How to Build Particle Board Countertops

Measure the length of the base cabinet that you will installing the countertop onto. Measure the width of the cabinet -- most cabinets are 24 inches wide -- and add 1 inch for overhang at the front. Transfer these measurements to a sheet of ¾-inch-thick particle board that has been placed across two sawhorses. Use a framing square and extended pencil lines to make cutting easier.

Cut the particle board piece out with a circular saw. Cut 4-inch-wide strips that are the same dimensions as the piece you just cut from the remainder of the particle board with the circular saw. Apply a coat of wood glue to one side of the 4-inch strips. Arrange the strips around the perimeter of the larger piece. Clamp the strips down with C-clamps until the glue sets.

Remove the C-clamps. Turn the assembled particle board piece over so that the flat side -- this will be the top of your countertop -- is facing upward. Transfer the countertop dimensions to a sheet of laminate material add 1 inch to each side. Cut the laminate with a sharp utility knife. Spread laminate contact adhesive to the underside of the laminate material and to the top of the countertop with a paintbrush. Spread the adhesive to make an even coat. Allow the adhesive to dry to the touch.

Place strips of scrap wood across the top of the countertop. Flip the piece of laminate over so that the good side is facing upward. Place the laminate onto the top of the countertop. Slide the laminate on the wood strips until it completely covers the countertop with a slight overhang on each side. Pull out the wood strips one by one until the laminate sheet has made full contact with the countertop.

Use a laminate roller and press down over the entire surface of the laminate from one side to the other. Place a flush roller bit into a router. Route the edges of the countertop to remove the bits of laminate that are overhanging the counter.

Cut strips of laminate that are slightly wider and longer than the edges of the countertop you wish to cover. Adhere and trim the strips in the same fashion. Lift and place the countertop into position over the base cabinet. Secure the countertop with screws driven in from the underside of the base cabinet mounting blocks. Use screws that are shorter than the thickness of the countertop and the blocks to prevent the threads from coming through the top of the countertop.