Installing a Laminate Countertop

	Updating your countertop is a great way to extend the life of your cabinets while refreshing your kitchen or bath’s appearance. If you’re handy with a few common tools, you can install a new laminate countertop yourself. Be sure to measure for your countertop before going to the store. You can build a countertop from scratch or purchase a pre-manufactured countertop, which is called a post form countertop. Post form countertops are made in standard-sized lengths and come pre-assembled complete with backsplash. If necessary, you can purchase a post form countertop that’s a little longer than you need and cut it to fit. If your countertop is a non-standard length, you’ll need to have one custom made or build it yourself. This project guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing a post form laminate countertop.

Tools:

Materials:

Available only at your local store:
* Manufactured countertop
* Drawing compass
* Miter clamp kit
* Silicone caulk
* Carpenter pencil

Steps 1 - 7 of 7

Step One

Set and Level the Countertop

1.	Set and clamp the countertop in place.

2.	Shim as needed to make it level.

3.	Check for gaps between the backsplash and the wall. If the gaps are narrow, fill them in with caulk and proceed to step four. If the gaps are large, take the actions in steps two and three below.

Step Two

Mark Backsplash with Compass

1.	Set a drawing compass to the span of the largest gap between the backsplash and the wall.

2.	Set the compass point next to the wall and the marker on the backsplash.

3.	Pull the compass along the wall to mark what will need to be removed on the backsplash.

Step Three

Remove Countertop and Clamp to Sawhorses

1.	Remove the countertop and clamp it in place on sawhorses.

2.	Use a belt sander to sand the backsplash to the line drawn with the compass.

3.	Place the countertop on the cabinet and ensure the backsplash is flush against the wall.

Step Four

Glue Edges Together

1.	Where two pieces of the cabinet meet, glue them together with the glue from a miter-clamp kit. If the kit has no glue, apply a thin bead of silicone caulk to the edges of both pieces.

2.	Apply wood glue to the rest of the edges per instructions on the glue's packaging.

3.	Press the edges together.

Step Five

Tighten Miter Clamps

1.	Make sure the entire surface is flush at the seam along the front edge of the counter.

2.	Tighten the nearest miter clamp.

3.	Wipe away any excess glue.

4.	Stand behind the backsplash and push the countertop up and down as needed to make the seam flush along the back of the counter.

5.	Tighten the miter clamp nearest the backsplash.

Step Six

Level the Countertop

1.	If one side of the seam is higher than the other, protect the surface with a piece of wood and tap the countertop with a rubber mallet.

2.	When the seam is level, tighten the remaining miter clamps.

Step Seven

Fasten the Countertop to the Cabinet

Note: Check the length of every screw carefully before driving it into the countertop.

1.	If the cabinet has a top surface, fasten the countertop by screwing up through the bottom of the cabinet top into the countertop. If the cabinets have no tops, screw through the front rail and any blocks built into the cabinet.

2.	Seal the seam between the backsplash and the wall with silicone caulk that matches the color of the countertop.

3.	Your countertop installation is complete. If you need to cut a hole in the countertop for a sink, proceed with the next step of the project guide.