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To install post-form laminate countertops, follow these steps:
1. Measure and cut the countertop to fit your space.
2. Attach the countertop to the cabinets using screws or adhesive.
3. Install the backsplash if desired, using adhesive or nails.
4. Apply contact cement to both the countertop and the laminate.
5. Allow the cement to dry until it becomes tacky.
6. Carefully place the laminate on the countertop, aligning it properly.
7. Use a laminate roller to press down and remove any air bubbles.
8. Trim the excess laminate using a router or laminate trimmer.
9. Install the sink and any other fixtures.
10. Seal the edges with silicone caulk for a finished look.
Follow these steps to successfully install post-form laminate countertops and enhance the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
Post-form laminate countertops may seem rigid, but they are actually made by layering paper and bonding it with resin. The finished laminate sheet is then attached to a wooden countertop or installed over an existing surface. What sets post-form laminate apart is that it is attached to particleboard using high heat and pressure, resulting in a seamless countertop with a built-in front edge and backsplash.
Because there are no seams between the edge and backsplash, post-form laminate countertops are easy to clean and maintain. However, they require careful installation as mistakes can be difficult to hide. Take your time and follow these steps for a successful installation.
Selecting the Right Laminate Countertop
The first step in installing a post-form laminate countertop is choosing the right one for your kitchen. These countertops come in different lengths, so measure your kitchen to determine how much countertop you’ll need. Plan your installation to minimize cuts and ensure that any seams fall in the corners.
Once you have the measurements, visit a local home store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. They typically have post-form countertops in stock, but you can also place a special order for a specific color or pattern. Keep in mind that special orders may have more limited options.
If you have a specific color or style in mind, consider placing a special order.
Image Credit:
Chloe Berk and Lisa Diederich
When purchasing or ordering post-form laminate countertops, make sure to consider how many corners you need. Corners require precise mitered cuts at 45-degree angles, which are difficult to achieve with home tools. To simplify the installation process, check if your corner pieces come precut with the necessary T-slots for mitered bolts.
Preparing Your Cabinets
Before installing the countertop, you need to prepare your cabinets. This involves attaching build-up strips to the back and sides of the cabinets. Build-up strips are plywood pieces that raise the height of the countertop and prevent it from interfering with drawer openings.
Attach the build-up strips using 1 1/4-inch drywall screws. The thickness of the plywood depends on the clearance needed for your drawers, but 3/4-inch plywood is generally sufficient.
Resize the Counter to Fit
Begin by measuring the length of your countertop from the end. Leave a 1-inch overhang and a 1/8-inch gap for appliances like a dishwasher. Use a jigsaw to cut the countertop to the correct length, starting from the back and cutting the backsplash with a downward motion.
If you need to create a hole for a sink or stove, make a paper template and transfer it to the countertop. If you’re reinstalling used appliances, you’ll need to make your own template. Start the cut by drilling a hole inside the area you’re removing and use it to guide the jigsaw.
If you carefully remove your old countertop, you can use it as a template for the new one to ensure a perfect fit.
Test Fit the Countertop
Before permanently installing the countertop, do a test fit. Install the miter bolts during the test fit, paying attention to the mitered corners. If the backsplash doesn’t fit flush against the wall due to uneven walls, mark the areas and sand them down with a belt sander and 80-grit sandpaper.
When sanding the backsplash, start from the top and move the sander down to avoid peeling the laminate from the particleboard.
Install the Countertop
Once you’re satisfied with the fit, slide the countertop into place and secure it with screws. Start with the corner pieces and tighten the miter bolts underneath. Insert the screws at a 45-degree angle into the wooden build-up strips on the cabinets to avoid drilling through the countertop.
Ensure that the countertops are level before finalizing the installation.
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photovs/iStock/GettyImages
If desired, use 1 1/2-inch steel angles to hold the countertop in place. Use 5/8-inch number 8 screws and place an angle bracket every 3 to 4 feet.
Finish the Edges
After installing the countertops, address the unfinished edges at the ends. Post-form laminate countertops typically come with end-cap kits for this purpose. First, attach the build-up strip to provide a surface for the end cap to adhere to. Then, prepare the adhesive on the back of the laminate end cap using a clothes iron or heat gun if necessary.
Once the glue is ready, firmly press the end cap into place, starting in the middle and smoothing it out towards the edges. Apply pressure multiple times to ensure proper adhesion. Finally, wipe down the laminate with a cool cloth to cool and set the glue.
Once the adhesive has dried, utilize a router to remove any excess material from the end cap that exceeds the height of the countertop. Alternatively, you can utilize a file to eliminate any sections where the end piece overlaps the countertop surface, but be sure to file in the direction of the countertop to prevent detaching the end piece from the counter.
At this point, the only remaining task is to apply caulk to the joints connecting the backsplash and the wall. Additionally, you may choose to apply caulk around the sink or stove to achieve a polished, seamless appearance.
