How to Install Laminate Countertops

[@TripReviews]

Why I don’t like granite or other expensive countertops. Everything goes out of style so fast these days. Colours and patterns of granite for example, of you ever watch those real estate tv shows and you see kitchens with acres of granite countertops and the woman looking to buy says “ewe, o don’t like that granite,” “I don’t like the colour,” “oh granite, I like marble better.” Wtf? Crazy! Put in a cheap, if there really is anything cheap anymore, countertop and when it gets damaged, or colours go out of style throw in a new one. Save money and don’t be such a victim of fashion. Just my opinion! Cheers🍻

[@dannydeepo]

Geez, metric system is great compared to this “7/8ths + 2/3rds” madness.

[@Johnbro8]

__ I too prefer the metric system, not having to work in fractions is the bonus. Division, addition, subtraction is a lot easier as whole numbers, once mastered you would never look back.

[@maximeboissonneault6203]

stealthballer right.... that’s why A&W cancelled the third pounder promotion to compete with the McDonald’s quarter pounder... after discovering than Americans thought that 1/3 was smaller than 1/4

[@phatmonkey11]

Yeah, they taught us metrics in elementary school because we were going to "make the change". 2 liter sodas are the only thing I can think of off the top of my head, lol!

[@land7776]

@@phatmonkey11 ha, I remember in about 6th grade they told us we would all be on the metric system by ..~1980 or so. The gallons and inches pounds don't make much sense to 10 fingers and toes, but the Brits and Yanks owned the friggin world , and what they say still goes... haha

[@armidaleconcrete]

cant understand why yanks still use this outdated measuring system.

[@spikefivefivefive]

I actually had a laminate chip hit me in the eye, but I was wearing contact lenses. It poked a hole in the contact lens and I didn't even realize it until later. I got lucky. Please wear eye protection!

[@amiry2589]

so you weren't wearing eye protection and nothing happened to you, but you're still recommending it??

[@bkelevate]

It’s amazing how most of the “finishes” we see in houses are really just there to cover up small imperfections.

[@jianshen2223]

That is what finishes are!

[@vincentlenci]

I think my wife unsubscribed me.....gotta talk to her!!!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

LOL, good to see you again Vincent! Cheers!

[@jeffk464]

This is me shaking my head, I know you can't see me.

[@samoanSAIYAN]

She's watching Jeff 24/7 on her ipad and doesn't what you to see her online.. 😁

[@gregmathias6580]

Great video with some awesome tips. One thing I learned a long time ago was to cut my top a little long and then use a belt sander to bring it to the line. Just make sure you run your sander so it is sanding downward on the laminate. Works great and makes a perfect fit every time.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I finish the edge with silicone bead anyway so not too worried about that 1/16th of an inch! Cheers!

[@WentakFurenti]

I spy with my little eye a repair job on that power cable. I'm pretty sure anybody that gets a lot of use out of their corded circular saws has that little love tap lol I love it

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

every once in a while I change the whole cord! 5 bucks and I get a new saw!

[@danbev8542]

Yay! The granite bandwagon is so stupid, imho. They are cutting up mountains in Brazil for most granite. I don’t need anything that bad! Laminate is fine! I put butcher block on my island and native (quarried 100 miles from me) soapstone on the small area around my sink & stove. I love my farmhouse soapstone sink!

[@liquidice243]

Jeff is the Bob Ross of home renovation.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers!

[@stokesjoshua2007]

so positive

[@chrisgraham2904]

It's a shame and ridiculous that some people won't buy your house if your kitchen isn't fitted with stone countertops. Today's laminates are beautiful, durable and economical and available in every colour, size, profile and surface finish and will outlast stone with less maintenance and care. Cheap and easy to replace a section if laminate should get damaged.....just try to match a natural stone five years later if a small section or small counter needs to be replaced (every stone finish is unique like a fingerprint). I find it's a good practice to seal any unfinished particle board edges with a silicone layer to keep water out forever (sink cut-out, faucet & soap dispenser holes and edges that are being butted against the walls.)

[@patrickpieszala5683]

Agreed!

[@dustinclark8946]

I had a laugh when he goes yeah I use painters tape, not for painting and makes the face

[@sepez]

Always blows my mind that Americans are so ingrained to using inches that'd they'd rather go down to fractions of inches instead of using m/cm/mm.

