How to Install Sheet Laminate on a Countertop

Laminate countertops are a great affordable option for your kitchen but often the laminate color starts to fade or the pattern/style gets outdated. If your countertops are still in good condition a great alternative to removing and replacing the countertops is to glue down a new sheet of laminate. This is also a great option when you have a countertop such as I did where the dimensions are custom and the lead time to get a replacement could be around 2 weeks. I will walk you through all steps of this project which will help you make sure your first time gluing down new laminate is a successful project.
Tools Used
1) Makita Cordless Router: amzn.to/2BS7h1O
2) Flush Trim Router Bit: amzn.to/2Xmar5C
3) Makita Cordless Circular Saw: amzn.to/2EI3fKt
4) Diable 60 Tooth Blade (6.5 inch): amzn.to/3fpRmp4
5) Hand File Set: amzn.to/3gqIwcb
6) Micro Side Cutters: amzn.to/2PwNJn7
7) Foam Roller and Tray: amzn.to/31gAT1F
8) Contact Cement: amzn.to/3k2aHk1
9) Floor Roller: amzn.to/3eWESsy
Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs
Makita Corless Drill Combo Kit: amzn.to/2Jsw78j
Dewalt Drill Bit Set: amzn.to/2w0xAA4
Dewalt Screwdriver Bit Set: amzn.to/2UqTvK9
Craftsman Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/3bAsNEG
Eklind Allen Wrench Set: amzn.to/2wKDu8M
Pliers (4-Piece Set): amzn.to/2JlYUM7
Stanley Utility Knife: amzn.to/2Us2pqG
Stanley Tape Measure: amzn.to/2WPzr5K
Studbuddy Stud Finder: amzn.to/33SaZC4
Johnson Torpedo Level: amzn.to/3dzx5Ot
Stanley Hammer:amzn.to/39tudPL
Buck Bros Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2QTebYO
Klein Voltage Tester: amzn.to/2XMa1I2
Wire Strippers: amzn.to/2NHHKuS
Little Giant Ladder: amzn.to/2UrFmfG
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@catsmeow5566]

Thank you for this. I want to add a few thoughts/suggestions that I've seen from official installation videos for Formica. 1. If you are going over existing laminate you need to scuff it with sandpaper, thoroughly clean it with something like alcohol, and use a tack cloth to make sure nothing is left on the surface. 2. When adhering the laminate you should always start from the middle to make sure you don't get any bubbles. That way the air will be pushed out from the middle to the edges where the air can escape. I'm going to have to do a project like this and I am nervous about it. All of my cassette and VHS tapes have crooked labels because I'm not good at lining things up. LOL. I will remove the countertop and take it down to my workshop before adhering the laminate though, so I won't have to deal with walls. The vinyl snips are a very good idea. Thank you for that. I will only have one front edge with walls on 3 sides so I'm lucky in that respect. The links you included are very helpful.

[@user-by9xn3ro2q]

Wait wait wait....you labeling VHS and cassettes in 2023?!?!

[@catsmeow5566]

@@user-by9xn3ro2q LOL. No. But I did years ago. My skills with stickers/tape are still the same though. I get it stuck to itself or to me more than to where I want to get it stuck.

[@BrockHerrin]

How did it go? Ever complete your project?

[@catsmeow5566]

@@BrockHerrin Not yet, got a loooong list of things and other stuff keeps breaking or needing repair or medical issues come up. Hoping to get it done sometime next year. Almost finished renovating my own bathroom. Had to tear out rotten coverings on the wall, termite damaged tongue & groove board, put in studs because they weren't done right, add shims, install a new surround, new shower controls, new pex, new valve, and new showerhead. Next project will likely be the laundry room.

[@barryinn1778]

Not to bad but you did some flaws, you never file your edge band on a angle before your top piece goes on. After installing edge band and routing excess off keep your file flat on counter going in one direction towards the edge band and never pull file backwards while on edging, or you can chip outer edge. Keeping file flat makes a good sharp edge to glue your top piece to. When glueing the top edge band always put a thin layer of contact cement top of edge band, then when that dries come back and roll the whole area with a roller and cement, this gives a little extra glue between both surfaces. I always used Lacquer thinner for cleaning, or you can use paint thinner just takes longer. I am a professional Laminate installer and did this work for 45 years. By the way I use end nippers for removing laminate near the wall or a file.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Barry, really great feedback and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Cheers 🍻

[@barryinn1778]

No problem.

