How to Make a DIY Countertop

You may find yourself with special countertop needs or have an original countertop plan in mind. Regardless, you know that hiring a specialty countertop fabricator will cost thousands of dollars. If your ideas supersede your budget, you can do it yourself. You will not only save money, but you will ultimately end up with an original countertop that you designed, whether it's simple or extravagant. All it takes is a little knowledge and ambition to make your dream countertop a reality.

Things You'll Need

• Jigsaw
• Router and cutting bit
• 1-inch thick pressboard
• Formica
• Formica adhesive
• Pencil
• Poster board
• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Drill and drill bit set
• Cordless drill and screwdriver bits
• Screws
• Sandpaper

Instructions

How to Make a DIY Countertop

1. Measure and make a template. Start by using your tape measure to get the dimensions of your new countertop. If you have any complex curves or angles in mind, it's always best to make a template. To do this, use sheets of poster board and tape together as needed with masking tape. Once the poster board is taped together, use a pencil to mark your curves or angles. Cut the template into its shape.

2. Mark and cut the pressboard. After the template is finished, lay it on the 1-inch thick pressboard. Tape it in place to prevent it from moving while marking the pressboard. Draw a line along the edge of the template on the wood. Once this is done, remove the template. Use your jigsaw to cut along the pencil line. Once the cut is complete, sand the area to remove any rough edges.

3. Install the pressboard. Lay the pressboard in place on top of your cabinets. Drill pilot holes through the pressboard and into the cabinets, using a drill and drill bit slightly smaller than the screws you will be mounting the pressboard with. Once the pilot holes are drilled, use your cordless drill and matching screwdriver head to turn the screws into the pilot holes. Turn clockwise until they are tight.

4. Install the Formica. Lay the sheet of Formica face down and roll the Formica adhesive on it, using a small sponge paint roller. Once this is done, roll the adhesive onto the pressboard also. Let the adhesive dry for 5 minutes. Carefully lift the sheet of Formica and lay it on the pressboard, face up. Press any air bubbles out at this time, using your hands. Press down as you move your hands toward the edges.

5. Trim and finish. Begin to trim the excess Formica from the countertop. To do this, turn your router with the cutting bit on and run it along the edges of the pressboard. This will form the shape of your counter. Once this is done, you will want to add Formica to the edges of the pressboard to finish the countertop. Use the same process by applying adhesive to the pressboard and Formica. When the edges are in place, trim them with your router also.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a backsplash to your countertop to prevent water damage to the pressboard.

• When laying the Formica with adhesive to the pressboard, be careful. You get one chance to lay it properly, and the adhesive is strong. Removing it at this point is almost impossible. Make sure the screws you mount the pressboard to the cabinets with are flush. This will prevent bubbles in the Formica.