[@julsh9776]

Sadly Canada too even if we are supposed to be metrics.

[@louispippie]

I'm sure you get used to it, but I'm SOOO glad we've gone metric in the UK. All those 1/16ths and 5/8ths, and then doing the maths on them.... Horrendous :)

[@fritz4345]

The UK is not changing this after Brexit?

[@Chico_Maciel]

​@@fritz4345 I guess not. The metric system was adopted by the UK back in 1965, therefore, many years before the European Union had been established.

[@sdfg88]

@@jasenrock they made a start by converting something to metric

[@kirkbrooks9447]

Metric is infinitely better for carpentry type measurements but here in the US using it for weight measurements makes our heads explode. We tried it back in the 70's and we almost had another revolution. ;D

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

cheers to that!

[@ian22222]

You are so reassuring that everything will be okay. It makes me feel really good for when I eventually do my own work and make these kind of mistakes, it will be okay. Thanks for all these videos. I really enjoy watching them and gaining knowledge.

[@Remrie]

TBH, If I were production manager of this video, I'd insist one of the guys helping you dresses up as a bear and attacks whoever walked across the yard in the background at the @13:04 mark and have the camera keep following you as if everything is normal. Great tips. I have some complicated stuff to figure out with my kitchen with an L shaped counter that ends with an oddly shaped octagon and free floating shelves suspended from the ceiling. I have a 20 year old manufactured home. I hope that is not attached with staples and nail-like staples like everything else in my home is. There are so many staples, my stud finder can't tell the A/C apart from the studs! Oi!

[@publicmail2]

Jeff put a thick bead of caulk on the laminate facing the floor on over hangs, it stops water to wood. You'll thx me in 20 years.

[@Lanser1964]

When I scribe an cut laminate I put tape first then scribe onto the tape covers both sides of cut without having to line up tape

[@tay13666]

I also go really wide with the tape to keep from scratching the top with the saw

[@Mrpaint06]

Thank you for doing things that are irregular and showing us the "how-to" to make it look right. I know it must take you more time to film and work through problems but its super helpful.

[@billchen3609]

⁵

[@chadallen9401]

Every time I have a question or want to look at something for my house or projects, YOU'RE there! Fine, I subbed already...thanks for the videos!

[@SuperJezzara]

Oh wow these look way better than my grandma's Formica countertops! You've opened my mind up!

[@Googaliemoogalie]

14:20 to make it even easier, just use metric. It's more precise, and easier to work with; what's 10.5 - 2? Grade 2 maths.

[@florahibernica]

God yes, from the metric side of the Atlantic I watched that bit agog, then giggling!

[@DETERNET]

To be fair Canada is in that bastardized middle ground where we use metric for almost everything, except construction, our heights and weights, and our liquor

[@Googaliemoogalie]

@@DETERNET Yea this channel Is Canadian and I am too. We use the metric system for most things except construction and when people say how tall/heavy they are

[@Googaliemoogalie]

@@florahibernica as an engineer, I ONLY use the metric system.

[@DETERNET]

@@Googaliemoogalie I'm Canadian too, but if I walk into a Home Depot or Lowes, stuff is still in imperial, (I agree the Metric system is better) swapping between the 2 while you're doing construction is difficult and can cause errors, gotta choose 1 or the other and stick with it and Imperial won't seem to die and has been the standard for years

[@TheMingilator]

here's a top tip for you, if you need to cut a worktop, especially if the cut edge is going to be visible and has to have edging tape glued on, flip the work top over and clamp a known straight edge (such as a long offcut of worktop) to the worktop to act as a cutting guide, also cut from the front to the back. This has 2 positive effects, 1: the direction of cut on the blade prevents the veneer from chipping (even at relatively high cutting speeds) and 2: by cutting the front edge first you remove the risk of material braking away at the end of the cut from the most visible part of the worktop.

[@coastalstageproductions970]

@12:28 "There's a quarter plus a bit." is how I build every one of my projects! LOL

[@stevemulcahy5014]

When I set up my desk at the start of COVID, I bought an 8ft Laminate worktop from IKEA for $70 rather than their $250 veneered one. It's great, and when it's time to redo our kitchen, I don't see a reason not to use it instead of something more expensive.

