Hold them on the cabinets, drill pilot holes and attach the strips with nails or short wood screws about every 2 feet, staying 2 inches from the ends. Run a piece of tape along the top of the backsplash to mark later. Set the countertop in place.
How do I install a countertop myself?
The easiest way to install a countertop yourself is to install a post-form countertop. This guide shows you how to install laminate countertops using step-by-step instructions. This guide assumes that the cabinets are level and that the old countertop and sink have been removed.
How to install countertops and backsplash in a corner?
Place the bottom edge carefully in the corner where the counter meets the wall. Slide it up against the wall and press down towards the corner. When you’re done, use a caulk gun and silicone caulk to fill in the gaps around the edges of your countertops and backsplash. Wait 24 hours before using your countertop to give it time to settle.
How do you attach wood to a countertop?
Place your countertop upside down on a flat surface. Choose strips of wood thick enough to allow the countertop surface to match the front build-up. Glue strips around perimeter of countertop. To apply end caps, set household iron at medium heat.
How do you fasten countertops to base cabinets?
Professional installers vary greatly in their methods of fastening countertops to base cabinets. Some just glue them down with construction adhesive, while others screw through the cabinet corner braces or sides into the top. Using 1-1/2 in. steel angles like those shown in Photo 17 is foolproof and simple.
How do you attach laminate countertops?
Measure and cut the laminate countertops to the desired size. ... Ensure the pieces fit togther properly by sliding them into place. ... Turn the two pieces of countertop over. ... Turn the piece of countertop back over. ... Slide the two pieces of countertop into position and push them tightly together.More items...
How do you secure a laminate countertop to a cabinet?
16:0219:52How To Install Laminate Countertops | Step By Step - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you're going to try to do is get half half of an inch of that screw going into the surfaceMoreAnd what you're going to try to do is get half half of an inch of that screw going into the surface you're securing. So that might be a build up strip on the bottom of the countertop.
Can I install kitchen countertops myself?
You can build a laminate countertop from scratch or purchase a pre-manufactured countertop, which is called a post-form countertop. Post-form countertops are made in standard-sized lengths and come with an integrated backsplash. The easiest way to install a countertop yourself is to install a post-form countertop.
How are countertops attached to the wall?
Studs. Run a stud finder along the wall where the countertop will attach to the wall. Locate all of the studs spanning across the countertop. Two studs are enough to support any countertop, but if you find three or four, use them too.
How do you attach a countertop to base cabinets?
0:187:00How to Install a Kitchen Countertop -- Buildipedia DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell our kitchenette is really shaping up nicely I think the cherry cabinets look great hey there I'MoreWell our kitchenette is really shaping up nicely I think the cherry cabinets look great hey there I'm Jeff Wilson. And now we need some countertops and installing countertops is something that you can
Are countertops glued down?
Countertops are typically adhered to the cabinets and walls using caulk or silicone. In some cases, they also have screws or other fasteners holding them in place from underneath. To remove your glued countertop, follow these simple steps: Prepare your workspace.
What is the easiest countertop to install?
Plastic laminate counters are one of the most affordable and DIY-friendly. The material is also readily available in a wide range of colors and styles, including faux marble countertops. Plus, they are incredibly low-maintenance and don't require the annual upkeep associated with many other higher-end materials.
Is installing countertops hard?
"Installing a laminate countertop is easier than most because of the relative light weight of laminate counters. Also, your typical homeowner will have the tools needed to install a laminate top, where they won't with granite or quartz."
What adhesive do you use for countertops?
Contact cement is used to glue Formica to a counter top. If you're starting from scratch assembling counter tops in a new home, or if you're remodeling an older counter top with new Formica, you will need contact cement.
Should there be a gap between countertop and wall?
Close the Gap Between Counter and Wall If the gap between the countertop and backsplash is more than 3/8 inch, it's generally too wide to fill and is best handled with trim, but you can try to close the gap to give yourself the caulk option.
What should I put between wall and countertop?
Simply fill the gap with the appropriately sized backer rod in a way that leaves room for the caulk to be the visible break between the counter and the wall. Then caulk on top of the foam material. Use the caulk tool as before to even out the finished caulking. Clean excess caulk away with a wet rag.
Why is my countertop pulling away from the wall?
If the cabinets are not held in place with the proper number and length of fasteners, they can pull away from the wall. As they become loose and pull away, the countertop will move as well.
Versatile Laminate Countertops
Revive your kitchen with new laminate countertops. They’re available in a variety of colors, tones, textures and patterns to ensure you find a look that suits your style. And, because they’re relatively easy to install, you’ll save money on installation costs.
Before You Buy
First, measure your cabinet depth. The standard depth is 23-3/4 inches. To check the depth, measure from the back wall for accuracy. If you want a bit of overhang — typically 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches — add that to the measurement.
Install Laminate Countertops
Before countertop installation, remove cabinet drawers and doors, and turn off the electricity to the kitchen.
How to make sure countertop fits?
Unwrap the packaging and carefully lift it over your cabinets. Set it down slowly and evenly so that you don’t damage your cabinets. Slide it by lifting it a little and repositioning it until it’s in place to ensure that it fits.
How to outline a countertop?
Outline the cabinet edges underneath with a carpentry pencil or grease marker. Open your cabinets and lay down under the countertop. Use the cabinets as a straight edge to outline where they meet the countertop with a grease marker or carpentry pencil. This will make it easy to figure out where you need to drill pilot holes or place glue when you attach your countertops.
How to cut laminate countertop with a plunge router?
