Comparison9 min read

IKEA SALJAN vs EKBACKEN Countertops: Detailed Comparison

Kitchen Fitters Team·September 7, 2025

IKEA's Two Laminate Countertop Lines: What Is the Difference?

When shopping for countertops at IKEA, you will quickly notice two laminate options: the SALJAN and the EKBACKEN. At first glance, they look quite similar, and many shoppers are confused about what actually separates them. Are you just paying more for a name, or does the EKBACKEN genuinely offer something the SALJAN does not?

After installing both products extensively in kitchens across Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the DC metro area, our team at Kitchen Fitters has a clear picture of how these two lines compare in real-world use. This detailed comparison will help you decide which is right for your IKEA kitchen project.

Quick Comparison Overview

| Feature | SALJAN | EKBACKEN |

|---------|--------|----------|

| Material | Laminate over particleboard | Laminate over particleboard |

| Thickness | 1-1/8 inches (28mm) | 1-1/8 inches (28mm) |

| Lengths available | 74" and 98" | 74" and 98" |

| Depth | 25-5/8 inches | 25-5/8 inches |

| Color/pattern range | 6-8 options | 8-12 options |

| Edge profile | Square with slight radius | Square with slight radius |

| Price range | $59 to $119 | $89 to $179 |

| Laminate quality | Standard HPL | Premium HPL |

| Pattern realism | Good | Very good |

| Surface texture | Smooth | Textured options available |

Construction and Materials

SALJAN Construction

The SALJAN uses a high-density particleboard core covered with a high-pressure laminate (HPL) surface. The laminate is bonded under heat and pressure to create a durable, water-resistant surface. The front edge features a postformed profile where the laminate wraps continuously from the top surface around the front edge and slightly underneath, creating a seamless look at the front.

Core density: Standard particleboard, approximately 40 pounds per cubic foot
Laminate thickness: Standard HPL, approximately 0.7mm
Edge treatment: Postformed front edge, pre-applied end caps

EKBACKEN Construction

The EKBACKEN uses a similar particleboard core but with a higher-grade laminate surface. The key differences are in the laminate quality and the available surface textures.

Core density: Similar particleboard construction to SALJAN
Laminate thickness: Slightly thicker HPL, approximately 0.8 to 1.0mm
Edge treatment: Postformed front edge with a slightly more refined profile
Additional feature: Some EKBACKEN patterns include embossed textures that mimic the feel of natural materials like stone or wood grain

The Core Difference

Structurally, the SALJAN and EKBACKEN are very similar. The particleboard cores are essentially the same in both lines. The meaningful difference lies in the laminate layer itself: the EKBACKEN's laminate is slightly thicker, which provides marginally better scratch and impact resistance, and the printing technology used for the patterns is more advanced.

Appearance and Design Options

SALJAN Design Range

The SALJAN line focuses on classic, straightforward patterns that work in most kitchen designs:

Solid colors: White, black, and gray options
Wood grain prints: Oak and walnut patterns
Stone imitations: Basic marble and concrete looks
Overall aesthetic: Clean and functional, though patterns can look printed upon close inspection

EKBACKEN Design Range

The EKBACKEN offers a broader and more sophisticated selection:

Solid colors: White, black, gray, and additional neutral tones
Wood grain prints: More realistic oak, walnut, and ash patterns with embossed texture
Stone imitations: Marble, concrete, and slate patterns with improved depth and variation
Specialty finishes: Matte finishes and textured surfaces that add a tactile dimension
Overall aesthetic: More convincing patterns that better replicate natural materials, especially when combined with embossed textures

Real-World Appearance Comparison

In our installations, the difference is most noticeable in the stone-look patterns. The EKBACKEN's marble and concrete designs have more depth, variation, and realistic veining compared to the SALJAN's versions, which can appear flatter and more obviously printed.

For solid colors and simpler patterns, the difference between the two lines is minimal. A white SALJAN and a white EKBACKEN, for example, are nearly indistinguishable once installed.

