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Expert Tips for Installing Laminate Countertops in Your Kitchen

If y'all demand to replace your countertops just want to avert paying labor costs, installing a laminate countertop may be the project for you. Bachelor in a variety of colors, textures and patterns, you can find laminate counters to fit any blueprint style – from traditional and farmhouse to urban and contemporary. On top of that, laminate is a recyclable, environmentally responsible material.

Formica created the first laminate surfacing materials back in 1913 and today the brand is such a household name that many people call all laminate "formica." We talked to Gerri Chmiel, Formica's Senior Residential Designer, to get skilful tips on how to install new laminate countertops yourself.

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Steps to Install Laminate Countertops

Cut Laminate to Fit Cabinets
Cheque Countertop Measurements
Cut Buildup Strips
Secure Countertops to Cabinets
Join Miters Under the Countertop
Seal the Joint Between Countertops and Walls
Re-Install Sink and Appliances

Set up for DIY Countertop Installation

Many manufacturers sell pre-cut laminate countertops, which are the easiest to install yourself. For best results, ask the manufacturer to cutting the countertop corners. Miter cuts for inside corners are extremely hard and all-time handled by a professional. Your dealer should also exist able to predrill the fastening-bolt slots underneath.

Measure out for Your Countertops

Proper measurement is the most important step of any countertop installation—especially if you're having your counter pre-cut. Ask your countertop supplier if they have specific measuring instructions for your item pattern. Then sketch your kitchen, including the following dimensions:

Mensurate your cabinet depth. Measure from the back wall and account for your desired overhang. The standard overhang length is one ¼ to i ½ inches, but this tin vary for dine-in kitchens, handicap accessible countertops, etc.
Measure your backsplash height. Your new laminate counter volition need to remain below outlets, window trim and other objects mounted to the wall. Make sure your backsplash will cover unpainted areas.
Measure your countertop length. Add your chosen overhang to this measurement if desired.
Measure levelness of your walls. Utilise a level and framing square to bank check if your walls are straight and run across at 90 degrees. If you observe a little bow in the wall, don't worry. You can typically trim the countertop to fit.

Likewise note the locations of your sink, stove and refrigerator and include measurements of whatever necessary cut-outs for quick reference later on. For countertop areas that won't be fit to the wall, make sure to indicate where laminate end caps will be needed.

Remove Your Erstwhile Countertops

Before you bring in the new laminate, you'll need to remove the onetime countertop and make sure the area is clear and condom. For detailed countertop removal instructions, check out our related post: How to Remove Countertops.

Gather Tools Needed to Install Laminate Countertops

Tools	Supplies
Jig Saw Drill and Drill Bit Block Plane Belt Sander Saw Horses Clamps Caulk Gun Rubber Mallet Hammer Handsaw Adjustable Wrench Screwdriver Sandpaper Tape Mensurate Level Compass Safety Glasses	Laminate Countertop Smooth File Fastening Bolts Sealant Contact Adhesive Forest Gum

Now that you have your tools and materials ready to get, let's learn how to supplant your countertops.

How to Install Laminate Countertops

Stride 1: Cut the Laminate to Fit Cabinets

If you demand to brand adjustments to your preformed laminate, grab the sketch with all your measurements and take the post-obit steps for cut Formica countertops.

Wearable safe goggles and proper protection to avoid injury.
Lay the countertop on a stable surface with the laminated side facing downward.
Secure the countertop with clamps.
Identify masking tape along the cut area to avoid chipping.
Measure the desired length with a tape measure.
Make a straight cutting line over the tape using a pencil and a square leg.
Align the inside edge of your circular saw blade with the line and cut carefully.
Sand or file after cutting to ensure a polish surface.

Step ii: Check Countertop Measurement

Set the countertops in place and test the fit. If you notice a gap along the wall, use a compass to measure the width and scribe a line forth the back edge. Remove the new countertop and utilise a belt sander to sand the edge of the countertop for the best fit.

Step 3: Cutting Buildup Strips

To attach the countertop to base cabinets, you'll need to prepare the surface for installation. Check to make certain the cabinet drawers will clear the border of your new laminate countertop. If not, mensurate the additional clearance needed. Next, cut buildup strips to install at each corner underneath the counter. Screw downwards the buildup strips and predrill holes to easily attach the countertop later.

Step four: Secure Countertops to Cabinets

To secure the countertop to the cabinets, position the countertop pieces on the cabinets. Apply a bead of caulk or structure adhesive forth the height border of the cabinets that support the countertop. Lower the countertop pieces into place or remove the shims property them up. Use a power drill to attach the buildup strips to the new laminate. Double-bank check the thickness of the countertop and buildup strips to determine the right nail length to employ.

Step 5: Bring together Miters Under the Countertop

To bring together the miters below the countertop, employ the manufacturer's recommended amount of adhesive. Install the miter bolts and tighten. If necessary, use a mallet and a scrap piece of wood to tap the seam until even.

Step six: Seal the Joint Between the Countertop and Wall

Once everything is attached, use adhesive to attach return splashes where the counter meets the walls and end trim to cover exposed edges. If necessary, file any rough edges. To seal the joint between the countertops and walls or your backsplash, employ a caulk gun and a matching caulk to make an even line.

Step 7: Re-Install Sink and Appliances

First, allow's reinstall the sink. You lot'll probable need to brand a few cuts to drop it in place.

To brand a cutting-out for your electric current sink or range height, you can use your onetime countertop as a guide for measurements.
To install a new sink or range summit, a template typically comes in the box with dimensions.
If yous're working without a template, middle your sink or range upside down on the new countertop and trace an outline.
Identify masking tape around the edges of your line to protect the countertop.
Drill starter holes into each corner to ease cutting.
Cut out the slice of laminate. To keep it from dropping, you lot tin can attach a piece of bit wood beneath the countertop to prop it upwards.
File the edges until smooth to avoid splinters during installation.

Now you can bring in your refrigerator, stove and other countertop appliances. And voila – your kitchen countertop installation is complete!

Is Laminate Correct for You lot?

Selecting a new material is often the most difficult attribute of replacing countertops. To assistance you lot decide if it'due south the right pick, we asked Chmiel for the pinnacle 4 reasons to install laminate countertops.

Benefits of laminate countertops:

Versatile: In that location are more colors, patterns and finishes than any other surfacing fabric, which means that there truly is a laminate blueprint for every gustatory modality. Options include solid colors, graphic patterns and the look of natural rock.
Easy to clean and maintain: Laminate does not require special cleaning products or annual resealing. Simply wipe off the mess and go!
Simple to install: You have the freedom to hire a pro or do it yourself.
Affordable: Installed granite typically costs roughly $120 per square foot, while Formica laminate costs just $14 to $38 per square foot.

Formica countertop installation is a DIY project that makes a big deviation in your kitchen.

"Installing a laminate countertop is easier than almost considering of the relative low-cal weight of laminate counters. Also, your typical homeowner volition take the tools needed to install a laminate top, where they won't with granite or quartz."

Gerri Chmiel | Senior Residential Designer, Formica

Ready to replace your laminate countertops yourself? Read on for Formica's countertop installation instructions.

Wrap Upward Your Kitchen Remodel

Now that yous're done installing your new laminate countertops, it'south time to finish upwards the residual of your kitchen. Whether you want to replace your sink and faucet, add a fresh coat of paint or incorporate the latest kitchen trends, visit the For the Home section of our blog for more tips and tricks.

Are you planning a kitchen remodel? Allow us know what projects yous're tackling in the comments below!

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