[@teddepalma8057]

No reason that us North Americans can't keep a high-quality metric tape measure handy for work like this. Makes life a lot simpler than juggling fractions. No doubt Jeff knows this one already, but another trick for finding a centerpoint when the number is odd is just round your funky measurement down to something easily divisible by 2. Then use that number to measure toward the center from each cabinet. Rather than strain my eyes finding half of 35 7/8" on the tape measure, I would measure half of, say, 34" (17") from each cabinet and make a mark at each spot. You'll now have two marks an inch or two apart; pretty easy to eyeball or measure the center of that with great accuracy. Another great video Jeff! Looking forward to the next one.

[@sydneyshinshi]

Man metric is so much easier. No fractions.

[@1-up-6]

There are fractions, they are just in 10ths. :p

[@frankrodriguez1977]

Jeff great job with the Formica counters. After 35 years we are changing my parents Formica counters tops although they are still in good shape. Style change. As you said they will almost last forever if taken care of. Thanks

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

sometimes getting the basic materials is a great way to stretch the dollar. after all we are not all millionaires! even if we like to act like it! Cheers!

[@shemsta1]

9:12 that better be your son throwing stuff in that dumpster. I Hate when people toss stuff in your dumpster.

[@rjizzle496]

laminate is totally fine, but mixing laminate and quartz? 🤮 Either spend the money or don't. Don't go halfway.

[@scruffyshuman2698]

Can you tell me which local (Ottawa) company you use for the countertop?

[@Aj0691202]

I have set hot pots down on quartz and granite numerous times with no issue at all. The stone wasn't even hot to the touch afterwards. Extremely durable stuff

[@yukangli6385]

I have been watching your videos for 18 months, throughout the process of finishing my basement. I love all your videos, very thorough and with great details, plus the little 'tricks'. Thank you!

[@brettpatrickmueller]

I thought quartz was quite heat resistant and stain resistant? I thought along with cost & maitnance is why its better than granite?

[@adammeloche2947]

It is heat resistant and stain. Non porous, wont stain, scratch resistant etc...

[@daveclark8337]

It's considered heat 'resistant' but Quartz is still an engineered product that is bound by resins that can discolor if hot pot or pan is placed on it. So you still want to use a hot pad.

[@OnionKnight541]

Just discovered your channel and it's like you're the Townsend (KZbin channel where he takes a look at frontier foods and crafts) of Home Renovations. Neat, wholesome, informative.

[@ryszardbargiel7256]

Concrete countertops are an option. Can be cheap or not, but won't have any problems with water, heat, or wear that laminate may.

[@soberhippie]

I thought you were going to sing Hey Jude at the beginning of the video

[@BusinessButlers]

I live in the UK and have had IKEA and other manufacturers' cabinets in the past. There are are 2 interesting differences between IKEA cabinets and i the other manufacturers (UK : Magnet, Howden, Wren, B&Q, Wickes etc) First, IKEA back panels are pretty much right back to the wall and all water and waste pipes are done inside the cabinet whilst the other manufacturers set off their back panels so that water and waste pipes go behind the back panels with side panels getting chopped on long runs. The IKEA method is must better since if you spring a leak or need to modify plumbing or electrics even, you don't have to hack off the back panels with a multi-tool. Second, the overall cabinet depth is 600mm - deeper than the other more imperial-sized manufacturers, so once you have added your door, the overall depth is approximately 620mm or even a smidgen more (allowing for the back rail) so you need a worktop depth of 640mm. UK manufacturers' cabinets are appreciably smaller front to back and are designed to be about 570mm wall to door front since almost ALL laminate worktops made in the UK are 3m or 4m long but only 600mm deep. So, if you are in the UK and choose a fantastic IKEA kitchen, if you ARE going to fit laminate worktops these MUST be 640mm deep and not 600mm, so you cannot buy from places like B&Q or Wickes (UK equivalents of Home Depot and Lowes I guess) but it is perfectly possible to buy 640mm deep laminate and what I went for, solid wood worktops from online merchants and the prices are not much more expensive. Of course, if you are having quartz or granite worktops, dimensions do not really matter except that the normal granite and quartz slab sizes in the UK at least tend to be either 1200 or 1440mm deep. I worked this out well in advance since my island/peninsula HAD to be no wider/deeper than 2x640mm. I went for 28mm Wenge real wood panels and bought 4x4m lengths at £500 each (about $650 each) and left it to my expert worktop fitter to make all the magic happen but had I not known about worktop depths, I could have been making very expensive mistakes on worktops by making the island/peninsula too deep.

