How to Install Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are an easy way to revamp your counters cheaply and quickly. While you’ll need to have a shop make your countertop for you, you can do the installation yourself.
Preparation
Cabinets can settle over time and become out of level. You will need to level them for your installation.
- Your subfloor needs to be totally flat and smooth. You can use leveling compound to make your floor flat.
- Trim door frames and the like so that your flooring can slide underneath them. You can measure the height of the cut by using a piece of the flooring and then sawing right above it.
You will need:
Directions
Step 1:
Remove everything attached to your old countertop, including sinks, drop-in stovetops, etc. If you are re-using these fixtures, use craft paper to trace the shape of the holes made by these things and cut out the hole shapes. Otherwise, trace around your new fixtures and cut out the holes for the new ones. Remove drawers and shelves to give yourself room to work.
Step 2:
Go in below the old countertop. Remove the screws from all the mounting brackets. Also remove the screws and retaining clips from any draw-tight fasteners connecting sections of the countertop.
Step 3: Cut and Remove the Caulk Seal
Where the old countertop meets the wall, cut away the caulk with a utility knife.
Step 4:
Lift the old countertop off of the cabinets and then lift the new countertop into place. Check that the new countertop is level. If it is not, use shims to level it out. Screw the new countertop to the mounting brackets.
Step 5:
Trace around your craft-paper hole patterns in the correct places for your fixtures. Score the cutout line with a utility knife. Drill a pilot hole for the jigsaw. Then use the jigsaw to cut out the holes. Put your fixtures in place, adjusting the holes if necessary.
Step 6:
Apply caulking along all areas where the countertop and its backsplash meet the wall.
Step 1: Clear and Prepare the Area
Remove everything attached to your old countertop, including sinks, drop-in stovetops, etc. If you are re-using these fixtures, use craft paper to trace the shape of the holes made by these things and cut out the hole shapes. Otherwise, trace around your new fixtures and cut out the holes for the new ones. Remove drawers and shelves to give yourself room to work.
Step 2: Detach the Existing Countertop
Go in below the old countertop. Remove the screws from all the mounting brackets. Also remove the screws and retaining clips from any draw-tight fasteners connecting sections of the countertop.
Step 3: Cut and Remove the Caulk Seal
Where the old countertop meets the wall, cut away the caulk with a utility knife.
Step 4: Install and Level the New Countertop
Lift the old countertop off of the cabinets and then lift the new countertop into place. Check that the new countertop is level. If it is not, use shims to level it out. Screw the new countertop to the mounting brackets.
Step 5: Mark and Cut Fixture Openings
Trace around your craft-paper hole patterns in the correct places for your fixtures. Score the cutout line with a utility knife. Drill a pilot hole for the jigsaw. Then use the jigsaw to cut out the holes. Put your fixtures in place, adjusting the holes if necessary.
Step 6: Apply Caulking and Seal the Edges
Apply caulking along all areas where the countertop and its backsplash meet the wall.
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