Designing a kitchen is challenging but also fun. Working with a kitchen designer, showing him/her your Pinterest boards, IG saves and inspiration from interior magazines. That’s the fun bit! Now it’s time to get into the details that will bring your kitchen design to life. I’m talking about your handle choice, sink and tap, flooring and more importantly worktop. There are so many things to consider when buying laminate countertops. From colour, thickness, and profile – each with its own features and benefits.

Colour

Laminate countertops are available in a variety of colours and finishes. From solid colours – white, black, grey and everything in between to decors that mimic other materials such as granite, marble, and different species of wood. The choice is endless with laminate worktops. Let your creativity run free but here are some hints and tips when it comes to choosing your worktop colour. Select a colour that is complementary to your kitchen cabinetry for a harmonious scheme. Or use your kitchen countertop to highlight certain areas of the design.

Contemporary design meets durability in our Options laminate worktop collection. With 50 beautiful decors in realistic wood, stone, and abstract designs to choose from. Matching splashbacks and upstands are available to complete the look. With Options, it’s easy and affordable to inject style and character into your kitchen project.

Our Omega laminate worktop collection combines exceptional performance with trend-leading designs. Choose from 50 beautiful designs made in the image of real stone, wood, and marble to create a premium look and feel. Omega is a collection of worktops created to give you maximum design freedom.

Thickness

When it comes to the thickness of the worktop, let your design guide you. Standard laminate worktops range in thickness from 38mm to 22mm. A chunkier countertop adds character to a traditional style kitchen. Mix and match decors to continue the traditional theme. Thinner worktops are more suited to contemporary kitchen designs, especially when paired with handless kitchen doors. Modern kitchen design is all about clean, sleek lines. Stripped of embellishments and driven by simplicity of form, a 22mm worktop creates unbroken lines for a streamlined minimalist design.

Every worktop in the Omega range is created with a 38mm or 22mm silhouette, and available in two different lengths and variety of widths with matching splashbacks and upstands. The Options range features designs in 38mm thickness, with some designs also available in 28mm for projects where cost is a priority.

Profile

When it comes to choosing kitchen worktops, don’t forget to speak to your designer about edge profiles. Edge profiles play an important role in achieving the look and feel. Also, some edge profiles offer more versatility than others.

Double Pencil Round or 38mm Postformed Q3

Double pencil round or as its sometimes called - double quarter round, is one of the most widely used edge profiles. The top and bottom edge features a tightly rounded 3mm radius profile. The minimal rounding provides a smooth, subtle straight edge without any sharpness – great for families with young children. The rounded edge is factory finished with under-edge glue seal for water resistance against drips and spills.

Square Edge

As the name suggests, the edge fits squarely against the top of the worktop at a 90° angle. This creates a straight edge perfect for contemporary kitchen designs where bold, clean lines help draw the eye through the room. This edge profile is popular with kitchen designers as it offers the most versatility. Due to its straight nature, many shapes can be cut into it. For example, curves to match a curved base unit or corner post. Simply re-edge with matching edging strip and adhesive for a flawless finish. Another design option available with square edge worktops – island waterfall. This is where the worktop runs down the sides of the island (see image above), creating a visual design impact.

At Bushboard, we have a wide range of laminate kitchen worktops to suit any style and budget. Some of our decors are available in more than one thickness and edge profile option. So, if you see a décor you like, speak to your kitchen designer or retailer to find out the options available. In the meantime, browse our range of laminate worktops here.