone may be a little more expensive than a laminate backsplash, but they look they give your home will be more unique.

It is also a good idea to make sure that the Formica countertop you are wishing to install in your home is not a specialty item. Selecting a specialty Formica may mean that they have to order it from the manufacturer, or have it specially made for your application. If you are in no rush for your remodel, then by all means order a Formica that is a specialty item.

Formica is a brand of laminate countertop that has been around since 1913 and was originally located in Cincinnati Ohio. Since that time pretty much every home in America has had some form of Formica countertop or flooring unless the homeowners had the money to spend on an expensive countertop surface like granite, marble, stone or concrete. Over the years formica has been able to replicate many of the natural stones that you would see in homes such as granite, but made them much more affordable for the average homeowner to install in their home.

Some of these amazing Formica colors mirror looks that you would see in nature such as stone, granite and butcher block countertops. However, some reflect modern man-made colors and textures. The colors of formica countertops range from metallic silver, blacks and whites to many of the bright colors of Art Deco. If you can imagine a color or design, chances are there is a laminate countertop to fit your taste.

On the downside, formica countertops are not quite as durable as granite countertops, corian countertops or concrete countertops. Not only are formica countertops not as durable, but they are not as easy to clean or to keep clean. If you do happen to get your formica countertops dirty, they can be cleaned with mild soap and water, or if it is a scuff, mark, stain or moisture ring you can try baking soda and other mild household cleaners. You must be careful when cleaning your countertops with abrasive cleaning agents. Using too abrasive of a pad may scuff, mark, and damage your Formica countertops often times wearing down its finish causing them too look dull and old. Formica countertops are also easy to cut and scratch, unlike solid surface counters like granite and concrete, for this reason it is good to remember that you must protect your tops from cutlery and sharp objects. Laminate countertops are not extremely resistant to heat either, so if you plan on putting any hot pan or dish on them as they will burn leaving permanent marks that cannot be removed without a lengthy repair process.

So reviewing some of these pros and cons of laminate countertops you may be able to come to your own conclusion of whether or not Formica brand laminate countertops are for you and your home. With a price tag of about $7-$20 per square foot, it is really hard to beat the price and ease of installation of laminate countertops. If you have the money and want to spend about 70 to 100 Dollars per Sq. foot, then by all means install granite in your home.

Next do the same thing, comparing your laminate countertop samples to your wall paint color, and your flooring. Test the samples both at night time and during the day to see how the differnt side lighting affects the way the samples look. Colors have a funny way of changing their appearance under different lighting conditions. Remember the immediate lighting in your home is the most important. This lighting is how you will see your laminate countertops most of the time. It will do you no good to look at the samples in direct sunlight, or with the lights off.

If you are planning on changing the color of your cabinets in the process of your remodel, make sure that you have sample colors of the color your cabinets will be painted. Remember to take your time here, do not rush your decision. You will be living with your laminate countertops for years to come, so take all the time you need to pick the right laminate counter top for your home. Anything less than 3 to 5 days is rushing it. Let it soak in and take the time to try multiple samples, and look in magazines and books to help give you color cordination ideas.

Once you have narrowed your choices down from your original dozen or so, take the time and order some larger samples. Visualizing the way your formica laminate countertops will look from a tiny sample is hard. On the back of each laminate sample you take home, there should be a 1-800 number that you can call to order a larger sample. They should be able to send it directly to your home. These larger samples will make choosing your laminate countertop much easier.