Bottom line on appearance: If you are choosing a stone-look or wood-grain pattern, the EKBACKEN's improved printing and texture are worth the upgrade. For solid colors, the SALJAN delivers essentially the same look for less money.

Durability and Performance

Scratch Resistance

We have tested both lines in real kitchen environments and found:

SALJAN: Adequate scratch resistance for normal kitchen use. Sharp knives will mark the surface, and heavy or rough-bottomed cookware can leave scuff marks over time
EKBACKEN: Slightly better scratch resistance due to the thicker laminate layer. The textured surface options also help hide minor scratches better than smooth finishes

Heat Resistance

Both products perform similarly when exposed to heat:

Neither should be used as a direct hot surface. Always use trivets or hot pads
Brief contact with moderately hot items (warm plates, mugs) is tolerated by both
Prolonged contact with very hot items (pots from the stove, baking sheets from the oven) can cause permanent burn marks or delamination on either product
The EKBACKEN does not offer any meaningful advantage in heat resistance over the SALJAN

Water Resistance

The laminate surface of both products provides good water resistance, but with important caveats:

Surface water: Both handle spills and splashes well when wiped up promptly
Standing water: Extended exposure to standing water can damage both products, especially at seams and edges
Edge vulnerability: Both products have the same particleboard core, making cut edges equally susceptible to moisture damage. Proper edge banding is essential for both
Near sinks: Both require the same precautions against water infiltration at sink cutouts

Stain Resistance

SALJAN: Resists most common kitchen stains (coffee, tea, juice, cooking oil) when cleaned promptly. Some dark or acidic substances can leave marks if left for extended periods
EKBACKEN: Comparable stain resistance to the SALJAN. The textured surface can sometimes be slightly harder to clean because staining substances can settle into the texture

Lifespan

Based on our observations across installations in the Mid-Atlantic region:

SALJAN: 8 to 12 years of attractive service with reasonable care
EKBACKEN: 10 to 15 years with reasonable care, thanks to the slightly more durable laminate layer

Installation Comparison

Ease of Cutting

Both products cut identically because they share the same core construction:

Use a fine-tooth saw blade (60+ teeth) to minimize chipping
Apply painter's tape along cut lines to reduce laminate chipping
Cut from the back side with a circular saw, or from the top with a track saw
Follow our complete cutting and joining guide for detailed instructions

Edge Banding

SALJAN: IKEA provides matching end caps with some SALJAN purchases. Additional matching edge strips may be available depending on the color
EKBACKEN: IKEA provides matching end caps. The textured EKBACKEN patterns may be harder to match with aftermarket edge banding because of the embossed surface

Joining

Both products join using the same hardware and techniques. Countertop draw bolts, biscuits, and waterproof glue work identically for both lines.

Weight and Handling

Both products are similar in weight and equally easy to handle. A 98-inch section weighs approximately 45 to 55 pounds, manageable for two people.

Price Analysis

Cost Per Linear Foot

SALJAN (74-inch section): Approximately $0.80 to $1.60 per linear inch, or $9.60 to $19.20 per linear foot
SALJAN (98-inch section): Approximately $0.70 to $1.20 per linear inch, or $8.40 to $14.40 per linear foot
EKBACKEN (74-inch section): Approximately $1.20 to $2.40 per linear inch, or $14.40 to $28.80 per linear foot
EKBACKEN (98-inch section): Approximately $0.90 to $1.80 per linear inch, or $10.80 to $21.60 per linear foot

Total Cost for a Typical Kitchen

For a standard L-shaped kitchen requiring approximately 15 to 18 linear feet of countertop:

SALJAN total: $130 to $260
EKBACKEN total: $180 to $390

The EKBACKEN premium is typically $50 to $130 more for a complete kitchen, which is a relatively modest upgrade cost in the context of a full kitchen renovation. For more on kitchen budgeting, check our cheapest IKEA kitchen guide.