[@tryagain.k1821]

Hi, As I understand it the service void on IKEA cabs is underneath the cabs. It is 80mm high, the leg height. The usual service void around here is 70mm between the cab back and the wall and the leg height is about 140mm which mean the internal volume of a "normal" UK cab is much reduced in comparison with IKEA cabs. IKEA sells counter tops that are 635mmwide.

[@coolbreezecounty8585]

Yes!!! My KZbin reno father strikes again! ..this gentleman seems to help me with everything.. thanks again good sir!

[@andrewcarr2431]

RE: Beginning of the video. funny enough our current renovation has a similar layout with 2 windows either side of a range/hood, even the cabinetry layout looks the same. We were able to create a vaulted ceiling using the attic space above which for an old house is a great feature.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Congrats Andrew. I say anytime you can vault a ceiling do it! Cheers!

[@MikeGusFifteen]

The company I install countertops for offers undermount stainless steel sinks (and quartz sinks!) in laminate! Very cool, totally seamless.

[@user-xv8tr5to7j]

You've convinced me Jeff.. I was gung ho on the designer look of quartz or granite for my 100 year old house... but really have some bells and whistles I wanted to buy and not dump into a countertop as well as protect myself in case of damage. Young renovater/DIY-er getting good tips from a pro, thank you!!!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Megon. The money I saved was equal to the coast of the stove!

[@michaelwiley6979]

Why use a circular saw to cut the wall's scribe line and not a jig saw? or something meant to cut curved/non-straight lines?

[@joeo7257]

I replaced 1970's Harvest Gold formica with zero damage with granite. All glass that falls on granite breaks!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

hard on dishes too. Cheers!

[@ianfrenette]

As always, great content and even better teacher. I do have a question; when you were positioning the counter top, how come you didn’t just use the metric system? It’s very easy to divide I find.

[@MathB_Official]

how to get a countertop under 400$ you ask... well, Use ceramic floor tiles. Shinny and pretty, cheap, wont burn if you set a pot on it and easy enough to replace juste one tile if you break one on accident... These shitty presswood covered in plastic arent worth a single $

[@biniji9377]

He be like me love formica long time lol

[@yeahnah7220]

you can always pack out whatever you use for splash backs be it tile, glass or stone. And you can always run a stanley knife along the plaster and punch the counter top into it to get your front over hangs even when its covered with a splash back. Saves time having to scribe the benchtops, getiing tools, running cords etc etc, lift once they say.

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

damage sheetrock to make your job easier?

[@yeahnah7220]

@@hytekrednekbama4400 I presume your not a tradesman or have any hands on experience in the building industry. When it's non structural, electrical or plumbing, what matters is what's seen by the eye. Putting your counter top be it laminate, stone or the new kid on the block, porcelain on the substrate, up against the wall and running a stanley knife along the top edge where required to push it back has no negative outcome. The top of the benchtop is tight with the plaster and in any case it's being covered with tiles, glass, porcelain or stone anyway and won't be seen. There's other time's such as in a U shaped butlers pantry when a piece is between walls. Going in on an angle with one end up and one end down wont work without damaging the wall. By simply opening up the plaster 20mm x the width you give yourself that room required to get the stone in undamaged along without damaging a wall. Don't forget it's not a cheap piece of plywood that weighs 200grams. We're talking weights of 20kg up to 200kg and in the case of marble a material that if not handled delicately and correctly will literally fold in half and crumble. When it's something like a Calcutta marble who's price just keeps going through the roof that might be a book matched job. Yours, the builders and ultimately the owners cheap bit of plasterboard is the least of anyone's concern. You realize plasterers have to fill and smooth where the plaster is attached to the house frame? Then there's accidental damage that occasionally occurs from anything such as cabinets being carried in, ladders hitting the wall and all sorts.

