Measure twice, cut once, and don’t forget to turn the water off
There’s nothing quite like the shine and polish of a brand new countertop—and for many homeowners, it’s a kitchen or bathroom upgrade worth making. Fresh surfaces plus a complimentary backsplash can breathe new life into areas around your home. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and wondering if new countertops can be installed DIY, the answer is yes, though the job is time-consuming and requires some tools. Learn how to install a new countertop in this 7-step DIY guide.
Once you have weighed all the laminate countertop pros and cons and decided on this material, the next step is to choose the color and design. Instead of trying to choose a counter at the store, you should narrow down your choices by asking for sample chips. Take them home and see how they look in your kitchen before making a final decision.
If you are planning on ordering custom-made laminate counters, you will also need to take precise measurements. This is a crucial step, since any measurement mistakes can stop you from moving forward with the installation, and reordering custom counters can be very costly.
Installing new laminate countertops is definitely a measure-twice-cut-once-type of job. The most important (and time-consuming) step for DIY installation is to take measurements, mark your materials, and cut the dimensions of your new laminate counters, as well as decide where appliances will go. You will need to learn how to cut a sink hole in the laminate countertop, as well as make cutouts for a slide-in stove. Be sure also to account for the counter overhang, which is between three-fourths and one inch.
After cutting, secure your laminate countertop slab with clamps to a stable surface. Use masking tape or a pencil to measure your cut lines, then use a saw to cut as needed. Finish by sanding the area with sandpaper or a file to smooth it out.
Note: Some premade templates may be available in home improvement stores online. If your space is a simple slab or a straightforward layout, cutting countertops may be unnecessary; you might be able to order a standard prefab option.
Before installing your beautiful new countertops or even removing the old ones, some prep work is necessary. You will need to:
Disconnect the water source to the kitchen or bathroom where you are working.
Remove appliances, such as the sink, range, and drain trap.
Scrape away the caulking that holds your backsplash in place.
Remove the old backsplash and any extra tiles.
If you are reinstalling the same appliances, put them somewhere safe. Also, make sure your screws and other installation materials stay organized nearby.
With the caulking gone along the wall that connects the backsplash, remove the corner bolts and screws that hold your old countertop in place. With the bolts and screws out, you should be able to slide off the old countertop in one piece. If your old counters were attached with silicone, you might need to run a warm, damp rag over the silicone to loosen it up, then use an abrasive scrubbing pad to help remove what is left. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to lift your old counter and move it somewhere out of the way.
To test your measuring work, place the new countertop you have already cut over the area. Check to see that it fits. Most importantly, your new countertops should fit snugly against the walls. You may need to use a belt sander to account for any minor dimension or cutting errors.
Once you have the right fit, it is time to secure your new countertops. Each manufacturer will recommend a specific process for attaching its product. For laminate countertops, there are two likely possibilities:
You will have to apply caulk or manufacturer adhesive along the top edges of the cabinet where the new countertops meet. In this case, you may need to use shims (small pieces of wood) every 12 to 18 inches to hold your counter up slightly while the glue dries.
Your laminate countertops peel and stick, and you only need to remove the barrier when installation time comes.
Let the adhesive dry for several hours, then check your work. If there are any gaps or holes, add more caulk to those areas. Finally, if applicable, fasten your countertops to the cabinets with screws or bolts.
At this point, the only area still exposed should be the space between the wall and the new countertops. The easiest way to do this is to draw one even line across the top with a caulk gun.
If you need to spruce up the wall next to the new counter, consider installing tile for your backsplash. The possibilities are endless.
Before reinstalling appliances, let the backsplash and wall joint dry for at least four hours.
Finally, hook up the appliances you took out earlier. Once your sink is back in place, turn the water back on and check it.
Some instances may warrant hiring countertop installation specialists. After all, learning how to install a countertop is not for the beginner DIYer. Here are some examples of scenarios when it is best to skip the DIY:
If you lack prior experience installing countertops
If you are renovating your entire kitchen or bathroom simultaneously
If the countertops have several cutout appliances spaces (e.g., sinks, dishwashers, etc.)
If you do not have access to the right tools or know how to use them safely
DIY laminate countertop installation costs $24 per square foot. Although you are saving on labor costs, it is still an investment. A pro’s work will guarantee the job is done right and not lead to any costly mistakes.
You can join laminate countertops by using miter bolts. First, apply glue to both edges of the counters and press them together. On the underside of the countertops, there are cutouts on the edges for the miter bolts. Depending on the length of your counters, you will see around four or more cutouts. Place the miter bolts in the cutouts and tighten them with a wrench.
If you are building a laminate countertop from scratch instead of buying premade laminate countertops, you can use particle board underneath the laminate. You will need to use a sheet of particle board for the substrate, along with four-inch strips underneath the edges. For proper installation, make sure that any seams are level and use a sander as necessary before installing the laminate.
To help protect, maintain, and care for laminate countertops, here are some things to avoid. For one, do not put hot pans or appliances directly onto the countertops because you can scorch the surface. Always use trivets and hot pads. Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning products and steel wool. Opt for hot, soapy water and a soft microfiber cloth instead.
Yes, you can install a new layer of laminate over old laminate, if you are looking to save time and money. The most important part of this project is making sure to clean the existing countertop thoroughly. Then you will need to sand the surface and apply contact cement, after which you can install the new laminate layer on top. Other options for improving your existing laminate countertops include painting them or installing an epoxy counter on top.
