Install a Laminate Kitchen Countertop | The Family Handyman

Are your old countertops looking a little worn and outdated? Is the sink showing its age? Installing new countertops is a quick and affordable way to give your kitchen a makeover. And it makes sense to put in a new sink while you’re at it. You can update the look and pick a sink-and-faucet combination that works with your style of cooking.

In the first part of this article, we’ll show you how to take out your old countertops and install new plastic laminate countertops. Then we’ll show you how to complete your kitchen transformation by installing a new sink and faucet.

Our countertop installation is a little tricky because the sink section has to fit between two end walls. You have to plan this installation sequence carefully. We’ll walk you through the steps. If your countertop sections are open on one or both ends, your job will be considerably easier. On the other hand, if you have a kitchen with a continuous U-shaped countertop that’s enclosed by walls, fitting is more difficult. We’d recommend hiring a pro.

If you’re handy with power tools and used to precision measuring, you can install your countertops in a weekend. You’ll need basic hand tools, a jigsaw, a drill and a belt sander.

We ordered these custom-size post-formed countertops about three weeks before we needed them. You can order countertops from a home center, full-service lumberyard or countertop fabricator. Since countertops are bulky and easily damaged in transit, it’s best to have them delivered.

Careful measuring is the most critical step in any countertop installation. Countertop fabricators and retailers may ask for different information, so first ask for measuring instructions from your supplier. The most accurate method is to order the countertops from cabinet dimensions. Make a sketch of your kitchen. Then measure the width and depth of the cabinets and record these dimensions on the sketch. Include the sink, stove and refrigerator locations. The ends of countertops that don’t butt into a wall will have to be finished with matching plastic laminate end caps. Indicate where end caps are needed.

The salesperson will be able to convert these measurements to a countertop order and include allowances for overhangs and extra material for scribing to uneven walls. In this article, we’re showing how to install preformed (also called post-formed) countertops without a backsplash. Use the same techniques for counters with a backsplash. If your countertop has an inside corner like ours, order your tops with precut miters. It’s nearly impossible to cut these accurately yourself. Ask for buildup strips with your countertop order (Photo 3 ). These should match the thickness of the buildup under the front edge of the countertop.

A Few Things to Check Before You Order New Tops

• Measure the depth of your cabinets. Standard 25-1/4 in. deep countertops are made to fit cabinets that are 24-3/4 in. deep, including the doors and drawers. If your cabinets vary more than 1/4 in. from this, you’ll have to order custom-depth counters.
• Compare the height of your existing backsplash with the one you’ll be ordering. If the new one is shorter, you’ll have to patch or redecorate the walls. If it’s taller, watch for conflicts with outlets and window trim.
• Use a straightedge and framing square to check the walls for straightness and to make sure the corners are square. Standard preformed countertops allow you to scribe and cut off up to 1/4 in. to compensate for irregularities. But if your walls deviate by more than 1/4 in. or your corners are way out of square, you may have to order tops extra wide and long to allow for more scribing. Discuss this with a knowledgeable salesperson and order your tops accordingly.