I Heard it on NPR: Formica Makes a Comeback

Hi Pat, I guess all you have to do now is convince the home buyers that granite and stainless is out and formica and whatever color is in.  There is a formica laminate top on my desk and it does hold up to ink, coffee rings, whatever I get on it. The problem in the kitchen use however is that sharp knives cut it and scratches are quite common. But I will do my best to spread the word. " Formica is Back, Formica is Back. I feel like Paul Revere, hehehe 

The "second" article I read on Formica today here in the Rain. It must be making a comeback. I wasn't even aware of this trend Pat...

Patricia - I have seen in Ikea beautiful formica countertops. Loved it. ANd the price is fantastic. WIth this price you can just replace them if you get tired of the color. It is a few humdreds rather than several thousand

OH NO! Say it ain't so!  I'm building a house now and am installing granite!  LOL  It would be interesting to see if it really does make a comeback.  It certainly is cheaper!

Pat, I too heard the NPR segment on Formica and was happy I did.  I've always liked Formica especially in mid-century modern design.  And believe it or not, I'm a regular NPR listener when time permits.

Pat

Well I missed that segment but I guess I am not surprised. Lots of old trends seem to be resurfacing. And it's true in music, clothing and in other ways. I am not a big fan of formica although I have had it in a couple of houses in the past, but it sure is less expensive, and there are so many more options these days. Wonder if avocado stoves and frigs will resurface?

Jeff

Although granite seems nice, it gets so cold and has a tendency to cool plates and food too quickly.  I like the both but I cringe every time I hit china against granite when doing the dishes.

Hi Pat -- what's old is new again and I've been reading about the return of Formica for a while --- by the way, Marketplace and Marketplace Weekend are both great shows although I missed this story.    

Pat,

I'll be sure to tell my wife. I'm sure she'll be impressed with my newfound knowledge...not.

Rich

I love it!  Have been recommending sellers put it in condos for a freshen up for a few years now, ever since a very smart seller of mine had some in her home that looked just like quartz or granite...actually it looked like neither but it was just cool.  They are making it with custom edges now that look much more modern.   Combine it with a nice backsplash and you've got an upscale look for a fraction of the price.   Just don't tell me avocado appliances are coming back...

No, it's not "coming" back.  Sometimes it's bought by people that can't aafford it or rentals, but it's always better to get neutral colors regardless of surface as colors will always go out of style and become dated.

BTW, granite holds up to hot pots, silestone does not so be careful.  Personally, I strongly prefer granite

The granite in our kitchen is tan with brown speckles - it isn't green at all.

And of all the colors, why would someone choose green formica?

Pat...as long as it looks better than the formica of old!  I also heard that wallpaper was making a comeback....not so sure about that.  (Although I actually have some wallpaper in my house...that I love...but would take down if I were selling!)

Pat, 

Love that formica is making a comback.  Granite is lovely, but it is more price prohibitive on lower end homes.  Even though, it seems like every HGTV first time home buyer is expecting granite.  

Happy you no longer have the green stuff:-)

All the best, Michelle

I had "custom" formica installed by HD when I was remodeling my parents house.  It looked identical to the base level granite that came with my condo.  I had the rounded front and a 4 inch backsplash and it cost about $750.  The same look in granite would have been $2000.  

When we remodeled the kitchen in our beach rental 12 years ago, we put in Formica. We chose it for its affordability and because everyone knows how to take care of it. Truth be told, it is in better shape than the granite in my home kitchen (we seem to be really good at chipping the granite!). 

Pat, we ended up with granite when we did our kitchen because the Formica, with beveled edges that I liked, cost almost as much money!

Guys, this new formica stuff looks so much different. It is not what you used to see. If you have IKEA close to you, go and check their kitchens. Those countertops will beat any granite in the way they look. It is still laminate, but it is so different. Technology has changed a lot

Pat -- interesting comments from many folks, which makes me start to re-think my initial view that NPR was pushing this to make people more comfortable with lower standard of living, that some would like to see us get used to.