How to Install Sheet Laminate on a Countertop
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Laminate countertops are a great affordable option for your kitchen but often the laminate color starts to fade or the pattern/style gets outdated. If your countertops are still in good condition a great alternative to removing and replacing the countertops is to glue down a new sheet of laminate. This is also a great option when you have a countertop such as I did where the dimensions are custom and the lead time to get a replacement could be around 2 weeks. I will walk you through all steps of this project which will help you make sure your first time gluing down new laminate is a successful project.
Tools Used
1) Makita Cordless Router: amzn.to/2BS7h1O
2) Flush Trim Router Bit: amzn.to/2Xmar5C
3) Makita Cordless Circular Saw: amzn.to/2EI3fKt
4) Diable 60 Tooth Blade (6.5 inch): amzn.to/3fpRmp4
5) Hand File Set: amzn.to/3gqIwcb
6) Micro Side Cutters: amzn.to/2PwNJn7
7) Foam Roller and Tray: amzn.to/31gAT1F
8) Contact Cement: amzn.to/3k2aHk1
9) Floor Roller: amzn.to/3eWESsy
Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs
Makita Corless Drill Combo Kit: amzn.to/2Jsw78j
Dewalt Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/2w0xAA4
Dewalt Screwdriver Bit Set: amzn.to/2UqTvK9
Craftsman Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3bAsNEG
Eklind Allen Wrench Set: amzn.to/2wKDu8M
Pliers (4-Piece Set): amzn.to/2JlYUM7
Stanley Utility Knife: amzn.to/2Us2pqG
Stanley Tape Measure: amzn.to/2WPzr5K
Studbuddy Stud Finder: amzn.to/33SaZC4
Johnson Torpedo Level: amzn.to/3dzx5Ot
Stanley Hammer:amzn.to/39tudPL
Buck Bros Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2QTebYO
Klein Voltage Tester: amzn.to/2XMa1I2
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/2NHHKuS
Little Giant Ladder: amzn.to/2UrFmfG
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
Renovating an old house. My BFF told me Formica laminate sheets were crazy hard to install, suggesting I just go ahead and get a full countertop to set in. She said it would end up being cheaper. ....I think not. I can do this!
What kind of glue do we use to hold this down?
I was about to go this route, but then I found precut laminate countertops for cheaper than the melamine by itself!
ive built 6 houses had no idea i could just cover over top the laminate ?? funny part is i have assisted the cabinet guy with new construction in homes i built 15 yrs ago . .Im retired now and was thinking of redoing my kitchen laminate my self . your video gave me the confidence to do this .
Finally getting into posting thank you messages on videos rather than adding to “liked” videos and saving for later projects, using likes as a “go back to” function. Super helpful in my build. Thank you.
My sister and I just installed sheet laminate in the kitchen. Looks amazing!!!! Thanks to you!!!!
Awesome 👍👍
Is this laminate heat resistant? In other words, if a hot pan was accidentally placed on it, would it affect the surface?
Not to bad but you did some flaws, you never file your edge band on a angle before your top piece goes on. After installing edge band and routing excess off keep your file flat on counter going in one direction towards the edge band and never pull file backwards while on edging, or you can chip outer edge. Keeping file flat makes a good sharp edge to glue your top piece to. When glueing the top edge band always put a thin layer of contact cement top of edge band, then when that dries come back and roll the whole area with a roller and cement, this gives a little extra glue between both surfaces. I always used Lacquer thinner for cleaning, or you can use paint thinner just takes longer. I am a professional Laminate installer and did this work for 45 years. By the way I use end nippers for removing laminate near the wall or a file.
Hey Barry, really great feedback and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Cheers 🍻
No problem.
@@barryinn1778 Yes Barry, thank you for your professional comments. One question I have is should one lightly sand the surface if going over the old laminate? When I watch you tube video's, I watch them and immediately cruise the comment section as there is usually a professional that comments on what was could be done better in the video if a professional did the job.
@@61spindrift should I sand surface first
What do you do with a laminate counter that water got underneath the seams and raised the particle board underneath. I want to put new laminate on top.
wow phenomenal video!!!! So clear & thorough in explaining the steps. Thank you!!!
I am going to try. You make it so easy. Thank for sharing!!!
Take your time and that router is a must! Best of luck 👍
So you did not remove the old Formica sheet first, you just glued new on top. Is that correct ?
Good vid. A Dremel with a rotary sanding bit or a reciprocating multi-tool with a cutting blade will also do the job of those snips.
Nice, I will try that on the next one. Appreciate the feedback.
