Laminate Worktop Cost

How Much Does Laminate Worktop Fitting Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay around £150 for 3 metres of laminate worktop for your kitchen surfaces, although this can vary depending on the complexity of the job.

A kitchen worktop has to be functional and look great. Laminate worktops tick both these boxes — they're heat resistant, durable, and low maintenance, and available in a wide range of patterns and designs.

They also provide a relatively inexpensive way to replace kitchen worktops, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives such as stone or marble.

By taking a look at our guide below, you'll discover how much it costs to buy and install a new laminate worktop, along with any additional expenses you may need to factor into your budget.

If you need a kitchen specialist to install your laminate worktop, MyJobQuote can help you find free quotes with no obligation.

During the installation process, if any taps are connected to the worktop or if the sink needs removing, make sure the water supply is disconnected first. If the worktop includes a gas hob, always use a Gas Safe registered engineer to disconnect it safely and reconnect once your kitchen is ready.

Laminate Worktop Prices

Laminate worktops are usually sold per metre or in a standard size, such as 3 metres or 4 metres. If you buy a worktop cut to a standard size, then you may have to cut the worktop to the size you need or add an additional length if you need a larger size.

The thickness of the laminate might also affect the price. Many online companies have a large stock of worktops cut to 38mm or 40mm. But you can find other choices. If you choose a slimmer thickness, such as 22mm compact laminate, you may pay more because the quality is better.

Ultimately, the supply costs for laminate worktops will mostly depend on the quality of the product, manufacturer and supplier. Although below are some average costs of laminate worktops with a variety of finishes to choose from:

Standard Laminate Supply Costs

Standard laminate consists of chipboard and MDF (Engineered Wood Fibre) The boards are treated with a resin to make the material strong and durable. The top sheet of laminate is printed with the desired pattern, such as wood, marble or granite.

Compact Laminate Supply Costs

Compact laminate is made up of solid layers without chipboard, which makes it durable and water resistant. It is the best quality laminate, and that’s why it is more expensive.

Factors That Impact Laminate Worktop Fitting Costs

Several factors will affect the price of a laminate worktop installation:

• Size — The larger the worktop, the more it will cost, although taking accurate measurements of your space can avoid buying more than needed and can help reduce any waste.
• Quality — Standard laminate, made from chipboard or MDF with a plastic surface, is often the more affordable option, however a solid laminate, (which is denser and produced without MDF), provides a much higher quality finish.
• Design and Pattern — Laminate worktops come in a wide range of designs. For example, an oak laminate from an established manufacturer might cost around £235, while you may find a cheaper non-branded option at half the price.
• Edging and Treatments — In addition to fitting the laminate worktop, the type of edging (rounded, square, or beveled) can affect the cost. So too can additional treatments, such as adding a high-gloss or lacquered finish to the laminate.
• Supplier — Buying from specialist showrooms can be more expensive than purchasing online. Custom worktops made by a carpenter are also pricier due to bespoke sizing and design.
• Location — Prices vary depending on where you live. For example, labour fees are often more expensive in London and the South East of England, where carpenters charge more per hour to cover cost of living.
• Access — Depending on the access to your property and the internal layout, physically getting the supplies into the building can potentially require an extra pair of hands, increasing the labour fees.

Additional Laminate Worktop Fitting Costs

Other items you may wish to buy at the same time as installing your laminate worktop include:

• Sink or Hob Cutout — If you can’t buy a worktop with a cutout, then you may need the services of a carpenter to cut any holes you require. The costs for cutouts or holes for taps range, on average, between £175 to £190. A Carpenter’s hourly rate is on average between £16 to £40 an hour.
• New Kitchen Sink — Once you've had holes cut for a new kitchen sink, the average cost of having one installed is around £275 (including parts and labour) with prices depending on material. For example, stainless steel are generally the most affordable option, while cast iron and ceramic offer a more premium alternative.
• Grooves for a Sink Drainer — Creating grooves for a drainer is on average between £140 and £160.
• Kitchen Splashback and Worktop Upstands — You can buy splashbacks and upstands with the same pattern as your worktop. Laminate upstands cost, on average, between £39 and £150. Splashbacks are between £80 and £400.
• Edging Strips — The cost of edging strips depends on the length of the strip. For example, 2-metre strips cost, on average, between £13 and £18.
• Installation Kits — A typical installation kit used to join worktops or fix a sink will have inserts, nuts, bolts, sanding pads, biscuits and jigsaw blades. They cost around £40.
• Sealants and adhesives — These items will, on average, cost between £12 and £25 per tube.
• Kitchen Units — If you're replacing your worktops, it's a good opportunity to invest in new kitchen units at the same time. However, with average costs of around £3,000 this will significantly increase your budget requirements.

Labour Cost of Fitting Laminate Worktops & Timescales

If a kitchen fitter or carpenter is installing your worktop, then they might charge per job or by the hour. If you are considering the idea that you may completely remodel a kitchen, then the worktop installation will be included as part of the quote for the wider project.

