There are many different edge treatments available for laminate countertops. BUT … not all of the choices may be an option for your kitchen.
WHY?
Many factors will determine what is available for you and your project. They are listed here:
1. The corners of your walls – are they square or do they taper in or out?
2. Cabinet layout – diagonal cabinets limit some options (most times this rules out post form countertops)
3. Age of you cabinets – old cabinets built in place may not be the standard depth
4. Bows in walls
5. Drop over tops or standard built-up tops
6. Odd angles
7. Notches in the walls or existing counter
8. Unique circumstances – reduced depth cabinets
9. Rounded turns or large radius corners
10. Laminate Color selection – some edges are only available in certain colors
11. Wall tile (if you don’t plan to remove it)
The list can go on and on.
A good company will go over all of these issues with you. Hopefully, they will do so very early in the decision-making process.
Keep in mind, not all company’s are trying to sell you a more expensive product. Sometimes, certain types of tops just won’t work.
Post form tops are pre-rolled and come at preset depths. An alternative to having the integrated splash that comes on standard post form is to get a deck top with a separate splash. This will give more “wiggle” room for walls that are out of square or have bows. Sometimes it will also allow for angled cuts, notches, and other unique configurations.
Self-edge tops are sometimes the only option if you have angled cabinets, angled walls, curves, thicker tops, etc.
Applied edge tops are an upgrade to the standard square edge, but they can not be curved or rounded.
There are a lot of options with laminate. Just make sure your space can accommodate the style of countertop you want and that you budget for edge alternatives before you get your heart broken.
Walsh Tops, Inc. 