Thank you for this. I want to add a few thoughts/suggestions that I've seen from official installation videos for Formica.
1. If you are going over existing laminate you need to scuff it with sandpaper, thoroughly clean it with something like alcohol, and use a tack cloth to make sure nothing is left on the surface.
2. When adhering the laminate you should always start from the middle to make sure you don't get any bubbles. That way the air will be pushed out from the middle to the edges where the air can escape.
I'm going to have to do a project like this and I am nervous about it. All of my cassette and VHS tapes have crooked labels because I'm not good at lining things up. LOL. I will remove the countertop and take it down to my workshop before adhering the laminate though, so I won't have to deal with walls. The vinyl snips are a very good idea. Thank you for that. I will only have one front edge with walls on 3 sides so I'm lucky in that respect.
The links you included are very helpful.
Wait wait wait....you labeling VHS and cassettes in 2023?!?!
@@MattT-w2p LOL. No. But I did years ago. My skills with stickers/tape are still the same though. I get it stuck to itself or to me more than to where I want to get it stuck.
How did it go? Ever complete your project?
@@BrockHerrin Not yet, got a loooong list of things and other stuff keeps breaking or needing repair or medical issues come up. Hoping to get it done sometime next year. Almost finished renovating my own bathroom. Had to tear out rotten coverings on the wall, termite damaged tongue & groove board, put in studs because they weren't done right, add shims, install a new surround, new shower controls, new pex, new valve, and new showerhead. Next project will likely be the laundry room.
First helpful video I’ve come across for this type of install! Thank you for your clear instructions, lack of ramblings, and great video skills! I have way less anxiety about this now 🙏🏼
Great Job. TY for the Tutorial. My husband removed our laminate & I'm wondering if you can use a wood product instead of tile to adhere the laminate sheeting to?
You can also carefully score the plastic laminate at the ends too close to the walls and, keeping pressure on the glued laminate, break off the excess. If you don’t want to use a circular saw, clamp the laminate to a length of wide lumber with a hard edge, preferably a laminated edge, and router to make the cut. Color match calking is available for counters that have sinks and backsplashes.
I like it,but please may I ask you? where can I buy this laminate? 🙏thanks, well done 👏
I thought i would have to get a whole new heavy counter. I never thought of just putting a sheet over old counter that was still in good condition, just out of style in color. Thank You for the video
Hey Sandy, that was the exact position I was in and super happy with the results. Best of luck on your project and let me know if you have any questions along the way.
Sandy, did you try it?
P
Yeah I got some old countertops in red Formica, thought about ripping it off but I could just do this. Most of it is still in good shape.
@@EverydayHomeRepairshow did it hold up 4 years later???
Very nice. Try using Vaseline on laminate before routing to decrease the chance of burning!
Nice tip! Appreciate the feedback 👍
Thank you so much for this video!! I’m adding a new counter to my island and this was so helpful and I feel much better about doing it.
Would it be the same process to add the laminate directly to the wood?
💥Great video, thanks. Just a note to your viewing audience 7:52 you went in the wrong direction with the router. They spin clockwise looking down in it so you want to push that side of the bit into the work not along with it. At 4:02 you went the right way. 🤟🏼
He didn't discuss which way to run the router, unfortunately. At the 4:02 mark, he's going the "normal" way where the router spins out and away as he moves along. However the opposite direction referred to as "climb cutting" can be done and often is done intentionally to reduce the chances of the router damaging the edge. You have to be more careful because the rotation pulls the router in the direction you're moving. I use climb cutting to avoid tear out on highly figured wood. And I would probably choose that here for the same reason.
Looks great - nice explanation!
Thanks, glad the video helped 👍
Awesome video!
Thanks!
Well done! Great job!
I’m thinking to apply Formica for my Workbench + Feed Table. Which types of Formica wood be better for that purpose please? I am thinking of Matt but again there are NDF which I don’t know 🤷 what are they! Thickness the one from a company Formica I got the Samples says😢 38mm (I think 0.38mm but no clue)! Please advise if you don’t mind! Thank you in advance and much appreciated! Cheers!!!
Set your bit to the minimum length so it doesn't scuff your edges. It doesn't need to be long, you're only trimming the material off.
Very nice!
Thanks!
Great vid. Well done.
Thanks god bless
Awesome dude!
this is GREAT!
I did laminate in Blockbuster, Starbucks, Best Buy, Old Navy, the Gap and Banana Republic to name a few. We always popped off the old laminate with a propane torch. Stinky, but only takes a few minutes. It’s risky with existing Formica under it. It could start to delaminate after a while.
