How to Install Plastic Laminate Bathroom Countertops

While solid countertops such as granite and marble get a lot of press, you can still install a good-looking plastic laminate countertop. Since bathroom countertops aren't usually subject to the heat from pans and cuts from knives like kitchen countertops, laminate countertops are an inexpensive choice for bathrooms. Laminate countertops in the size needed for most bathrooms are moderately easy to install.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sandpaper
• Shop vacuum
• Tape measure
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Saber saw
• Plastic laminate
• Straight edge
• Contact cement
• Brush
• Contact cement
• Sharp utility knife
• J-roller
• Router
• Laminate bit
• Masking tape
• Wooden dowels

1. Prepare the area where you intend to install the laminate countertop. Remove any trace of the old countertop and its adhesives with sandpaper. Vacuum the top and make sure to remove all dust particles. If you don't remove all the dust, the laminate may not stick to the bathroom countertop base properly.

2. Determine how much laminate you need for the countertop and allow some extra material. Also measure the sides of the bathroom countertop. Purchase your supplies.

3. Mark the countertop material with the edge of something straight to get the exact measurement. Use the sharp utility knife to score the laminate. Don't cut it all the way through, just snap off the excess pieces. Cut the edge bands in a similar manner.

4. Cut the hole for the sink. Use the template that comes with the sink to mark the right size. Drill a small hole just inside the sink line. Use the saber saw to cut out the hole.

5. Put the contact cement on the laminate edge pieces and the wooden sides. Follow the directions on the contact cement as to how long to let it dry. When the cement's ready, carefully set the edges. Now take the J-roller and work out any air bubbles between the laminate and the wooden base.

6. Use the laminate bit on the router to smooth off any rough edges on the edge piece. Wipe down the sawdust again. Protect the edge pieces in the next step with masking tape.

7. Apply the contact cement to the surface of the countertop. Let it dry according to directions. Set dowel rods onto the tacky cement to help you maneuver the laminate countertop into position.

8. Start at one end of the countertop as you begin to adhere the laminate to the countertop. Gradually work the dowel rods out of the way. Remember, once the laminate touches the contact cement it's set. Seal the laminate with the J-roller. Use the router to smooth the edges.