Formica Vs Granite Countertop [9 Differences Explained]

With so many options available, it’s getting more difficult by the day to select the perfect countertop material. But today is all about Formica vs granite countertop. Which one is a better choice and why?

Formica is cheaper than granite but less durable. Formica and granite are also different from each other when it comes to appearance, heat tolerance, stain resistance, scratch resistance, and installation.

You will find a thorough comparison between the two in this post.

Formica Vs Granite Countertop: Comparison Table

Formica Vs Granite Countertop: Differences

Laminated boards for countertops are now widely known by the popular brand name, Formica. When you compare this material with granite, you will discover that the differences are significant. Let’s take a look at some differences.

Price

Granite and laminate countertops vary in price. Granite is a more durable, natural, and high-quality material, which increases its price. Formica, on the other hand, is very affordable.

Wood and paper, combined with glue, resin, and other products, form laminated boards. This manufactured material is comparatively a lot cheaper compared to granite.

Appearance

Much like hardwood, granite can offer you unique and natural designs. The design may not be repetitive and can offer you an authentic look. Formica has a lot to offer too. There are many designs available, that often replicate natural materials.

However, no matter how precisely laminated countertops replicate natural materials, it’s not quite as good.

Durability

When durability is the unit for evaluation, granite will win no matter what. Granite countertops are made of natural stones that will last you way longer than any laminated countertop.

Some core qualities of granite, like scratch resistance, heat resistance, and stain resistance, make it more durable compared to any other materials. These are some of the most necessary things for any material to withstand a kitchen environment.

It’s better not to expect Formica to last more than ten years. On the contrary, granite will last multiple owners if taken care of properly.

Hardness

Granite is one of the hardest materials for countertops. In comparison, laminated boards are not so hard to use for countertops. You may experience breakage with Formica.

Granite, on the other hand, will withstand a lot and stay standing for the years to come.

Heat Resistance

Laminated boards are a bit heat-resistant. However, it comes nowhere near granite. Granite is a natural stone and can withstand very high temperatures. The same goes for fluctuations in temperature.

Because heat is something you can’t avoid in the kitchen, granite is certainly better in this aspect. Exposure to high heat can melt materials like Formica and other laminated boards,

Stain Resistance

Laminate boards have a bit of an advantage in this matter. Formica is stain-resistant material so you won’t have to worry about it. Granite is also stain-resistant if sealed properly.

In any case, if the seal is damaged, granite can stain and it’s very difficult to remove stain from granite. The surface of granite is porous and prone to stain. But if you’re using high-quality sealed granite, you have nothing to worry about.

Scratch Resistance

Granite is perfectly scratch resistant. Formica, on the other hand, is prone to scratch. So, you have to be very careful when using it in the kitchen. It’s better not to use anything sharp directly on top of it.

Resale Value

If you’re considering reselling, granite will win the competition with your eyes closed. The resale value of lamination boards is zero compared to granite countertops.

If you intend to sell the house and want the countertops to add value, you should certainly go for granite countertops.

Installation

Formica is comparatively easier to install. Granite will require professional expertise to be installed. So, if this is something that concerns you, laminated boards will have an advantage over granite.

Formica Vs Granite Countertop: Similarities

The only similar thing between Formica and granite is the ease of cleaning. Granite requires re-sealing from time to time. Still, this is one of the easiest materials to take care of.

Laminated boards will require no excessive maintenance other than keeping them clean. But you have to be careful not to use any harsh chemical substances like bleach.

To clean granite, there are specific products on the market that you can use.

Formica Vs Granite Countertop: Which One Is Better?

If you want something budget-friendly for your countertop, Formica is certainly a viable choice. It’s cheap, easy to clean, stain-resistant, and easy to install. There are also various patterns you can select.

However, if you’re not restricted by your budget, granite is the more suitable option in every way. You can experience the authentic beauty of granite in your kitchen. The material has higher tolerance when it comes to heat.

In addition, you can get a higher resale value with granite. The hardness of granite contributes to its durability. You can expect granite countertops to stay new and beautiful for decades to come. So, if you think about long-term investment, granite is the more viable decision for countertops.

Of course, it depends on your personal preference too. Every user is searching for countertop materials, depending on their unique situation. Some people want something temporary and don’t want to invest a lot of money.

On the contrary, some are in it for the long haul. So, choose whatever suits your situation. But if you’re making a general comparison, granite will win over Formica any day.

Final Words

So, in this comparison between Formica vs granite countertop, granite has certain advantages that Formica doesn’t. On the other hand, Formica is cheaper and easier to install. So, if you don’t want to spend much money on countertops, laminated boards will work better for you. But remember that if you want something long-lasting and durable, granite is way better than Formica.