9. Edges – cut strips (make sure to make them bigger than needed) and apply contact cement to the back of the strip and the bare countertop edges. Let dry according to cement manufacturer’s directions. (We laid the edges first and then the tops.)
10. Place the edge strip into position carefully.
11. Roll the edges from the center towards the edge.
12. Use a router to trim overhanging edges off.
Edges installed and trimmed
13. Run your hand along the edge stripping (see third image below). It should be slightly wider than the edge it covers. However, the extra width should be at the bottom. It must be perfectly aligned at the top.
14. Allow the cement to dry according to manufacturer’s directions. File the edges lightly at a slight angle.
Filing the edges down with a flat rasp
15. Drill a hole in the corner of the sink opening. Insert router with edge bit and route around the opening.
The sink opening
16. Install sink and clean up! If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to ask us!
The finished counter top! What a difference!
If you enjoyed the laminate kitchen countertop transformation, you’re going to love love LOVE what we did to our kitchen cabinets! Subscribe to find out later!
Want to know what I’ve been up to this week, visit my front page!
I’m also participating in the following carnivals today! You can find many more great blogs and fantastic ideas here:
- Homemaker Monday’s @ 11th Heaven’s Homemaking Haven
- Make it for Monday @ Cottage Instincts
- Make Your Monday @ Twice Remembered
- Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
- Made it Monday @ The Persimmon Perch
- It’s So Very Creative @ It’s So Very Cheri
- DIY Day @ A Soft Place
- Trash to Treasure Tuesday @ Reinvented
- Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow
- Tackle it Tuesday @ 5 Minutes for Mom
- Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrifty Home
- Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
- Works for Me Wednesday @ We Are THAT Family
- Things I Love Thursday @ The Diaper Diaries
- Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
- Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
- Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
- Finer Things Friday @ The Finer Things in Life
- Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic
- Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Remember: Check your state and local codes before starting any projects. Follow all manufacturers’ directions and follow all safety precautions. The post was written with the help of the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. I’ve added my own personal tips within the post. Neither NRHA or myself can be held responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of this post.
[...] 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