6. Use the roller to apply pressure to the freshly laid laminate sheets. Rolling the entire surface eliminates air pockets and ensures that the sheet is firmly attached to the countertop surface.
Rolling the sheet to ensure maximum contact
7. If one sheet isn’t enough to do the whole job, you will need to make a seam.
a. Install the larger of the two sheets first.
The larger of the two sheets is installed first
b. Put a strip of wax paper down along the edge of the larger sheet. The wax paper should be half on the installed sheet and half on the original countertop. Tape the wax paper to the installed sheet so it doesn’t move around.
c. Use the dowel rods to keep the second piece in place without sticking to the countertop surface.
d. Begin at the seam and position the second sheet tightly against the first sheet. If it isn’t tight, you’ll end up with a gap between the two sheets. The wax paper will come out – so position the sheets tight!
e. Roll out any bubbles and ensure that the second sheet is firmly attached to the original countertop.
Rolling the smaller laminate sheet; note the wax paper at the seam.
f. Back to the wax paper! Carefully lift the edge of the newly cemented second piece that’s over the wax paper.
g. Remove the wax paper and re-lay the edge of the second sheet.
h. Roll out any bubbles again. Work from the center of the sheet towards the seam.
8. Trim overhanging edges off with the router and straight edge bit.
Using the edge bit and router to trim off excess
Now go see the final result, as well as all of the wonderful carnivals I’m participating in, on page 4!
[...] need to go check out the How to Install Laminate Countertops article! I just added a bunch of photos of the process. If you still have questions after [...]
Pingback by Update! | Prudent and Practical — December 22, 2008 @ 5:22 PM
Laminate was always less expensive variant than granite or quertz.
Comment by countertop — November 5, 2009 @ 6:38 AM
Laminate is really the best way out, unfortunately it is very easily scratched.
Comment by kitchen countertops — November 9, 2009 @ 6:22 AM
These look really great! I can’t believe what a difference you made for not that much money. This is a great upgrade. It’s really good of you to give such specific instructions and advice–a real service! Thank you!
Comment by Richella — January 19, 2010 @ 9:34 AM
Wow those look great. We have ceramic tile and I would love to either replace them or paint them.
Comment by Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage — January 19, 2010 @ 12:37 PM
You make this project look so easy! I’d love to change out my boring gray counters for a nice laminate (since we can’t afford granite!!) I’m bookmarking this page. Thanks!
Comment by Ashley — January 19, 2010 @ 2:24 PM
They look great! Huge difference too…thanks for the tutorial and for linking to Mi4M
Comment by cindy — January 25, 2010 @ 7:22 AM
what a great tackle and one that we will do this summer as well thanks for the great post
Comment by angie — January 26, 2010 @ 8:09 AM
Now that’s a HUGE tackle! Awesome job:-)
Comment by Susie's Homemade — January 26, 2010 @ 8:56 AM
Hi! Thanks for linking up to Trash to Treasure Tuesday with some great advice. Please add a link to REINVENTED in your post, thanks.
Comment by Kimm at REINVENTED — January 26, 2010 @ 8:30 PM
The joys of remodeling.
Comment by BarbaraLee — January 27, 2010 @ 1:29 AM
WOW! very impressive!
Comment by Stephanie — January 28, 2010 @ 9:31 PM
Great advice. I actually did paint my countertops to look like granite (or stone) http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-painted-my-countertops.html
Comment by Kaysi @ Keeping It SImple — January 30, 2010 @ 11:01 AM
Those look great. I would love to have you be on my list for Tutorials. I am going to be starting a weekly tutorial. Let me know what you think.
cheri.peoples@live.com
I also have a fun give-a-way starting tonight.
THIS IS ON MY FAVS LIST and will be posted in a bit.
Cheri
Comment by Cheri Peoples — January 31, 2010 @ 4:34 PM
You left out one inexpensive countertop choice in your list. Butcher block!! We plan on using maple butcher block countertops from Lumber Liquidators, and can do our whole kitchen for less than a thousand dollars! Butcher block looks beautiful, and you can stain it any color you like. And when it gets scratched or cut, it just adds character. And you can always sand it and start over with a new finish!
Comment by beth — February 1, 2010 @ 11:02 AM
This looks so good! We did this in out first house a few years ago, and watching all your work makes me kinda tired!
Great job. Come back again and show us the cabinets!
Comment by Remodelaholic — February 1, 2010 @ 1:18 PM
That’s fantastic, looking at selling my house, and really need to update the kitchen, but not spend much money. This idea really fits the bill, thanks for taking the time to share
Gavin
Webmaster at Tennis Supply
Comment by Gavin — April 22, 2011 @ 6:14 AM