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

@@yeahnah7220 my point was that i prefer to build my cabinets and counters to fit the room, not modify the room to fit my cabinets

[@yeahnah7220]

@@hytekrednekbama4400 my point is that shit happens and maybe the bench top was measured 5mm too long in a spot or since being measured a small alteration was made somewhere. If you think a house or any commercial building is made millimeter perfect and doesn't require small alteration or changes during the final stages you're kidding yourself. Architects merely design and specify plans and then its down to every body to make it work.

[@rds333]

Great video. However, I would like to point out that Formica is NOT a type of material. I've been using plastic laminates for over 25 years and it drives me nuts whenever someone describes Formica as a type of material. Formica is a brand name and have been around for a long time. it's like calling every pick-up truck a Ford. Also, back in the mid-nineties or so, Formica started making solid surface material to compete with the market shared with Corian. If you check with your local home center and see samples of plastic laminate, you'll see other brands, like Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar and Pionite. These are very common brands and shouldn't be mistaken for Formica as a type of material. I'm just saying. Get it right.

[@VICKYIRIS007]

I purchased a home of 1947, everything's looking old except the formaica. Is black on amazing condition. Formaica talked.

[@khookieman]

is there a reason you did not buy the countertop from Ikea?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I have a local supplier that I get a much better price from. Cheers!

[@buildyourcomputer]

What do you think about those epoxy coatings that you can put on laminate if your refreshing a kitchen?

[@chrisgraham2904]

When my mother left her home for a retirement residence, I did the Rust-O-leim "stone effects" epoxy coating on the laminate kitchen counter tops before the house was sold. It is a long and messy process. Cleaning and roughening the surfaces before applying a primer, followed by two applications of the granite stone effect materials and then followed by the clear epoxy coating. Masking and protecting surrounding floors and surfaces to catch drips and runs as the epoxy levels itself. With drying times between each application, the whole process took five days and the fumes required frequent venting of the house. The end result was impressive, but because the home was later sold, I don't have any experience with the longevity of the product.

[@publicmail2]

Number II ge silicone seals wounds and acts as an antibiotic. You may get severe headaches and orange urine for a few days.

[@wlang3612]

What do you think of Ikea upper cabinets? In particular the bracket that holds the cabinets to the wall. I think the brackets with just three screws into the cabinets are too flimsy to hold much weight. What’s your opinion?

[@mr.g937]

Home buyers as a bunch are generally a stupid lot, but they notice kitchen countertops. They can tell the difference between granite and quartz and a knock-off material. Spending the 3k to get an actual stone is still worth it in my opinion.

[@brandonyoung7760]

Does every Canadian say template and process the way he does? Asking for a American friend 😂

[@think4myself1]

If we are on a video of "how to install laminate countertops" we've already decided to use it. We don't need a history, just get to the how to. Info for future videos.

[@muxxor9492]

You can also trace the countertop against the wall and remove like 1/4” of drywall so the countertop insets a bit. Instead of have 1 side 1/2” away from the wall, you can cut the difference and have 1 side 1/4” away and the other side kicked into the drywall 1/4”.

[@miramichi30]

How would you go about making perfect indentation in the drywall like that? Sand it?

[@flufwix]

I bought a home where the island had quartz and the opposite had laminate. Didn’t even notice until I moved in. 😂

[@trellmix95]

I got a good deal from IKEA on laminate countertop only the surface is kind of rough. Is there something I can coat it with to make cleaning it more easy?

[@elizabreu23]

Is there a way or a pattern or a good material that can be put side by side with laminate without looking awkward? I want to use laminate but I have a stainless steel sink that I would really like to undermount. Is there a way to put an under-mountable material just under the sink and mix it with laminate on each side ?

[@afh7689]

6:48 Wrong finger. 🤦‍♀️

[@ceecee8757]

Lol!! And again @8:01! 😂

[@kurt2rsenjazz]

It's about sending a message

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

it just so happens to be my longest one is all. Cheers!

[@modernwize]

Home RenoVision DIY thats what i say to people who cut me off. Just giving them directions

[@bastion9514]

Love your vids dude but christ please will the rest of the world get with metric already the old school imperial measurement calcs were giving me a headache!

