Learning How to Install Countertops
September 24th, 2009 | by Bob Velintine |When it comes to countertops there are lots of options. There are countless different countertop materials to choose from. Each type of material has its own perks. Granite and marble are beautiful and durable, but they are very expensive. Additionally few people know how to install countertops like these. This is one reason that laminate is so popular.
One of the least expensive materials available for countertops is made from laminate. Laminate is essentially a thin piece of plastic that is glued to some sort of cheap base wood. Generally plywood or particle board is used. This makes for an extremely affordable countertop that actually looks quite attractive.
However, before you run off to learn how to install countertops from laminate, you should consider its downsides. Laminate is not nearly as durable as other materials. Knife marks will show. It is also susceptible to heat from hot pans or utensils and easily melts.
Of course, the advantages of laminate are numerous. It is affordable and attractive. It is very pliable and can be moulded around corners. In fact, it is easy enough to work with that even if you don't know how to install countertops, you can learn how to install laminate.
How to Install Countertops: Preparation
Are you ready to learn how to install countertops? The first step is preparation. You will need to choose either particle board or plywood and adequately prepare the surface. You will be gluing on the wood, so the surfaces need to be clean and dry. If the surface isn't smooth then you might need to sand it down.
Laminate is readily available. Choose laminate that is 1/16" inch thick. This is the ideal thickness to work with and is all you need for countertops. The illusion of thickness is given buy the plywood thickness not the thickness of the laminate.
Slicing and Dicing
Before you install the laminate you will have to cut it to size. There are many ways to cut it. You can use a saw if you have one. However, it is just as easy to use a nice sharp utility knife.
If you choose to cut your laminate with a power saw, then you need to be aware of the possibility of chipping. Saws have a tendency to chip the edge being cut. You can reduce the likelihood of this by keeping the laminate face down while you cut. Also, applying masking tape to the edge before cutting will reduce chipping significantly. Although you place laminate face down when cutting with a saw, you will want it to be face up if using a utility knife.
A utility knife cuts laminate very well. You will need a straight edge, preferably as long as the cut will be. You don't actually have to cute through the laminate. Instead you can score it and then use your hands to snap the laminate on your line.
Glue Application
The final phase involves gluing the laminate to the countertop. You will want to use contact cement for this. Remember to clean the surface of both your laminate and the particle board.
Use an expendable paintbrush to apply the glue. Paint it on to both the underside of the laminate and also the top of the top of the plywood. Don't place them together right away. Instead, follow the directions on the glue container. Generally you will wait a few minutes until the glue is tacky to the touch.
The last step is the most important. You won't want to try to move the laminate once you place it on the particle board. For this reason, you need to make sure you place it correctly the first time. A good idea, is to use extra wood to form a guide around two edges of the surface. This way you can line the laminate up with these and lower it into place.
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