If there is one thing that you can never ignore when decorating the interior of your home, it would be laminate sheets. Whether it is the kitchen, bedroom, or drawing room, laminate sheets are the best surfacing solution that seamlessly fulfills your home décor designs. Currently, laminates are a popular choice for décor themes, and they are highly preferred for decorating the kitchen space.
First of all, they’re cheaper than granite, stone, and wood, and they are also easy to install than other alternative surfaces. One can buy a pre-manufactured countertop or build a laminate countertop from scratch.
This guide will tell you the best approach to install a laminate countertop by a step-by-step process. However, it is based on the condition that the cabinets are level and the sink plus the old countertop has been removed.
Overview of Laminating a Countertop
Laminate countertop installation is nothing less than a school project, but here you do it for your kitchen. Hence, it is advisable, to begin with building the substrate, cutting out the laminate, paste them together with contact cement.
Beginning with the right substrate makes a solid foundation for the countertop. Particleboard has a smooth and clear surface that is best for sticking to the contact cement.
However, the bad news is that the particleboard does not come thicker than ¾ inch, which is not enough for the countertop. It is significant to double up on the edges for creating a 1½-inch face and raise the counter higher.
Many designers choose particle board over MDF because the latter is vulnerable to contraction and expansion from water. Nonetheless, it is important to paint the underside of any counter that will stay over a dishwasher, dryer, or washing machine for protection against moisture.
Attaching the decorative laminates to the particleboard is the hardest phase of building a counter because the two surfaces get bonded instantly the moment they come in contact.
Furthermore, there is a step-by-step process by which you laminate a counter to cover the visible edges. That is why the side edges go first, followed by the front edge, and then the final stop. Also, every piece of laminate should be cut bigger than the surface and shortened with a small file and router prior to putting on the next piece. In this way, it creates a tight seam in every corner.
Making the substrate
It is advised to utilise a circular saw to cut a particle board sheet that will fit the countertop. Also, add a 1-inch overhang to the edges that do not adjoin a wall. Likewise, cut 4-inch strips of particleboard to match the under part of every edge. The next thing is to glue and screw the strips to the sheet with 1¼-inch screws. In that case, it is advisable to ensure the edges are correctly flushed.
On the other hand, if you are thinking of linking two countertop sections, ensure to arrange and size the strips in a single piece to elongate the sheet’s end and fit below the nearby piece.
Cutting the laminate
The first step is to unroll the designer laminate face up and put it on a flat surface. Include 1 inch to the width and the length of the counter and mark the sizes on the face. Now, clamp the sheet to a linear length of wood at each mark. The next thing to do is line the marks up by the edge of the lumber.
Get a trim router that is fitted with laminate-cutting and cut the sheet by the mark.
The next part is marking the side strips on the following measures:
- 2½ inches wide and 1 inch bigger than the sides
- Plan the cutline ½ inch preceding the edge
Once you’re done, adhere to the side pieces and touch up the uneven edges. Now you need to cover the laminate back and substrate with contact cement.
The following step is the main part: laminating the top and then creating a backsplash.
Attaching the countertop to the cabinet
You need to dry-fit the countertop pieces, lay down the piece with the extended strips, and fit the second piece on top. Now get rid of the counter, then run a bead of caulk on the sides of the counter and the tops of the cabinet where both pieces meet.
Finishing touch
Put the counter in place and drive 1 5/8-inch screws up via the mounting blocks in the cabinet corners from inside the cabinet. Now drive 1¼-inch screws between the elongated strips to attach both the sections together.
Finally, wipe the caulk that comes out at the seam with a wet finger to create a plain seal amidst the two laminate pieces. Now caulk wherever the countertop directly finds the wall and ensure to level that bead for a polished look.
On an ending note, make sure to choose Royale Touche laminates because it is the best laminate brand in India for kitchen designs. Also, make sure to maintain the laminate surface because a little bit of upkeep goes a long way to ensure the long-life of the furniture element in your kitchen Read More