How to Install a Preformed Laminate Countertop

Installing a straight run countertop

• 1

  What you'll need
  Saber saw
  Masking tape
  Glue
  Screwdriver or Power drill and screwdriver bits.
  Drywall screws
  Square
  Large clamps
  Hammer
  Level
  Scriber compass
  Screwdriver
  Caulking gun and caulk
  Sandpaper
  Belt sander
  Large clamps
  Safety glasses

• 2

  Determine the space you want the counter top to cover, include the countertop overhang (usually 1"), if your preformed countertop is too long you will have to cut it to fit.

• 3

  Measure and mark the appropriate size on your preformed countertop. Place masking tape along the lines you want to cut and mark your cut line on the tape. (The masking tape will prevent any chipping of the laminate surface).

• 4

  Cut the countertop to the appropriate size.

• 5

  Apply carpenter's glue to the tops of the base cabinets framing, then align and place the countertop onto the cabinets.

• 6

  Attach the countertop using drywall screws coming up through the cabinet framing to the underside of the countertop to hold the counter firmly in place.

Installing a countertop along a wall

• 7

  Measure, mark and cut your countertop as above.

• 8

  Place the countertop on the base cabinets and align it as close as possible to the wall. Quite likely the straight cut countertop won't fit closely along the wall.

• 9

  Clamp the countertop in place and using the scriber compass mark the outline of the wall onto the countertop. (Open the compass about 1/2", run one leg along the wall and run the pencil leg along the countertop - making and exact profile of the wall).

• 10

  Use your belt sander to carefully remove the excess marked by the scriber.

• 11

  Test fit and do more sanding if required to fit the countertop to the wall.

• 12

  Install the countertop onto the base cabinets as above, using glue and drywall screws.

• 13

  Apply caulking along the seam between the countertop and the wall.

Installing a countertop with an

• 14

  Install a preformed countertop in an "L" shape by putting together two pieces cut on 45-degree angles. You don't have to cut these pieces yourself they are readily available and include cut outs on the underside to help hold them together using specially designed fasteners.

• 15

  Lay the two pieces upside down on a solid, level surface.

• 16

  Spread carpenter's glue on the joining edges of both pieces.

• 17

  Install and tighten the joining hardware/fasteners enough to hold the pieces close together.

• 18

  Align the corners carefully and ensure the seam is smooth. (This is a slow, iterative process - tighten a little, realign, tighten a little more and realign). It's important that the corners line up and the joint is smooth.

• 19

  Align the corners carefully and ensure the seam is smooth. (This is a slow, iterative process - tighten a little, realign, tighten a little more and realign). It's important that the corners line up and the joint is smooth.

• 20

  Allow the glue to dry once the pieces are properly aligned.

• 21

  Turn the countertop over (carefully), and install it as if it were a single section.