Installing and Cutting Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are among the most common choices for many homeowners. They offer durability and a great look while not being too hard on your budget. Many people think installing this type of countertop is a job that is only for professionals. Fortunately, with a little bit of know how, this job can be tackled by most do-it-yourselfers. This article will provide some useful tips for installing and cutting countertops.
Preparation
The best way to start is by removing the old laminate surface, although some people choose to put the new countertop over the old one. Next, you will need to make blanks for the new countertops by tracing the old ones on to some type of fiberboard.
You will then begin cutting the countertop blanks to the exact sizes of the original countertops. After cutting countertop blanks, you will clamp them together wherever there will be a joint. You can then drill holes where the two pieces will be fastened together.
Laminates
After the blanks are made, you can begin cutting the countertop laminate to size. This material usually comes in sheets that are 3' x 6' or 5' x 12'. When you are making your measurements for cutting countertop laminate material, it's important to add some extra material to each measurement. This will allow for any errors that you make and you can trim it off later. You can cut the laminate with a carbide tip scoring tool.
After you have made all of your cuts, you can begin gluing the laminate to the blanks. This should be started on the sides and edges. After applying the adhesive and putting the laminate in place, use a roller to make sure it is smooth. This will also ensure that the entire surface of the laminate is making contact with the blank.
After this, you can begin trimming off the excess laminate. This will be done with a small tool called a laminate cutter. This tool resembles a small router. At this point, the countertop can be installed on the brackets that the old one was removed from.
Screws will be used to fasten the countertop to the brackets. This will be done from the bottom and up through the bottom of the countertop. When the countertop is in place, run a bead of clear silicone sealant around the edges where the back splash meets the wall.
After the unit is in place, you can then begin cutting your countertop sink hole. This will be done by measuring the base of the sink. Transfer that measurement to the area where the sink will be and then drill some starter holes. You can then use a jigsaw to cut out the opening for the sink. Then you can install the sink and all of the attachments.
 Contact Cement Spreader For Laminate Counter Tops-GERMAN-GREAT SHAPE $125.00 End Date: Monday Feb-6-2012 9:57:06 PST |
 VT Industries Optima Laminate Countertops $100.00 End Date: Monday Feb-6-2012 9:59:41 PST Buy It Now for only: $150.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Wilsonart Laminate Counter tops 12 feet long $60.00 End Date: Tuesday Feb-7-2012 12:20:26 PST Buy It Now for only: $60.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Wilsonart Laminate Counter tops 20" to 36" Long $15.00 End Date: Wednesday Feb-8-2012 8:07:48 PST Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
Wilsonart Laminate Counter tops 20" to 36" Long $15.00 End Date: Wednesday Feb-8-2012 8:07:48 PST Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 PostForm Laminate Countertop No Drip Edge Kitchen Clarksboro Mickleton NJ PA $200.00 End Date: Thursday Feb-9-2012 14:36:01 PST |
 Cherrywood Bevel Edge Laminate Countertop Mickleton Clarksboro NJ PA $50.00 End Date: Thursday Feb-9-2012 14:50:04 PST |
 Kampel SeamFil Kit For Countertop Laminate Repair NEW $66.95 End Date: Thursday Feb-9-2012 19:26:50 PST Buy It Now for only: $66.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 WILSONART HD LAMINATE COMPLETE COUNTERTOP kitchen bathroom bar real cherry edge $550.00 End Date: Sunday Feb-12-2012 6:21:07 PST Buy It Now for only: $550.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Huge Lot Wilsonart Countertop Laminate Resale $899.99 End Date: Monday Feb-13-2012 11:40:29 PST Buy It Now for only: $899.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Laminate Countertops - Futura Terra Roca $1,138.00 End Date: Friday Feb-17-2012 17:54:45 PST Buy It Now for only: $1,138.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 How COUNTERTOPS CONCRETE STONE TILE LAMINATE Book NEW $8.27 End Date: Tuesday Feb-21-2012 4:39:48 PST Buy It Now for only: $8.27 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Utility drawer console, flat counter top, laminate construction heavy duty, NR! $49.99 End Date: Friday Feb-24-2012 6:31:30 PST Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 CHEMICAL RESISTANT LAMINATE COUNTERTOP PACKAGE $1,200.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-25-2012 8:27:47 PST Buy It Now for only: $1,200.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Magic Complete Countertop And Laminate Wipes 30 Count $4.58 End Date: Sunday Feb-26-2012 13:30:46 PST Buy It Now for only: $4.58 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 New Laminate Trimmer/Mini Router/Countertop/Drywall $20.95 End Date: Tuesday Feb-28-2012 6:39:38 PST Buy It Now for only: $20.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Porter-Cable 43231 0 Degree Boring Point Laminate Countertop Trim Router Bit $5.99 End Date: Tuesday Feb-28-2012 11:03:57 PST Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Contact Glue for furniture and countertops - Laminate $3.99 End Date: Thursday Mar-1-2012 6:04:28 PST Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1 lb Laminate Countertop Sample Chip Mosaic Altered Art $8.00 End Date: Friday Mar-2-2012 3:46:47 PST Buy It Now for only: $8.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
Tagged with: Brackets • Carbide Tip • Choices • Contact • Countertop • Cutting • Durability • Exact Sizes • Holes • Installing Laminate • Job • Laminate Countertops • Laminate Surface • Little Bit • Measurement • Measurements • Router • tool • Two Pieces
Filed under: Countertop
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!