Laminate Worktops ...
Laminate Worktops are sold in two finishes (Matt and Gloss) and generally with a Bullnose front profile (rounded front edge), square back edge (where the worktop fits to the wall), and square ends (that will require edging with a matching laminate tape).
Laminate worktops are also supplied in differing lengths and depths (standard and breakfast bar) as follows:
Standard Laminate Worktop ... lengths 3.0m to 4.1m, depth ~600mm, with a profiled front edge only.
Laminate Breakfast Bar ... lengths up to 3.0m, depth either ~660mm or ~900mm, with a double profile edge (the front and back of the breakfast bar have a bullnose edge to provide a "rounded" edge to a peninsular situation where the worktops extends out into the kitchen).
Tip! ... if you need a slightly deeper "standard" worktop to cover base units that have been brought forward to allow pipes to run behind ... buy a 660mm breakfast bar and cut off one profiled edge (creating a standard worktop ~640mm depth)
There is a lot of discussion relating to the suitability of "gloss" laminate worktops ... that is do they scratch easily?
The simple asnswer is that you can damage any worktop if you use it as a chopping board - in our opinion gloss worktops make for very good imitation Granite tops at a fraction of the price of Granite, just make sure you use a worktop protector.
Choose a Laminate Worktop that provides a drip seal on the underside to prevent water from running around the profiled edge and dripping into the drawer unit area beneath ... and example of a Duropal Laminate Worktop drip seal is shown below:
Always check the drip seal stands proud of the carcase below (this should be the case with the standard overhang of worktop).
To join laminate worktops at 90 degrees they need to be cut using a "Masons Mitre" jig, which is a specialist plate that is used in conjunction with a Router - see below:
If you are unable (or unwilling) to join your worktops using this equipment you will be advised to seek the services of a kitchen fitter to do the work for you ... nothing will make you kitchen look more like a "bodge job" than badly joined worktops!
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