Put a bolt on your router that is designed for cutting laminate by unscrewing the opening in the center and sliding it in before locking it. Set the plunge router so that the bolt sits 0.25–0.5 inches (0.64–1.27 cm) past the edge of your countertop. Place a flat edge parallel to the countertop to guide your cut.
How long does it take for a laminate countertop to dry?
5. Cover the top of your countertop with contact cement and let it dry for 20 minutes. Use the same brand of contact cement that you used with your laminate sheet. Spread your contact cement across every section of the top of your countertop with the same roller. Wait another 15-20 minutes to let your countertop dry.
How to attach a backsplash to a countertop?
Use silicone caulk to attach your backsplash and fill any edges. Apply silicone caulk to the back of your backsplash by spreading it across the entire backside with a caulk gun. Place the bottom edge carefully in the corner where the counter meets the wall. Slide it up against the wall and press down towards the corner. When you’re done, use a caulk gun and silicone caulk to fill in the gaps around the edges of your countertops and backsplash. Wait 24 hours before using your countertop to give it time to settle.
How to outline the edges of a cabinet?
Outline the cabinet edges underneath with a carpentry pencil or grease marker. Open your cabinets and lay down under the countertop. Use the cabinets as a straight edge to outline where they meet the countertop with a grease marker or carpentry pencil.
How many pieces of countertop will a distributor make?
The distributor will determine how many pieces your countertop will come in. Most of the time, it will arrive as a single piece.
How to scribe countertop to wall?
Place the top on the cabinet. Use a scriber-compass to mark the top edge of the countertop, then belt-sand or block-plane to the line. This will contour the countertop to the wall. Put top in place, check for level and stability, and then secure to cabinets with wood screws.
How to apply end caps to kitchen counter?
To apply end caps, set household iron at medium heat. Iron cap onto the end of the countertop with a back-and forth motion . Let set for one minute, then tap the cap carefully with a rubber mallet. Finish trimming with a fine file, applying pressure only on the up strokes.
How do I install a range top?
Always follow manufacturer's directions for Installing appliances. Place the sink or rangetop rim on the back side of the countertop, where the appliance is to be located. Mark all the way around the edge of the rim. Use a jig saw to cut the hole 1/4" to 3/8“ smaller than the line. All cutout corners should have clean, chip-free radii. Apply two layers of heat-conductive aluminum tape around rangetop cutout.
How to apply end caps to laminate?
To apply end caps using non pre-glued end caps, apply a contact adhesive to both the substrate and the laminate. Follow manufacturer's guidelines for when adhesive is ready for bonding. Roll laminate with a J-roller. Finish trimming with a fine file, applying only pressure in the up strokes.
How to clean a hot surface?
Clean with dampened cloth or sponge, using mild soap or detergent. Place hot objects on hot pads or trivets, as temperatures over 275°F (135°C) will damage the surface. Do not use abrasive pads, cleaners or powders. Use a cutting board to avoid surface damage from knives or sharp implements.
Where should end caps be used?
End caps should be used on all exposed ends (end cap kits ). End splashes should be used where top butts wall (end splash kit). Additional material should be allowed to scribe for a tight fit to end wall. Step 2: Cutting.
Do you need to seal a sink before installing a faucet?
You may find it more convenient to install the sink faucets, 3/8“ supply tubing and basket drain now, before dropping the sink into place. This is important if space behind the installed bowl is too tight for easy connection of plumbing fittings. All sinks must be sealed with sealant to avoid water damage to base material.
How to Install a Butcher Block Countertop
In this DIY Smarts project, Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a couple replace their laminate countertop with butcher block. Then he demonstrates how to apply a mineral oil finish to it.
Teak Island Countertop Install at the TOH Arlington Italianate Project House
Countertop manufacturer Paul Grothouse shows Norm the right way to install the new teak island top for the kitchen
How to Laminate a Countertop for a Laundry Room
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva builds a plastic laminate counter
How to Install a Quartz Countertop
Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor learns how quartz countertops are manufactured and then helps install one in a homeowner’s kitchen.
Waterfall-Edge Countertop Fabrication and Install at the TOH Cambridge Project House
Norm travels to the Pennsylvania workshop of Paul Grothouse to see the dovetail key joinery of the kitchen’s waterfall-edge wood countertop, then back to Cambridge where the whole crew lends a hand getting it into the house and in place
Crafting a Teak Island Countertop for the TOH Newton Project House
Norm Abram travels to Germansville, Pennsylvania, to see how countertop fabricator Paul Grothouse is crafting a beautiful 3-inch teak island top for the house
How to Build a Laminate Counter
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares his secrets for fabricating a stylish new plastic-laminate kitchen countertop.
Building Your Own Laminate Countertop
When learning how to install laminate countertops, it is possible to make your own countertop using a stable substrate, contact adhesive and sheet laminate. Here are the general steps:
Measure the Countertop
If you are installing countertops from a post-form or installing custom countertops, begin by meauring the space.
Turn off Water Supply
Before you begin installation, turn off the water supply and turn off electricity at the circuit breaker. This will help avoid any damage or plumbing issues when removing and installing the sink into the countertop.
Attach Countertop to Cabinet
Once you are happy with the fit and placement of the countertop, begin installing the laminate countertop to base cabinets .
Install Sink
Lay the sink template on top of the counter and tape it in place. Be sure to follow any centerlines and align the template as desired with the base cabinet below and the window, if there is one.
Enjoy Your New Countertop
Installing laminate countertops is a cost-effective way to update not only your kitchen, but your bathroom and laundry room countertops as well.