How to Build a Laminate Countertop 05

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation : How to Build a Laminate Countertop 05

Use a router and a flush-cutting bit to trim the edge strip flush with top and bottom surfaces of the countertop
substrate. At edges where the router cannot reach, trim the excess laminate with a file. Apply the laminate to the remaining edges, and trim with the router.

Test-fit the laminate top on the countertop substrate. Check that the laminate overhangs all the edges. At seam locations, draw a reference line on the core where the laminate edges will butt together. Remove the laminate. Make sure all the surfaces are free of dust, and then apply one coat of contact cement to the back of the laminate and two coats to the substrate. Place spacers made of 1⁄2"-thick scrap wood at 6" intervals across the countertop core. Because contact cement bonds instantly, spacers allow the laminate to be positioned
accurately over the core without bonding. Align the laminate with the seam reference line. Beginning at one end, remove the spacers and press the laminate to the countertop core.

Apply contact cement to the remaining substrate and the next piece of laminate. Let the cement dry, and then position the laminate on the spacers and carefully align the butt seam. Beginning at the seam edge, remove the spacers and press the laminate to the countertop substrate.

Roll the entire surface with a J-roller to bond the laminate to the substrate. Clean off any excess contact cement with a soft cloth and mineral spirits.