Do It Yourself Counter tops

[Stimw]

Here is where I ordered laminate from, they carry several manufacturers so I'm guessing the quality is close to the same- Sheet Laminate | Cabinetmaker Warehouse
I got a 5' X 12' and 2- 4' X 8' sheets with shipping came to $408. I needed 90 sq ft so it worked out for my counters.
The glue is just Contact Cement, I bought a gallon at Lowes for $30. I still have 1/3 left. Put it on with 4" roller and paint brush.
Lowes also had a laminate roller (very nice one) for $22.

 

[RNeumann]

Here is where I ordered laminate from, they carry several manufacturers so I'm guessing the quality is close to the same- Sheet Laminate | Cabinetmaker Warehouse
I got a 5' X 12' and 2- 4' X 8' sheets with shipping came to $408. I needed 90 sq ft so it worked out for my counters.
The glue is just Contact Cement, I bought a gallon at Lowes for $30. I still have 1/3 left. Put it on with 4" roller and paint brush.
Lowes also had a laminate roller (very nice one) for $22.

Perfect! Thx

 

[ray66v]

The kitchen design people at Lowes, and HD, can also order you sheets of laminate.

I have never had a problem getting what style, or color I want.

 

[Raspy]

I just installed a stainless steel counter top in my trailer. Love stainless.

 

[dragoneggs]

Another trick when using contact cement and laminate is to use some old aluminum blind slats or other to place the laminate on the counter and get it lined up and then pull the slats. The instant 'stick' can bite you if you're not careful otherwise. I'm sure there are some youtube vids on the process... been years since I have installed it. Good luck.

 

[Stimw]

Another trick when using contact cement and laminate is to use some old aluminum blind slats or other to place the laminate on the counter and get it lined up and then pull the slats. The instant 'stick' can bite you if you're not careful otherwise. I'm sure there are some youtube vids on the process... been years since I have installed it. Good luck.

All the videos were using dowel rods for the stand off during laminating.
I just cut some 1/2" square sticks with my table saw that worked very well. The trick is to have plenty of them.

 

[dragoneggs]

All the videos were using dowel rods for the stand off during laminating.
I just cut some 1/2" square sticks with my table saw that worked very well. The trick is to have plenty of them.

Yes, why I suggested the blinds... definitely something not to toss when a few get bent by the dog or a string breaks. Cut out all the string, tape up the bundle and store for the occasion!

 

[lennyzx11]

I did a large counter top for utility room.
My tips.

Edges first. Then flush cut with a router with ball bearing bit around top edge of side pieces. Clean up tricky areas with a file but using push direction into piece. Never pull away! Place top. Cut around top with a ball bearing bit that cuts a small angle (45 ?) on edge over side pieces. Looks nicer.

Side edges before front edges. This lets the front edge lie over the end. Stops something from catching the front end of the side piece and peeling it back. This way, its protected by the front piece covering the joint. Wife caught one corner and peeled it back a few times in my case. (High traffic area)

Router into the piece same as direction bit is turning. Backwards from the normal routing process.
Enough flat weights to cover top ready to be placed when top goes on.

 

[GLyford]

When we bought our house, the tops were laminate but they had edges all the counters with oak to match the cabinets. When they routed the laminate, they used a profile (ogee) bit which cut the oak at the same time, and the oak held up very well for protecting the laminate from bumps and traffic.