[@61spindrift]

@@barryinn1778 Yes Barry, thank you for your professional comments. One question I have is should one lightly sand the surface if going over the old laminate? When I watch you tube video's, I watch them and immediately cruise the comment section as there is usually a professional that comments on what was could be done better in the video if a professional did the job.

[@laurie2537]

@@61spindrift should I sand surface first

[@wendycampbell5099]

What do you do with a laminate counter that water got underneath the seams and raised the particle board underneath. I want to put new laminate on top.

[@sandyharmon1628]

I thought i would have to get a whole new heavy counter. I never thought of just putting a sheet over old counter that was still in good condition, just out of style in color. Thank You for the video

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Sandy, that was the exact position I was in and super happy with the results. Best of luck on your project and let me know if you have any questions along the way.

[@monarchbutterfly3154]

Sandy, did you try it?

[@daniellereese40]

P

[@Joetime90]

Yeah I got some old countertops in red Formica, thought about ripping it off but I could just do this. Most of it is still in good shape.

[@catspjs6229]

@@EverydayHomeRepairshow did it hold up 4 years later???

[@kennethrenock6588]

Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate how to install laminate on top of laminate great job

[@cassandragates-or8km]

First helpful video I’ve come across for this type of install! Thank you for your clear instructions, lack of ramblings, and great video skills! I have way less anxiety about this now 🙏🏼

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥Great video, thanks. Just a note to your viewing audience 7:52 you went in the wrong direction with the router. They spin clockwise looking down in it so you want to push that side of the bit into the work not along with it. At 4:02 you went the right way. 🤟🏼

[@brianstone3972]

He didn't discuss which way to run the router, unfortunately. At the 4:02 mark, he's going the "normal" way where the router spins out and away as he moves along. However the opposite direction referred to as "climb cutting" can be done and often is done intentionally to reduce the chances of the router damaging the edge. You have to be more careful because the rotation pulls the router in the direction you're moving. I use climb cutting to avoid tear out on highly figured wood. And I would probably choose that here for the same reason.

[@susanwaters5055]

I'm updating a 1972 home and thought lamenting is affordable but I love the new designs and colors. Perfect direction. Thanks

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You are so welcome!

[@hemahaw1]

Thank you. I know now I don't want to do this because I would suck at it, I thought it would be easier and you just saved me time ,money and my sanity.

[@She_Tried_It]

So glad my counters are rounded at the edges! I'm going to see if I can order this in marble, have it delivered, and try to get a good price for install. If they try to charge a fortune for such easy work, I'll do it myself - thanks to this amazing video!

[@bonniehyden962]

Renovating an old house. My BFF told me Formica laminate sheets were crazy hard to install, suggesting I just go ahead and get a full countertop to set in. She said it would end up being cheaper. ....I think not. I can do this!

[@user-jv3sv8fc1e]

This is great. Much easier than I thought because I thought I'd have to remove the old laminate. My only problem is needing to remove the sink and range top. I "think" I can just pry them up a little and start the bonding from underneath the sink/range edges. It gets very expensive to have a plumber and/or electrician come to remove these things and return to put them back.

[@The2naMan]

Finally getting into posting thank you messages on videos rather than adding to “liked” videos and saving for later projects, using likes as a “go back to” function. Super helpful in my build. Thank you.

[@angelamann6796]

You did amazing. I’m really thinking of doing this is our home because ours is breaking apart and have looked for days for a video on this.. thank you so so much. It’s going to help me so much as it already has!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Best of luck on your project!

[@annbrown3725]

Thank you for this basic learning technique. Your teaching experiencing was easy to understand and you were patient. Even us "Women" can do this basic counter top addition to our surfaces. 'THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!"

