How to Install a Formica Kitchen Countertop

When you want to update the look of your kitchen without going over your budget, an easy renovation is installing a Formica kitchen countertop. Formica countertops come in a variety of colors and patterns to go with any look you want. Before you decide on a color or texture, compare a variety of samples to your kitchen to find the best match. Formica countertops are not only inexpensive, but they are easy to clean and maintain, although they do not last as long as harder stone like granite.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Utility knife
• Construction adhesive
• Drill
• Belt sander
• 1¼-inch screws
• Jigsaw
• Caulking adhesive
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Remove the old countertops. Begin by turning off the water to the kitchen, and disconnect the sink. Use a pry bar to lift the old countertops from the cabinets, and use a utility knife to slice apart caulking for easier removal.

2. Glue down new buildup strips with construction adhesive 1½ inch from the front edge of the cabinets, and then screw to the cabinets, using a drill. Pre-drill 3/16-inch holes into the buildup strips to provide yourself with a guide when you are ready to screw the countertop to the strips for a secure fit.

3. Slide the new Formica countertop into place over the cabinets. Make sure the front overhang is flush with the front of the cabinets.

4. Sand the countertop edges with a belt sander to smooth them.

5. Screw the countertop to the buildup strips through your pre-drilled holes. You may have to lie underneath the countertop or reach inside. Screw 1¼-inch screws through the buildup strip into the countertop with the drill, or use shorter screws if the countertop is not as thick.

6. Place the sink upside-down onto the Formica countertop over the plumbing, and trace the outline onto the countertop with a pencil. Draw a second line ½ inch inside the original line for a cutting guide.

7. Drill a hole into one corner of the inside line to create an opening for a jigsaw. To prevent the opening from falling onto plumbing when you finish cutting, screw a wood strip over the opening to hold the cut piece in place until you remove it.

8. Line the sink with caulking adhesive, and place the sink into the hole. Reattach the plumbing, and turn the water back on.

References

• Family Handyman: Install a Laminate Kitchen Countertop