How To Install A Laminate Counter Top

By: Joanne Dorin


If you've decided it's time to replace your countertop with a laminate and give your room a facelift here is how to install a laminate counter top.

There are many colors, designs, and patterns available in laminate plastics that work great for countertops. You'll need to decide which will give your kitchen or bathroom the décor the most benefit. After all your countertops can have a great deal of influence over the look of your room.

Laminate is made out of paper layers that are impregnated with resin which are bond together under high temperature pressure making it quite strong, long lasting, and very affordable. Here are the steps to get you started with an installation.

1. Prepare The Surface. To start with you need to prepare your surface by sanding and cleaning it thoroughly. Remove any varnish or paint. Your surface needs to be flat for a proper install and both particle board and plywood make good surfaces.
2. Use a saber saw, circular saw, or utility knife to cut your laminate. You will need a fine tooth blade. Place a strip of masking tape along the cut line to prevent chipping.
3. Cut from the back of the laminate if you use a saber saw or circular saw because they cut on the upstroke and cutting from the back will stop chipping. With a handsaw cut from the front.
4. Cut just slightly over size and then trim as required.
5. Use an epoxy adhesive or contact cement to apply the laminate plastic.
6. Take some coarse sandpaper and roughen up the surface then brush or vacuum away the dust.
7. Once you have brushed the surface clean apply your adhesive using a paint brush. Apply the adhesive to the laminate as well. Let both sides dry.
8. Once the adhesive is dry carefully apply the sheets. Your most powerful adhesion is on your first application so try not to have to move the sheet once you apply it.
9. You can buy yourself some wiggle room by using doweling.
10. You will need to apply adhesive to the trim strips before applying.
11. Once the laminate is properly positioned remove your doweling.
12. Use your roller and apply pressure evenly across the laminate sheet.
13. If you need to seam bond the larger piece first then put a strip of wax paper down along the edge. Use your doweling again to keep the second piece clear of the adhesive.
14. Place your second sheet, remove the doweling and use your roller to apply pressure evenly across both sheets.
15. Use a wood block or mallet and then from the center out apply pressure to remove air bubbles and assure good adhesion.
16. Finish the edge with plastic molding. Place the strips in position then apply adhesive.
17. Trim away excess.
18. Use a solvent to clean your laminate edges and remove any excess adhesive.

That's it. Now that you know how to install a laminate counter top are you ready to give it a try. It really isn't that difficult is it?


Joanne is an author of Decorz.com. If you're looking for more countertops & decorating ideas for your home and garden visit www.decorz.com.