Laminate Table Top Installation

Use sandpaper to sand down the substrate surface on the tabletop particleboard, plywood or wood to make the surface as smooth as possible. This will help the adhesive backing material on the laminate adhere well. Use a blow dryer to wipe away dust from the sanding.

Measure the width and length of the tabletop surface with a tape measure. Add 2 inches to the measures to allow ample materials for covering the tabletop. Write down the measurements with a pencil on a piece of paper. Repeat the process for the side edges of the tabletop. Add up the total inches for your tabletop and sides. Use the total measurement to determine how much laminate material you need to purchase.

Mark the laminate material for the tabletop according to your measurement. Use a straight edge steel ruler and a razor knife to cut the laminate, carefully inserting the blade against the edge of the straight edge ruler so your cut is straight and clean as possible. Start with the edge strips and then cut the main piece for the tabletop surface.

Turn over the edge strip laminate pieces and remove the backing material that protects the adhesive. Position the pieces so at least a 1/2-inch of overhang is on the edges. Press the laminate pieces firmly onto the tabletop edge with your hand. Follow by rolling the 4-inch hard rubber roller back and forth from edge to edge to secure the edge strip to the side of the tabletop. Use a router saw to trim away the edges.

Lower the laminate piece for the tabletop surface directly onto the particleboard or plywood substrate surface material. Start at the top edge and make sure that you leave at least a 1/2-inch overhang. This will ensure an overhang on all sides of the tabletop surface.

Press firmly on the laminate once it is in place to secure it to the tabletop substrate material. Take the hard rubber roller and firmly glide it horizontally across the laminate surface, then use the same technique and go over the laminate in a vertical direction. Place a stack of heavy books in the center and along the edges. Allow the laminate to fully bond with the substrate for 24 hours.

Remove the books from the top of the laminate. Line your straight edge ruler along the perimeter edges and carefully cut away the excess laminate material.

Sand the edges of the laminate lightly so the finished edges are smooth on all sides to complete your laminate tabletop installation project.