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Cheam Sardis: Countertops, Cabinetry, Renovations

Countertops

Laminate countertops in Chilliwack

Laminate is the practical, affordable way to give a kitchen or bathroom a new surface, and today's patterns go well beyond the counters many of us grew up with. We help Chilliwack homeowners choose, measure and fit it.
The laminate countertop sample wall in the Cheam showroom.

01

What laminate is

A laminate countertop is a decorative, hard-wearing surface layer bonded to a stable core board. The surface carries the colour and pattern; the core gives the counter its shape and strength.

Because the pattern is printed and protected rather than cut from stone, laminate can take on almost any look: solid colours, wood grains, and stone patterns that resemble granite, marble or quartz. That range, together with its cost, is why it remains a common choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and rentals.

02

Why people choose laminate

For many homes laminate is the sensible answer. It lets you change the look of a room without the budget of stone, and it's well suited to rooms that work hard.

  • An economical surface for a full kitchen or a single room
  • A wide range of colours and patterns, including stone looks
  • Several edge options, from simple square edges to rounded profiles
  • Easy everyday cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap
  • A good match for laundry rooms, bathrooms and secondary spaces

03

What to know before you choose it

Laminate is durable in normal use, but it has limits worth knowing. Hot pots and pans can scorch or blister the surface, so a trivet is a must. Knives can cut it, so a cutting board is too.

Water is the other thing to respect. The core board underneath doesn't like being wet, so standing water left along seams, around the sink or at the backsplash joint can cause swelling over time. Wiping up spills and keeping those joints well sealed goes a long way.

Laminate also can't be refinished the way some solid materials can. When a section is badly damaged, it's usually replaced rather than repaired. For most households that's a fair trade for its price and range.

04

How a laminate countertop project goes

The steps are straightforward, and we'll explain each one as we go.

  • A first conversation about the room, your cabinets and the look you want
  • Choosing a colour or pattern and an edge profile from samples
  • Measuring the cabinets and walls as they really are
  • Making the counter to size, with cut-outs for the sink and any appliances
  • Removal of the old surface if needed, then installation and a final check of seams and edges

05

New counters without new cabinets

If your cabinets are level, sound and laid out the way you like, a new laminate surface on its own can change the room. It's one of the most common reasons people come to us, and it's a complete project in itself.

When the cabinets are part of the problem, Cheam Sardis can plan both together. Cheam Countertops and Cabinets brings the cabinetry and surfaces; Sardis Contracting brings the renovation work around them, so a bigger kitchen change can still be one conversation.

06

Edges, seams and backsplashes

The details are what make a laminate counter look finished. Edge profiles range from a crisp square edge to softer rounded shapes, and some styles carry the pattern around the front of the counter so it reads as one piece.

On longer runs or L-shaped kitchens, the counter may need a seam. We plan where seams fall so they sit away from the sink where possible and are tight and well sealed, since that's where water would otherwise find its way in. Backsplash joints get the same attention.

07

Choosing a pattern

With so many patterns available, it helps to narrow down early. Think about the cabinets the counter will sit on, the floor, and the light in the room. Small samples can look different on a large surface, so we suggest looking at a sample in your own kitchen, in daylight and at night, before deciding.

Matte finishes tend to hide fingerprints and fine scratches better than glossy ones. Stone-look patterns with gentle movement are forgiving in a busy kitchen, while solid colours give a cleaner, more modern look.

08

Areas we serve

We fit laminate countertops for homes from Chilliwack across the Fraser Valley, in the areas below. In a nearby Fraser Valley community? Ask us. A few photos of your current counters and cabinets are a good place to start.

  • Chilliwack, including Sardis, Vedder, Promontory, Yarrow, Rosedale and Greendale
  • Abbotsford and Mission
  • Langley and Aldergrove
  • Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs
  • Hope

→ / Real jobs

Countertop jobs by Cheam Sardis.

  • A grey-veined countertop on a square island.
    Grey-veined stone look
  • A dark green kitchen with a black matte countertop on the island.
    Black matte countertop
  • A large white island countertop in a bright kitchen.
    Big white island
  • A white island with bold grey veining and black hardware.
    Bold-veined island
  • An island with an undermount sink in a marble-look countertop.
    Marble-look island with sink
  • A bathroom vanity top with a white vessel sink and black faucet.
    Vanity top, vessel sink

? / Questions

Plain answers.

How long does a laminate countertop last?

It depends mostly on how it's used and cared for. Using trivets and cutting boards and wiping up standing water, especially near seams and the sink, all help a laminate counter last.

Can laminate look like stone?

Yes. Many laminate patterns are designed to resemble granite, marble or quartz, alongside solid colours and wood grains. We'll show you samples so you can judge them in person.

Can you replace countertops without replacing the cabinets?

Often, yes. If your cabinets are level, sound and laid out the way you like, replacing only the countertop can make sense. We'll look at them with you and tell you honestly.

Which laminate brands do you carry?

The range for the combined company is being confirmed. Tell us about a brand or pattern you've seen and we'll let you know what's available.

How much will it cost?

Every kitchen is different, so we don't publish prices. Once we understand the size of the job and the options you like, we can talk about it properly.

Start

Laminate countertops in Chilliwack. Free quote, no strings attached.