[@lesliehollands2689]

Looks like yuotube didn't put that undermount sink video link in the upper right corner of the video?

[@WhiTiger]

Forget measuring twice and cutting once. Measure 6 times and cut once. Perfect every time! 😉 Hubby's birthday is coming up and I thought I would get him a circular saw. The Dewalt you have listed as a favorite tool on your amazon list is not in stock. Do you have another recommendation?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

we are adding the link to international tool on our website this week. Otherwise feel free to go to Home depot. I appreciate the support but you don't want to be late for a birthday. Cheers!

[@WhiTiger]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY No problem, still have a couple of weeks. 😊

[@djkilpatrick5256]

This dude is awesome. He can do everything

[@thepressedpig5397]

Thank you for your tips ! I’m finishing my cabin by myself and need all the help I can get!🙂

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

happy to help!

[@reservoirinc7750]

23:48 next time try caulking the gap Lol

[@Crazyarchfiend]

I think it's good for a rental, and it depends on the neighborhood if you're trying to resale. Most people will definitely be thrown off by moving into a "renovated" kitchen with laminate, but it all depends

[@tspfull]

If you are planning to stay in the house a while then it’s a great way to save and put the $$ in other kitchen expenses. And in 15 years you can install whatever is in style at that time closer to sale. I agree that if you need to sell it could be a problem although in this market it doesn’t seem to matter.

[@CogitoBcn]

@14:55, crazy how hard is divide by 2 in imperial units. 😂😂

[@EMSpdx]

I am gonna do this but am considering butcher block instead.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hi Edith, that is a great option. especially if you like the rustic country kitchen look! Cheers!

[@kevdonew1412]

i wonder how many IKIEA kitchens will last one hundred years ??

[@itkad]

wat jeff, cant I also save money and have an easier fixing process by making a mold of my own concrete countertop and just leaving the bottom piece of melamine in to screw into? is there a downside to that method vs just a laminate?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

simply preference. and laminate does not require constant sealing and maintenance. Cheers!

[@reedfox6762]

I thought you were going to sing Hey Jude at the beginning of the video

[@tredogzs]

I cant stand stone counter tops, the gritty feel and scratchy grindy grit... uhhgggg soo gross

[@joshmarauder]

Reliable....ok

[@scottvanderbeck7314]

We renovated our kitchen with Ikea cabinets and hired local hardware store to install the countertop. Wish i seen this before the reno. By the way...why why must you use a flat countertop with no built-in backslash when you install a tile backsplash? Had arguments with the hardware store for ordering the countertop. I wanted the builtin backsplash of the counter instead of just flat counter. Is there reason to use a flat countertop over a builtin backsplash?

[@DaruDhillon]

Most often homeowners choose a flat countertop for aesthetic reasons, people who are looking for a more modern or updated look. It looks great, but everyone has different tastes.

[@browndiosa1795]

never though of only doing stone on the island n saving money that way wow im dumb great tip!

[@yeahnah7220]

You're not saving thousands or even a thousand by using laminate on those pieces. Depending on your island you may well have stone remaining that would have worked.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

not sure where you shop but I don't know anyone that makes you buy a whole slab just to cut your island and have enough left over to sell again to the next guy after you paid for it.