Value Assessment

Is the EKBACKEN worth the extra cost? In our professional opinion:

Yes, if you are choosing a stone-look or wood-grain pattern where the improved realism is noticeable
Yes, if you value the slightly longer lifespan and better scratch resistance
Probably not, if you are choosing a solid color where the visual difference is negligible
Probably not, if you are on a very tight budget and every dollar counts

Which Should You Choose?

Choose SALJAN If:

You are working with a strict budget and need to minimize countertop costs
You are choosing a solid color (white, black, or gray) where pattern quality is irrelevant
You are renovating a rental property where the countertop does not need to impress
You plan to upgrade to stone countertops in the near future and need a temporary solution
You want the lowest possible cost for a clean, functional kitchen surface

Choose EKBACKEN If:

You want a marble, concrete, or wood-grain pattern that looks more convincing
You value the textured surface options for a more authentic feel
You are investing in your kitchen for the medium to long term (5+ years)
You want slightly better scratch and wear resistance
The $50 to $130 premium fits comfortably within your budget
You are pairing the countertop with higher-end IKEA door fronts and want the countertop to match the quality level

Consider Upgrading Beyond Both If:

Your kitchen renovation budget allows for stone countertops
You want a surface that will last 15+ years without replacement
Resale value is a primary concern
You want an undermount sink (not recommended with either laminate option)

For a comparison between laminate and stone options, see our laminate vs quartz guide and our overview of aftermarket countertop options.

Real-World Performance Stories From Our Installations

Our team has installed both SALJAN and EKBACKEN countertops in kitchens ranging from starter homes to high-end renovations across the Mid-Atlantic region. Here are some patterns we have observed.

SALJAN in Rental Properties

Many of our landlord clients choose the SALJAN for rental kitchens, and it performs admirably in this role. The solid white and gray options look clean and modern with minimal investment. We have seen SALJAN countertops in rental properties last 8 to 10 years with tenant use, which represents exceptional value at the price point. The key is choosing solid colors that hide minor wear better than patterned options.

EKBACKEN in Owner-Occupied Homes

Homeowners who plan to live with their kitchen for 5 to 10 years often gravitate toward the EKBACKEN's marble-look or concrete-look patterns. These designs create a surprisingly convincing impression of more expensive materials, especially when paired with complementary IKEA door fronts like BODBYN or AXSTAD.

We have observed that the EKBACKEN's textured surfaces hold up particularly well in busy family kitchens. The texture not only looks more realistic but also does a better job of hiding fingerprints, light scratches, and everyday wear compared to the smoother SALJAN finishes.

Pairing Recommendations

Based on our experience, here are our favorite IKEA door and countertop pairings:

SALJAN white + HAGGEBY white doors: Clean, bright, budget-friendly. Perfect for rentals and first-time renovations
EKBACKEN marble look + BODBYN gray doors: Classic, sophisticated. One of the most popular combinations we install
EKBACKEN concrete look + KUNGSBACKA black doors: Modern, industrial. A striking combination for contemporary kitchens
SALJAN oak effect + ASKERSUND ash doors: Warm, Scandinavian. Works beautifully in open-concept living spaces
EKBACKEN walnut effect + VOXTORP dark gray doors: Rich, premium feel. Hard to distinguish from a much more expensive kitchen

Final Thoughts

Both the SALJAN and EKBACKEN are solid products that deliver good value for their respective price points. The SALJAN is the workhorse that gets the job done without fanfare, while the EKBACKEN adds a layer of refinement that justifies its modest premium for most homeowners.

Whichever you choose, proper installation is what truly determines long-term satisfaction. Kitchen Fitters provides professional IKEA countertop installation throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the DC metro area. From precise cutting and seamless joining to thorough edge banding and waterproof sealing, we make sure your laminate countertop looks and performs its best for years to come. Contact us for a free estimate on your IKEA kitchen project.