Nice-looking laminate worktops. Do they exist?

[mosaica]

Hi,

I've been quoted £2,00 + VAT for a granite worktop vs £340 + VAT for top-of-the-range laminate. I don't like the look of laminate -particularly when it is wood or something else effect- but I can see it offers lots of advantages as it is hard-wearing and inexpensive.

Are there any wonder brands offering really nice-looking laminate worktops? For information, my soon-to-be-renovated kitchen will have painted Shaker-style units. Thanks in advance!

Look at Getalit laminates. They do they best 'slate' or a a good matt concrete effect one. They;ll post you A5 samples of the top layer. I think they also have quite a small corner radius so you don't get that obvious 'laminate' edge profile.

It's also heat resistant to 220 degrees. I think I'm going to get one and go for granite later as I need to save some costs.

Watching with interest.

Can laminate really be heat resistant in the same way granite is? So you could put a tray on it straight from the oven? Anyone tried this at home?

I tried to find one and couldnt. Ended up with a product called iostone. It's like corian (ie solid all the way through) but doesn't need templating, so much cheaper (though still 4 times that of laminate). Not a granite look though if that's what you are after.