Countertops from the 1980s are most often tile or laminate (Formica was the big brand). Let’s start with tile countertops. Replacing your tile counter should be your first investment. There’s no saving them or making them look updated. If the budget is tight, stay away from quartz and look at an affordable, modern-looking laminate countertop.

Also referred to as solid surface, acrylic countertops are hard solid with a beautiful matte finish. The material is considered thermoformable, which means that it can easily be formed in whatever shape you prefer.

Acrylic kitchen countertops are comprised of ⅓ resin and the rest are mineral components. Despite this ratio, the engineered material gets lowered to the label of “plastic” and many hesitate to consider the material for their counters.

Acrylic countertops are made from a blend of acrylic resin and natural minerals, resulting in a non-porous, solid surface. How durable are they? Acrylic countertops are very durable. They are resistant to impact, scratches, and chips. If damage does occur, the surface can often be repaired with sanding and polishing.