[@yeahnah7220]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY Hence why I said 'depending' on your island top. I'm not buying it from a shop but the distributor themselves. Some are simple 1100x 850 x 20mm for example and others can up to 5000mm x 1200mm x 100mm with two waterfall ends of 1200 x 900 x 100 which then require returns of 2 x 360 and 2 x 100 which requires multiple slabs. Then there's the layout of the kitchen to consider and placement of joins if its a U or L shape layout if they're going full stone. Which is largely the norm, the second being kitchen stone and bathrooms and laundry in laminex. And trust me there's a huge amount of wastage in the trade. When your using up to 200 slabs a week, your kidding yourself not to mention wasting your time saving endless off cuts. You'd need another shed just to store it all, there's 20 different quartz companies, each with anywhere up to 40 colors in each range and then there's the batch numbers to consider in case of joins or simply being in the same room and light. Don't get me wrong some off cuts are kept but more so when it's natural stone. Anyone who's business model includes charging customers who select a specific whacky color outside of the basic whites, concretes etc and only charges them for 3/4 of the slab that they need, is either insane, stupid or simply bullshiting the customer. If a job requires 1 and a 1/4 slabs, your paying for two slabs. That other 3/4 left over could sit in the shed for years taking up space collecting dust. Of course that's not a strict rule of thumb but for the one off job with a customer off the street it absolutely is. A commercial builder that you do a large volume of work for will of course be different as someone who's perhaps more budget orientated . Then you'll work with them and explain options such as perhaps only requiring 2 slabs if their happy for the bathroom and ensuite to use a different color of one of the half slabs you have sitting around. There's a million different scenarios not forgetting the money is no option crowd. Last year we had a couple(mainly her!) both really nice people, who wanted stone in the family room across the back wall where the tv was to hang. Off they go to suppliers, comes back having put a deposit on 4 slabs of super white honed granite at AUD$5700.00 ea. I measured the job and the husbands saying something not uncommon about how he can't wait to finish the bloody thing and about her changing things constantly. The boys finish the job and get back so I ask the head installer how'd it go and was she happy? His laughing and says, 'job is A1 but she didn't seem that thrilled, kept asking us what we thought and I think it looks great. The husband said before she come home to watch this boys you'll end up redoing this job". Sure enough 9am the next day, "you've done a wonderful job but it's darker than I imagined I'm going to go back and find something whiter". So that was $23k in stone that had to be destroyed. Selects Calacatta Oro this time, honed at $6,750 a slab and $25k all up. I gave the boys a hand lifting it an and the husband as soon as he opened the door jokingly say's, 'I've told her that's it, she better be happy this time cause the only change made will be cutting it off the wall and using it for her tombstone". You get those customers occasionally who just know what they want and if they have to spend another $7,000 to only use 1/4 of an extra slab it's as simple as, 'well if that's what we have to do then that's what we have to do.' We can get your bar top and sink out of the remaining if you want? 'oh no no we'll stick with the grigio versilia down there'

[@Here_Today_]

@@yeahnah7220 I'll never be in that position. In fact, I'll have no stone counter top in my kitchen (in a house that's probably smaller than said woman's closet). I will be saving a large percentage of money though, and that's invaluable.

[@yeahnah7220]

@@Here_Today_ That wasn't anything to crazy really, probably the peak point of opulence I've witnessed in my time, or the one that stood out the most and this is after working on a few $20+million private properties was one in particular. I was with the site supervisor being shown around to measure what was needed and where, when we go into a bedroom with ensuite and there's cabinet makers in there working and he say's, 'just be careful where your working boys as they're AUD $20,000 ea" pointing at the 5 bathroom mixers sitting on the floor. Lazy $100,000 in tap ware alone for the 5 bathrooms! That was 15+ years ago now. And it's good to save money no matter how much of it you have to kick off with. Don't forget you can't spend it when you're six foot under though(touch wood that's not for a long time of course!) Never say never regarding your bench tops though. If you're prepared to put in the leg work and accept the conditions that come under the 'beggars can't be choosers' rule then you'll absolutely end up with stone tops.

[@richardbenson4750]

What are your thoughts on "stone coat epoxy" counter tops?

[@BigDaddysGarage]

Richard Benson imo stay away from any coatings. I did it a few years ago (don't remember the product) and that's why I'm here! It's pealing and there's no going back, so it's time to replace.

[@LatteLover]

I have a laminate countertop on my ikea kitchen cabinets for over 5 years now due to budget constraints over a marble one. The real problem is heat, with the laminate in the area around the most used heater on the embedded induction cooktop having lifted from the particle board substrate. Stone is always more durable.

[@tednguyen7258]

is it still holding up?

[@LatteLover]

@@tednguyen7258 yes it is

[@tednguyen7258]

im gonna rent a condo...do you think its worth paying more for quatz? or is laminate good enough?

[@LatteLover]

@@tednguyen7258 stone is always stone. A cheap laminate won't probably be as durable as a more expensive one, and in the end may be almost the same price as quartz. Laminate will also get cut marks or chipping if there isn't caution and good judgment from the user

[@iansmith3975]

its 2021. laminate these days looks amazing. very under rated building material

[@netm203]

Yup just need to find someone to install it for me

[@braxton69]

I just got done "installing" my countertop. Lol could have used this video.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

sorry Brax! Cheers

[@mk-jl3zd]

IKEA counter tops are cheaply made and they break!

