Are you considering laminate countertops for your kitchen or bathroom renovation? As a retail expert and picky shopper myself, I know how important it is to get all the facts before making a major purchase. One common question is whether home improvement stores like Lowe‘s will cut laminate countertops to fit your space. Well, you‘ve come to the right place! I‘m going to share everything you need to know about getting laminate countertops cut at Lowe‘s, from pricing to process to DIY tips.
Countertop Options at Lowe‘s
First, let‘s take a look at the types of countertops available at Lowe‘s. In addition to laminate, they sell:
- Solid surface
- Quartz
- Granite
- Butcher block
- And more
With options for every budget and style, you‘re sure to find something that works for your space. According to a report by the Freedonia Group, laminate is the most popular countertop material in the U.S., accounting for nearly 30% of all sales in 2019. And it‘s no wonder – laminate offers great value and performance at an affordable price point.
Lowe‘s stocks laminate countertops in standard 8, 10, and 12-foot lengths, usually 25 or 30 inches deep. For reference, an average kitchen has about 30-40 square feet of counter space, so one or two stock pieces may be enough for your needs. Custom sizes are also available through special order if needed.
Does Lowe‘s Cut Laminate Countertops?
Now for the big question: yes, Lowe‘s does cut laminate countertops! Here‘s how it works:
Stock Countertops (in-store purchase)
- Choose your laminate countertop and have it pulled from the shelf and brought to the kitchen department
- Provide your measurements to the kitchen specialist
- The specialist will enter the dimensions into their countertop cutting machine and make the cuts for you
- In most cases, the first few cuts are free. There may be a small charge for additional cuts or complex cutouts
Custom Countertops (special order)
- Schedule a consultation with Lowe‘s kitchen department
- Choose your laminate color/pattern and discuss your needs with the specialist
- Schedule an in-home measurement with a professional installer
- Installer will make a template of your space and provide an itemized quote
- After you approve the quote and make payment, your countertops will be fabricated to your specifications off-site
- Countertops will be delivered and installed by professionals, including cutouts, finished edges, etc.
So whether you need a simple modification to a stock countertop or a completely custom job, Lowe‘s has you covered.
Countertop Cutting Price Comparison
Of course, price is a key consideration for most shoppers. Here‘s how Lowe‘s stacks up to a few other popular retailers for laminate countertop cutting:
| Store | Stock Laminate Cutting | Custom Laminate Cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Lowe‘s | Free (first 2-3 cuts), then $5-10 per cut | $100-500+ |
| Home Depot | Free (first 2-3 cuts), then $5-10 per cut | $100-500+ |
| Menards | No in-store cutting | N/A |
| IKEA | No cutting for laminate | N/A |
As you can see, Lowe‘s and Home Depot offer very similar services and pricing for both stock and custom laminate countertop cutting. Menards and IKEA don‘t provide cutting for laminate, so Lowe‘s is the better bet if you need that service.
It‘s important to note that custom countertop prices can vary A LOT depending on your square footage, laminate choice, edge style, cutouts, and other factors. $500 is just a starting point – complex installs can easily range into the thousands. Be sure to get a detailed quote before proceeding with a custom order.
Laminate Countertop Cost and Durability
In addition to cutting costs, the actual price of the countertop is obviously a major factor in your decision. Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop options available. Here‘s a quick look at average costs:
- Stock laminate countertops: $10-30 per square foot
- Custom laminate countertops: $40-65 per square foot
- Professional installation: $40-100 per hour
So for 30 square feet of counter space, you‘re looking at about $300-900 for stock laminate, or $1200-1950 for custom. Laminate is significantly cheaper than solid surface ($50-100/sqft), quartz ($60-150/sqft), or granite ($80-175/sqft).
But what about durability? While it‘s not as heat- or scratch-resistant as stone, laminate holds up quite well to daily use. According to ConceptSurfaces.com, laminate has an average lifespan of 10-20 years. Consumer Reports rates laminate as "Very Good" for stain resistance and "Good" for scratch and heat resistance. By comparison, granite and quartz are "Excellent" in all categories.
So while laminate may not be quite as robust as more premium options, it still delivers great performance and value for the price. With proper care (more on that later), it can look great for well over a decade.
