Do It Yourself Formica Kitchen Counter Tops

DIY laminate countertops.

Formica is a brand of laminate countertop. Laminate countertops are an inexpensive, hard-working countertop. Although they can be scratched or burned easily, laminate countertops typically wear well over time and require little to no extra care. While post form Formica countertops can be bought, homeowner can also create a nice looking do it yourself alternative. Learn how to make Formica countertops from a simple sheet of laminate, a 3/4-inch sheet of plywood and adhesive.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 3/4-inch plywood sheeting
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Formica laminate sheeting
• Clear tape
• Laminate adhesive
• 3 inch hard J-roller
• Dowels
• Router
• File

Instructions

1. Measure the top of the base cabinets in your kitchen with a measuring tape. Transfer these measurements to the 3/4 inch thick plywood sheet with a pencil. Add 1 1/2 inch for each overhang on the countertop, and approximately 1/2 inch for the overhangs that butt against appliances.

2. Cut the plywood to size with a circular saw. Screw the plywood top into the base cabinets with a screwdriver and screws.

3. Transfer the same measurements that were used for the plywood to the back of the Formica laminate sheeting. Make the measurements approximately 1/2 inch wider than the original measurements to allow for trimming.

4. Tape a piece of clear tape of over the marked line. The tape will help to avoid chipping as you cut the Formica to size. Use the circular saw to cut the laminate from the back of the sheet. Cut all of the pieces out of the sheeting for the countertops.

5. Brush/roll the laminate adhesive to both the cut plywood and the back of the Formica sheeting. Allow the adhesive to dry completely. Do not touch the sheeting to the plywood substrate until they are in place. Once they touch, they will adhere to one another.

6. Align the Formica sheeting and the plywood. Press together and roll a 3 inch hard J-roller over the surface of the countertops to even the Formica and remove bubbles from under the countertop. When placing the largest Formica piece, place wood dowels on top of the plywood and then set the Formica on top of the dowels. Slowly remove each dowel as you set the sheet in place.

7. Use a laminate router to trim the laminate sheets to size. A file should be used to smooth and even the edge. Do not move the file out towards the decorate edge of the Formica. This may result in chipping or discoloration of the laminate.

References

• Countertops: Do-It-Yourself Installation from Scratch