How to Reface A Counter Top

Dull the surface of the existing countertop with a belt sander, running the sander over it slowly to take off the shine. Clean up the dust.

Measure each section of the countertop, taking separate measurements for the main horizontal surface, each vertical edge along the front and any other sections that will be topped with laminate. Mark each one out on pieces of laminate. Add about 1 inch around each piece of laminate as you mark it out. Cut the pieces out with a utility knife, scoring along the marks and snapping the pieces at the lines.

Use a glue roller to spread contact cement across the entire back of each piece of cut laminate. Spread it on the countertop as well. Let the cement dry to the touch, which should take about 15 minutes. (Note: Although the contact cement will feel dry to the touch, it will bond instantly to any surface that also has contact cement on it, so don't let any two pieces touch.)

Position the piece of cut laminate for the front vertical edge of the countertop in front of the span where it’s being added. Press the piece to the surface, leaving the 1-inch overhang all around.

Press the piece into place with a laminate j-roller. Trim off the 1-inch overhang with your router, running the laminate bit along the edge.

Set dowel rods over the countertop surface, lined up side by side, a foot apart, facing front to back. Take the large piece of laminate that you cut for the top and lay it over the rods. The rods keep the laminate separate from the surface until it is properly positioned.

Slide the dowel rods out, pulling them forward, once the laminate piece is in position. Press the piece down to the surface. Roll over it with a laminate j-roller to secure it. Trim off the overhanging edges with your router.