Tiny bead of paint matched caulk along the walls to prevent pooled liquids from seeping, dripping, or wicking into the walls is a nice finished touch (especially with the wall being undercut for fitment).
Is this flexible enough to go around corners, to avoid have that slight bit of reveal on all of the corners? Possibly if you heat the laminate it could be bent around the corners? I am going for a seamless look without cutting individual pieces being easily recognizable
Hey Chad, good question and there is a way to bend as the manufacturers do this with laminate for a standard edge but I am not sure how you would replicate that at your project. Heat is a safe bet but might be some trial and error. Let me know how it turns out and best of luck.
Will this work on the rounded section of the counter top ?
Thank you. I know now I don't want to do this because I would suck at it, I thought it would be easier and you just saved me time ,money and my sanity.
Will the laminate work directly onto 3/4” plywood or would I have to put something down on the plywood ?
Should work but make sure the surface is completely smooth. Use wood filler if any knots or cracks are on the plywood surface. Best of luck.
If you don't have a router, could you just use an exato knife or something else?
Thank you so much for the super informative and helpful video. We're in an unexpected kitchen remodel and are put at ease after watching this!
Where do you get the glue? I'm renting a place and the countertop that we have needs to be glued again. It was already coming off when we moved in.
Hey Terri, I just used this product Contact Cement: amzn.to/3k2aHk1 . You can find the same or similar contact cement at the local home improvement store or just order online. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
How durable is it, does it hold up well over time? Seems like it would loosen or bubble in a kitchen with frequent temp variations from cooking & steam,...
Can you glue to a large piece of board then cut it to the size you want with out hurting the edges
Hey Linda, yeah that should be doable. Here is a video that might help if you are using a circular saw ua-cam.com/video/sV2xa4TVBus/v-deo.html and should help to not chip the edges.
If you're laying a big sheet on top, why do you file the top edge of the side pieces? Wouldn't that create a noticeable gap between the top layer the sides? I'm wondering if maybe I should leave the top edge of the side pieces alone after trimming them so that the top layer sits flat on those edges.
Yea, don't do what he did. You should actually sand or file any edge flat that will get laminate overlaying it, the end of the edge piece too. It will show a small gap like you said. I do plastic laminate work for a living.. idk why I'm even watching this lol
@@dannesser ok yeah, I've done all kinds of flooring and walls for years but never touched laminate sheets before and the same rules seem to apply. I thought maybe it's malleable enough to force into a gap when filing but nope. I can see filling the bottom edge because this stuff is super sharp but definitely not an overlapping edge. I filled a small corner by the wall to test and you can clearly see a gap there. Everywhere else is virtually seamless.
@@dannesser can you heat laminate up to have it bend over a curved edge?
@@michaeln8954 Yes! That is exactly how you bend it around corners. Use a heat gun but keep it moving, don’t hold it in one place for too long or it will damage the laminate.
I could probably do this but have no tools other than an exacto knife!
that's all i use.
What if you have to cut the area for the sink
How do you decide to install full one piece laminate counter top where you remove the existing countertops versus putting new sheet laminate on top of existing laminate.
Just sheet laminate on top of existing looks much simpler.
Only reason to do the bigger version where you remove the old counter is if you are changing the design of the counters for example sink in a new location.
Any further advice on why one is better than other? Thx.
I just install a new standard countertop if I can. What I mean is if the counter is a length and type I can get at a local big box store then I would just buy the entire countertop and swap out. In this video the little breakfast bar counter was a custom size so instead of ordering and waiting for a new counter I just went with new sheet laminate. Make sense?
What can I use besides a cordless circular saw to make a straight cut?
So glad my counters are rounded at the edges! I'm going to see if I can order this in marble, have it delivered, and try to get a good price for install. If they try to charge a fortune for such easy work, I'll do it myself - thanks to this amazing video!
Hi Scott. How do I do this if my edges are bevelled?
This is exactly what I needed to see. I'm following this process exactly, except I'll take my counter top off so I can reach all sides, and my front edge is curved so I will need to clamp it somehow.
Nice, best of luck on the project and let me know how it turns out.
I have been looking for laminate sheets but can't find them in my local big box... do you have any suggestions on where else to pick them up?
Home Depot sells them but just online
Thank you. Short and clear that's what I'm exactly here for.
You're welcome!
It's basically formica ? Laminate is a term more adapted to floors.
Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate how to install laminate on top of laminate great job
Hi, I have a bar counter that is round edged on the long sides and flat on short sides. Can I use laminate sheet to make it match our new laminate countertops? Later down the line we plan to replace it with better countertops, but for now I need that bar to match our kitchen. Any advice on the round edge?
Perfect. Just what I needed for my install. Direct andTo the point. Thank you
You should really cut laminate from the off side.
The saw direction of rotation brings the blade teeth up through the material.
Better edge.
Agreed. Also, you can cut it on a table saw, there is a safe way to do it without it getting stuck under the fence. Done this many times at the shop.
Where Can I get this laminating sheets in Sydney region??
Did you scuff up the old laminate before applying the new sheet?
Hi Janet, nope just mades sure the old laminate top was clean without any residue prior to applying the contact cement.
great video. I use a dremel to cut end instead of side cutters. works great
thanks but were are the list of items and were did you get the sheet laminate from. thanks.
This was a fantastic video!
Very thorough and I love the tool list.
Thank You Very Much!
Thanks for the kind words Jay, glad you got value out of the video.
I like it.
I much cost?
It came out really nice, Thanks for your video.
Good video, clear and informative, well done. When Im cutting laminate worktops with a power saw, I lay the worktop upside down to cut it. It eliminates any chance of chipping the edges and produces a nice smooth cut. Also, if using a jigsaw, the same method of cutting applies, as a normal jigsaw blade cuts on the upward stroke. Blades are available to cut on the down stroke, which would allow you to cut with the surface facing upwards.
were you able to carry the laminate pattern from the horizontal surface down the sides? Or does the pattern discontinue and start over?
It wasn't perfect but the pattern is pretty forgiving and still looks good.
What do you do if you have rounded edges?
The front lip is rounded?
Thanks, I plan to try this on Saturday.
But I don't have an existing surface. I will install a sheet of plywood or something. What material is the best substrate for Formica?
What pattern (number) and brand of laminate did you use?
This is great. Much easier than I thought because I thought I'd have to remove the old laminate. My only problem is needing to remove the sink and range top. I "think" I can just pry them up a little and start the bonding from underneath the sink/range edges. It gets very expensive to have a plumber and/or electrician come to remove these things and return to put them back.
0
Good luck with that. How will you route and fit the new laminate under the sink? As soon as you touch the glue you run risk of delaminating the glue from your countertop when you peel off to reposition. And .. just.. no
how did it go?
@@kyle18934 Can’t do anything right now. Certain things have come up to postpone activities.
You will need to remove anything on the countertop to get laminate under the said fixtures for a nice seal. You do not want a seam in the laminate in the sink area where the highest wear and water is.
Do you need to be cautious of the temperature in order for the contact cement to bond? Thanks!
Room temp is what I have done in the past. If the area is cold 🥶 you probably would have some issues or take longer to bond.
Great video. Do you have to sand the old Laminate? Or can i just go over the old counter top with no sanding?
Hey Tom, you should be good without sanding. That contact cement bonds well to the surface. Best of luck on the project!
Not sure if it would work in this instance, but for that small amount of extra laminate, perhaps using a heat gun or even a hair dryer may have been able to soften up the glue allowing you to just get a very flat blade under it in order to peel it off. I have used a heat gun on laminate in my kitchen and it only took a couple of minutes to soften up the glue sufficiently in order to remove it.
I'm updating a 1972 home and thought lamenting is affordable but I love the new designs and colors. Perfect direction. Thanks
You are so welcome!
Look at the lens not your self!
What brand of sheet laminate?
Where do i get that laminate finish looking sheet at ?????
I got them at my local Menards which has them instock. Do you have Menards in your area? If not you might be able to find them at Home Depot or Lowe's.
I install Formica, I would have taken an iron and heated the old Formica off before installing new.
What about that ugly corner that you 'got excited' with the router on? it is awful. You won't get paid until you fix it. It is a focal point, THE focal point, of the whole job. And you are teach how to ruin a job? You left the audience hanging. Which is worse? That lousy workmanship, or leaving the audience hanging?
Help! My Laminate countertops have Oak Trim that I cannot remove so I have to cut laminate using old (which had lifted) as a pattern. Problem is, my countertop is longer than any sheets I can buy so I have to join 3 together. I can’t seen to get them to meet up exactly!!!! Ahhhh. Please help!!!
Trying to find someone to do this for me. Why am I being quoted over 1200.00 to do when I have the materials. I have half the courage to do it myself.
Thanks.
Really helped with my bathroom vanity top replacement.
Exactly what I needed, thanks for the lesson!
No Problem, best of luck on the project!
