We all agree that laminate countertops are the worst, right? Well, it might be time to rethink that notion. Today’s high-pressure laminates (HPLs) aren’t your parents’ old Formica countertops.

Q: About three years ago, we had what I think is a Formica countertop installed in our laundry room. Last year, after guests used the room, I found white stains by the sink. Perhaps it was from ...