Pro's and Con's of Laminate Countertops:
Laminate kitchen countertops are the most common option and are made out of a synthetic material comprised of several layers: multiple sheets of kraft paper (like that used in grocery bags), a decorative paper, and a melamine plastic coating. The kraft paper results in a dark edge to the countertop. A slightly more expensive alternative with no dark edge is solid-color laminate, which is made of a colored plastic throughout. Pros
• Produced in hundreds of colors and patterns and a variety of finishes.
• Easy upkeep.
• Impact resistant.
• A coved design, where the laminate eliminates the countertop's back edge by curving slightly up the wall, makes for easy cleanup.
Cons
• Layers make it difficult to repair chips.
• Hot items and water seeping into seams may cause layers to break apart.
• Kraft paper leaves a dark line at the edges, unless it runs wall to wall or is trimmed with a decorative material such as wood or stainless steel.
• You'll need to use cutting boards.
• You can't clean it with abrasives.