Thank you for your video! I have a couple questions.
1. The counter I am doing has a laminate backsplash. Do I put that on at the same time I am putting the front edge one?
2. The backsplash has a thin "chrome" edging at the top and at the bottom seam. Where can I get this or is there an alternative?
3. My counter has a sink in the middle. Do I cover the sinkhole with the laminate and then once it is glued down cut the sinkhole out?
Thank you!
Does the old laminate surface need to be fairly smooth in order for this to work well? Ours has a fairly rough texture and I'm thinking the new surface wouldn't bond well or would be uneven due to the underlying pseudo-wood grain texture.
I bet it would work fine because the contact adhesive is fairly thick. You could also just sand it or put a skim coat of something like Bondo to fill the texture if it's extreme.
I have a countertop I would like to do this with that is rounded off at one end. Any advice how to match that up perfectly?
I haven't tackled a rounded edge yet and thing it would be significantly tougher then the straight edge I demonstrated on in this video.
Quick question can i cover the existing hole for the drop in sink and then put a glass vessel sink on top?
You might be able to do that but is your counter a standard size or one like this that was custom? If it is standard I would just get a new laminate countertop which is pretty cheap.
Awesome video man. You've inspired confidence in me.
Nice, best of luck on the project. I was happy with the results for this project 👍
Hi do you have any website for this product, thanks.
You might not have this store in your area but here is the link and I used Silver Quartzite as the pattern. www.menards.com/main/kitchen/countertops-laminate/view-all-countertops-laminate/customcraft-countertops-reg-standard-countertop-laminate-sheet/949730x48/p-1561098547903.htm
Will this work over old tile countertops?
Hmmm, probably not as you would need a smooth surface so the grout lines might cause issues. Also I am not sure how contact cement would perform on tile.
I did my Bathroom countertop and I loved it so much I'm doing the kitchen countertop too!
Wondering why you didn't lightly sand or scuff the old countertop to provide better porosity for adhesion...
Is there something I can just put on top of the old countertop?
Like an acrylic sheet to put on top of the old counter top. Which is peeling. Do they have countertop protectors??
I really like the way you kept checking the edge after it was too late to adjust the piece. I would do the same thing, pretty funny. If you ever run into needing to hand trim the edge, it just crossed my mind to clamp something like a small metal ruler or piece of metal to the bottom of counter to add extra material then razor cut the back side, snap it off and there will be enough material to dress it with a file. I am watching this to do my first counter top and honestly, what scares me, is the edge burn and one of my tops will be 12' long. I don't want a fuck up on my kitchen remodel, but the person who was supposed to do it is too busy, so fuck it, DIY. It must be a bitch to get the router setting such that you don't get a burn but get a full cut?
Hey Tom, Thanks for the comments. I am actually doing a much larger laminate countertop install as I type this. I should have the video out tonight. Burning the surface is something that is real and I have done it several times. What I found helped me on this install is to put down blue painters tape on the surface the guide wheel will be tracking. Them if you are getting close you will start to see the blue tape get damaged and you can adjust prior to the laminate burning. Best of luck and 12' sections can be tough and justify being even more cautious so you don't have to start over.
Your eyes are so beautiful
😂😂
You did amazing. I’m really thinking of doing this is our home because ours is breaking apart and have looked for days for a video on this.. thank you so so much. It’s going to help me so much as it already has!!
Best of luck on your project!
Awesome video, how would you go about covering a counter top that has rounded edges? Thanks
Hey my dad is doing the same thing but is your countertop wood because I went to Lowes and they said that I need 500 glue but I can't find it so I was wondering if the contact cement is good for a wood countertop
If you are just installing a laminate sheet on a wood countertop the contact cement like the one used in the video should work well. Best of luck on the project 👍
@@EverydayHomeRepairs yeah my dad just want to put the laminate sheet on top of the other so he doesn't have to take the other one off
Do you suggest sanding down the old laminate to rough up the surface for better adherence of the contact cement?
I don't think it is needed the contact cement should bond without much issue.
Absolutely 100% yes, you need to sand it.
does your router have a guide on it? i just borrowed a friends router that is 2 handled. and he recommended making a guide.
The router but I used was just for flush cutting so there is a little ball bearing on the end that rides along the surface and then the bit cuts any excess material. Be careful as you can angle the router slightly and damage the surface. Best of luck on the project.
Get them normal size snd finish with laqure and cut it ❤😂💅but what do I know
How did it hold up now 4 years later? Is it heat resistant? My laminate tops that was installed in the build of the home is very heat resistant.