These are some average costs for the labour involved in fitting a kitchen:

The average costs for kitchen installation are:

To fit a kitchen worktop only could take between 3 hours and 1 day depending on the size of the kitchen and the complexity of the job. For example, if you need cutouts for a sink, tap and hob then the job will take longer.

A carpenter or kitchen fitter is likely to charge, on average, between £54 and £66 for 3 hours of work. Hourly rates are normally between £18 and £22 an hour, which is a day rate of between £144 and £176.

Expect to pay more if you live in London or the South East of England, where service charges are generally higher than in other parts of the UK.

Building Regulations Related to Laminate Worktop Installations

Building regulations don’t apply to a change or installation of a kitchen worktop. But if you are undergoing a full kitchen renovation and need gas and water installations, then you will need to comply with building regulations. Your local council office can give you the information you need to comply with the regulations and pay any necessary fees.

For gas and water installations, it is best to use plumbers and electricians who are part of the Competent Persons scheme. It means you won’t need an inspection of the work by building regulations because the tradesperson can self-certify their work under building regulation rules.

Alternative Types of Worktops

Wood Worktops

A wooden worktop makes a kitchen appear warm and inviting. It’s long-lasting, stylish and practical. It is also easy to repair, and it can be sanded down and repolished to renew the finish. It’s also more affordable than many other worktop types. A solid wood worktop will cost around £108 per linear metre.

Pros

• ✔ It’s got character and warmth
• ✔ Has antibacterial properties, making it hygienic to use
• ✔ May last decades

Cons

• ✖ Needs to be maintained by sealing to prevent water ingress
• ✖ Heavy to install
• ✖ Can mark and scratch over time

Copper Worktops

Copper isn’t a cheap choice for a worktop. It’s popular because it’s a material that improves over time and develops a unique look that no one else will have. Plus, it is practical and easy to clean. You’ll pay around £400 for a length of around 1000 mm.

Pros

• ✔ Anti-bacterial
• ✔ Develops its own unique patina over time
• ✔ Easy to clean

Cons

• ✖ Hot plates and pans could leave burn marks
• ✖ Heavy objects could cause dents in the copper
• ✖ It’s not a cheap choice of material

Marble Worktops

Marble is a great choice if you enjoy baking, as it has a naturally cool surface. It’s easy to clean and very hardwearing. Marble costs on average between £300 and £400 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Resistant to heat
• ✔ Every slab of marble is different, so your worktop will be unique

Cons

• ✖ Can scratch easily
• ✖ Harsh chemicals or strong colours can stain the worktop
• ✖ Heavy to install

Stainless Steel Worktops

You mostly see stainless steel in professional kitchens because it’s heat-resistant and easy to clean. But it is also popular with householders who spend a lot of time cooking and want the convenience of a practical work surface. You can expect to pay around £150 for a 600mm length of worktop.

Pros

• ✔ Resistant to heat
• ✔ Anti-bacterial
• ✔ Low maintenance

Cons

• ✖ It may not suit your kitchen style
• ✖ Does have a tendency to dent and scratch if mistreated
• ✖ Not the cheapest choice

Stone Composite Worktops

Composite corian worktops are made up of stone, resin, pigments for colour and minerals. If you need a unique design, composite is easy to cut and shape. Stone composite costs between £200 and £250 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Doesn’t stain or scratch
• ✔ Long-lasting
• ✔ Easy to clean

Cons

• ✖ Over time, the colour may fade
• ✖ It isn’t heatproof like natural stone.
• ✖ Installation may be complex because of its weight

Quartz Worktops

Quartz worktops aren’t the cheapest option, but you are paying for a material that’s long-lasting and highly practical for a kitchen surface. There are a number of things that affect the price, but you can expect to pay £1250 on average.

Pros

• ✔ Resistant to stains and bacteria
• ✔ Doesn’t scratch
• ✔ Strong and durable

Cons

• ✖ High Cost
• ✖ Heat damage may lead to discolouration
• ✖ It’s not a natural material

Porcelain Worktops

Porcelain is a good choice if you want a cheaper solution to natural stone. It’s strong, durable and easy to maintain. The cost for a porcelain worktop, on average, is between £200 and £300 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Scratch and stain-resistant
• ✔ Handles heat well
• ✔ Long-lasting

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than some other worktop materials
• ✖ Needs care with heavy objects because porcelain can crack if a heavy object is dropped on the surface
• ✖ Needs renewing if it breaks as it’s not possible to repair

Checklist: Hiring a Laminate Worktop Installer

Here is a checklist of things you should consider when you want to hire a contractor to install your laminate kitchen worktop:

• To compare quotes easily, make sure each one is fully itemised
• Ask about their experience installing kitchen worktops
• Make sure they have insurance. Public Liability Insurance will cover property damage or an accident while they are working at your premises
• Find out if an installer will remove and dispose of your old worktops as part of the job
• Get at least 3 quotes so that you can compare prices