[@ShirleySerious]

I'm getting Red Green vibes from this guy.

[@davidsridharan202]

Aaaaaand you get a sub. Holy crap your channel is great. Keep it up!

[@p-oroy4492]

What's the number of teeth you got on that circular saw?!

[@PeteD]

14:15 "heres a great tip if you're not good with math" metric says hi

[@mxdad229]

Love the vid but spray foam in the windows?

[@Mr.Pop0]

i like super glue myself for cuts on the job.

[@Don-cq5fg]

Here's a tip if you're not god at math, get a metric tape measure!

[@prosequence]

Hey Jeff; I've done a fair amount of laminate counter tops and it seems there's always soft sport or rot where the sink was placed on the old countertop. I started to paint and seal the underside of the new countertop around the sink hole and the cut out edges before seating and sealing the sink. Have you ever done that?

[@tednguyen7258]

do u suggest it for rentals?

[@shane250]

Are you kidding me??? I paid $45 (CAD)/sqft for my granite 3.5 years ago...INSTALLED!

[@reel1313]

Imagine using the metric system. Everything would be so much easier.

[@nustada]

Meh, math is math. You have to do conversions either way. Imperial is based on human scales, an inch can be estimated with the thumb, the foot the foot, the mile 1000 paces... There is no real advantage to metric, but many disadvantages.

[@ruimiguelchocas]

@@nustada a thumb of an adult big hand or small hands, or a kid? a foot, again is different from person to person right? an a pace, well... you get the point! so tell me again why is metric such a disadvantage? what amazes me the most, is the amount of time you take to say a simple measurement. It's not cost effective!

[@nustada]

@@ruimiguelchocas Use reason and carefully read what I wrote and answer your own questions.

[@reel1313]

@@nustada Well, i would say that a real advantage is that math is much easier with the metric system. Just curious, what are the many diadvantages of the metric system? What is the advantage of the imperial system being based on the human scale? Not trying to be an ass, seriously interested. No need to answer if you are just trolling or if you believe that the earth is flat.

[@nustada]

@@reel1313 The metric system is not based on human scales; Imperial is easier to understand scale. Either way you have to do math. Maybe its better that the math is "harder" (it isn't, its the same); anything important enough to measure is important enough to pay attention to. Oh and about your ignorant flat earth insult. It is possible the great pyramid was built on a scale to symbolize the diameter of the earth. So go take you false smugness and shove it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnLUf5aMgrSrrLc kzbin.info/www/bejne/qorWiZ15esmogKc

[@ingridcarlin2974]

What is the name of the shop you got your countertops?

[@pughconsulting]

I keep a bit of superglue around for cuts.

[@Solder-Flowz]

As a metric person I can just observe on idle.

[@sheilam4964]

Finally!!! Someone in the biz who understands the merits of laminate counter tops, starting with price and going on down to its life span. The only drawback I have ever experienced with one is a pebbly/rough surfaced one, thoses bumps wear off with use revealing the undercolour long before a smooth surface laminate and a pastry scraper is useless on them plus it's not good news for the bumps either. They may LOOK pretty but they are stupidly useless, impractical and a waste of money.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Sheila, still one of the best options out there for most people!

[@sheilam4964]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY If I might add to the down side of pebbly surfaced counter tops whether it is laminate or another material. If you have any of those suction-to-your-counter-top kitchen gadgets, they can not create the suction because of those annoying bumps. : - ) Plain surface Laminate is the BEST counter top out there. Thanks again for pointing out its MERITS.

[@lellod825]

Watching this as a european is like watching a tutorial on programming, the concept is clear but the numbers don't make any sense whatsoever.

[@frisco61]

Lello D I moved here from Europe 50 years ago as a 9 year old, still doesn’t make any sense to me.

[@tonybloomfield5635]

I'm an Australian that started life with imperial and transitioned to metric. Why Canada and the US still use imperial is incredible. Metric is sooo much better.

[@LoveMeBack]

Vinyl will melt easy in the kitchen while cooking.

[@patrickhepburn2324]

Can I use laminate in bathroom vanity.