The in-store, in-stock laminates are cheaper versions of the made to order, at least these days and at Lowes. I did both this year and compared the two products: 1. The on-the-shelf particleboard was thinner than the custom-ordered version;. 2. The on-the-shelf buildups (i.e. at backsplash) were much thinner than the custom ordered version; 3. The finishing panels that go on the ends of the on-the-shelf are horribly cheap, the buildup is too thin and the self-adhesive is a joke. Considering the price difference, I won't go the off-the-shelf again unless we're talking some tiny section of counter that needs to be added, an island, etc. For a whole kitchen, no way. I've used it for years but they have really reduced this product to an embarrassment of cheapness. The off-the-shelf versions all had warps in them, such that you're cranking the sink down to ridiculous levels, etc.

@Evan Ventura, People here on BP have also successfully used the cheap IKEA countertops (around $75-99 for a piece). at that price they where treated as expendables (one per tenant), and some even reported getting the install time with demo at 2-4 hours. for the other, you need to "waterproof" the common points of water entry: -caulk between the wall and countertop -use varnish on points contacting sink -use good glue near the oven/range since the usual pressure-activated glue does not fare well with heat

All depends on the property and tenant. We put them in all our low and mid level rentals and haven't had a single complaint in 3 years thus far.

It's essentially the same as the laminate they sell you when order to spec. I've used both and have not had any issues with either and they both wear the same.

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Updated over 8 years ago on 10/06/2016. Most recent reply

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Evan VenturaPoster

Brick, NJ

General Landlording & Rental Properties

Prefab Countertops?

Evan VenturaPoster

Brick, NJ

Posted October 02, 2016 09:03

Hey everyone, Looking into purchasing prefabricated sections of laminate countertop for my first rental property. It's made by Hampton Bay and sold at Home Depot with left/right hand mitered edges and backsplash lip. To cover my very small 36 SQFT of counter space I'm looking at $200~ in material to install myself. Does anybody have any experience with this stuff? Obviously the price point is dramatically lower than custom ordering to spec but if it's junk I'd rather not be burdened with replacing it again in the near future. Appreciate the feedback, thanks!

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