Tips for Choosing and Measuring Laminate Countertops
As a kitchen design expert, I‘ve helped countless customers find their perfect countertops over the years. Here are a few insider tips I‘ve learned along the way:
Choosing Laminate
- Order samples to see colors in your space before buying
- Opt for textured or matte finishes for a more premium look
- Avoid very dark colors if you want to minimize visible scratches
- Look for laminate with built-in antimicrobial protection for easier cleaning
Measuring for Your Space
- Measure length of each continuous section of countertop
- Add extra length for overhang (usually 1-1.5")
- Measure depth from back wall to front edge of cabinets
- Don‘t forget to account for backsplashes
- Make a simple sketch with all dimensions noted
- Order an extra 10% to account for cuts and waste
If you‘re not confident in your measuring abilities, it‘s worth the extra $100 or so to have Lowe‘s pros do it. Precise measurements are key to ensuring your new countertops fit like a glove.
DIY Laminate Countertop Cutting
Looking to save a bit of money by cutting your own laminate counters? With the right tools and techniques, it‘s definitely doable for an experienced DIYer. Here‘s what you‘ll need:
- Circular saw with fine-tooth blade (60-80 teeth)
- Drill and jigsaw for sink/faucet cutouts
- Straightedge guide and clamps
- Safety gear (goggles, gloves, breathing mask)
- Sandpaper, file, or router for smoothing edges
Before you start cutting, put on your safety gear and make sure your laminate is well-supported on a sturdy work surface. Measure carefully and clamp down your straightedge to ensure accurate cuts.
When you‘re ready, use the circular saw to cut along the straightedge, going slow and keeping firm pressure on the saw plate. For curved cuts or notches, mark the laminate with a jigsaw blade and carefully cut it out. You may need to use a router, file, or sandpaper to smooth the edges when you‘re done.
If you have doubts about your ability to make clean, precise cuts, I strongly recommend leaving it to the pros at Lowe‘s. Laminate countertops are fairly inexpensive, so it‘s not worth botching the job to save a few bucks.
Laminate Countertop Installation
Whether Lowe‘s cuts your laminate countertops or you do it yourself, installation is the final step. If you‘ve opted for professional install through Lowe‘s, there‘s not much you need to do – just sit back and let the experts handle it!
For DIY installation, you‘ll want to dry fit the countertops first before gluing down. Make sure everything fits well and lines up at the seams. If you need to make any adjustments, now‘s the time.
Once you‘re happy with the fit, apply a generous bead of silicone caulk or construction adhesive to the tops of the cabinets. Carefully place the laminate on top and press down firmly. You may need someone to help you lift and place particularly long or heavy pieces.
After the countertops are glued down, you can install your sink and faucet according to the manufacturer‘s instructions. Be sure to use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the laminate to accommodate the sink and faucet holes. Finally, apply a bead of caulk around the sink and along the back edge of the countertop where it meets the wall for a finished look.
Customizing Your Laminate Countertops
One of the great things about laminate is how easy it is to customize. If you want to add some extra flair to your space, here are a few ideas:
- Choose a decorative edge profile like ogee or bullnose
- Add a metal edge strip for a modern look
- Inlay decorative tiles or mosaics along the backsplash
- Mix and match laminate colors for a bold effect
- Dress up your sink with an eye-catching faucet
With so many colors, patterns, and edge options available, the design possibilities with laminate are nearly endless. Don‘t be afraid to get creative and express your unique style! If you need some inspiration, sites like Pinterest and Houzz are great resources.
Laminate Countertop Care and Maintenance
To keep your laminate countertops looking their best, it‘s important to care for them properly. Here are my top tips:
- Wipe up spills right away to prevent staining
- Use hot pads and trivets for heat protection
- Cut on a cutting board, not directly on the laminate
- Clean regularly with a mild soap and soft cloth
- Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive scrubbers
- Dry the surface completely after cleaning to prevent spotting
- Use a laminate repair kit to fill chips or scratches
With just a few simple habits, your laminate countertops can stay beautiful for many years. If they start to show their age, you can always refresh them with a coat of laminate paint or countertop refinishing kit.
The Bottom Line
There you have it – the ultimate guide to getting laminate countertops cut at Lowe‘s! Whether you‘re looking for a quick modification to a stock countertop or a completely custom design, Lowe‘s has the expertise and services to bring your vision to life. And with laminate‘s affordable price point and easy maintenance, you really can‘t go wrong.
As a savvy shopper, I always recommend doing your research and exploring all your options before making a final decision. But if you‘ve got your heart set on laminate, Lowe‘s is definitely a great place to start.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have some countertop samples to go drool over! Happy renovating!
