Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate is made primarily of layers of paper and plastic melamine fused into a solid sheet under heat and high pressure. To fabricate the counter top this plastic sheet is glued over particleboard. Post-formed countertops have no seams at the backsplash and the edges are rounded. Custom countertops have square edges and seams where the countertop and separate backsplash meet. Plastic laminate is the least expensive countertop material on the market with custom countertops costing about twice as much as post-formed.

There are hundreds of colors and textures, including glossy and matte finishes. Plastic laminate is a tough material but, if chipped, cut or stained it is not repairable. Its sensitivity to heat can cause delaminating or melt the laminate. Trivets and cutting boards are required to protect the surface. "Creative Countertops - How to Choose a Surface that's right for You", talks about post-formed laminate countertops and other options for both countertops and sinks at every budget (1996 article with good info--though pricing is not current).