[@avflyguy]

Back when waterbeds were the _in thing to have_ I made the frame from 2 x 6's. Even 55 years ago, you could get laminate relatively easy. The Weldwood contact cement was also available then too. The process was very easy to work with. If I remember right, I think the router bit was a 45* angle, adjusted properly for a smooth top, side, bottom edge. Even did the plywood pedestal the same way. It was a cheap way to make it look very nice. So, laminate has been around a *long* time and still has some nice uses for current day projects. Cordless router would have been nice, but my trusty Craftsman electric did a good job. It did pick up a little of the glue, so would have to clean the bit every now and then. There are sooo many patterns available now, moreso than years ago and it's even cheaper. Look it up and see all the patterns and colors nowdays.

[@TeBiDoWil]

I was about to go this route, but then I found precut laminate countertops for cheaper than the melamine by itself!

[@norain31]

ive built 6 houses had no idea i could just cover over top the laminate ?? funny part is i have assisted the cabinet guy with new construction in homes i built 15 yrs ago . .Im retired now and was thinking of redoing my kitchen laminate my self . your video gave me the confidence to do this .

[@brianlocal3]

I bow down to you amazing free hand saw skills.. that’s some Jordan level talent

[@ApexMaleLife]

Tiny bead of paint matched caulk along the walls to prevent pooled liquids from seeping, dripping, or wicking into the walls is a nice finished touch (especially with the wall being undercut for fitment).

[@paultrigger3798]

this video was super helpful. I just finished mine with this video and comments with some help. I redid a "L-Shaped" that was about 12.5' long by 5.5' wide at the "L"... Annoying dimension since the largest sheets come in 12'x5', so a joint was needed, took a bit to get that all looking right. Wasn't too bad but would not recommend for the beginner DYI'er unless it's just a simple end piece.

[@vtechead1]

Good video, clear and informative, well done. When Im cutting laminate worktops with a power saw, I lay the worktop upside down to cut it. It eliminates any chance of chipping the edges and produces a nice smooth cut. Also, if using a jigsaw, the same method of cutting applies, as a normal jigsaw blade cuts on the upward stroke. Blades are available to cut on the down stroke, which would allow you to cut with the surface facing upwards.

[@TATERSVIDEOS770]

great video. I use a dremel to cut end instead of side cutters. works great

[@chistopherlicking8528]

best part of the video... that great idea using the old counter top base as a work surface! tilted angle lifts up long and short edges for saw cuts - BRILLIANT :)

[@5400bowen]

I did laminate in Blockbuster, Starbucks, Best Buy, Old Navy, the Gap and Banana Republic to name a few. We always popped off the old laminate with a propane torch. Stinky, but only takes a few minutes. It’s risky with existing Formica under it. It could start to delaminate after a while.

[@Lena2light]

My sister and I just installed sheet laminate in the kitchen. Looks amazing!!!! Thanks to you!!!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Awesome 👍👍

[@lillianparks8488]

Is this laminate heat resistant? In other words, if a hot pan was accidentally placed on it, would it affect the surface?

[@jasyynnoe8392]

This is exactly what I needed to see. I'm following this process exactly, except I'll take my counter top off so I can reach all sides, and my front edge is curved so I will need to clamp it somehow.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice, best of luck on the project and let me know how it turns out.

[@flynnbickley9622]

Thank you so much for the super informative and helpful video. We're in an unexpected kitchen remodel and are put at ease after watching this!

[@dawitmezmur8014]

Thank you. Short and clear that's what I'm exactly here for.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You're welcome!

[@Vanessa-pe1fo]

OH my word! excellent video! I'm in the process of removing the tile from our kitchen counters and installing laminate sheeting. so excited to get started.

[@tdbear5360]

I did my Bathroom countertop and I loved it so much I'm doing the kitchen countertop too!

[@nucklm]

Thanks. Really helped with my bathroom vanity top replacement.

[@nellielee2915]

It came out really nice, Thanks for your video.

[@charlesbutcher9810]

Thanks so much. Your video is right in tune with the project that I'm doing right now. I am building a tiny home in a Ram ProMaster. And I'm at the project of building a countertop for my kitchen cabinet. I appreciate you spending the time to develop this video and edit it and publish it for us to view. I will be sharing my video on Van life and Beyond. Your countertop build has been instrumental in my van build and I really really appreciate it.

[@kelvis6717]

Perfect. Just what I needed for my install. Direct andTo the point. Thank you

[@melissanative1799]

HOW DO I FIND SOMEONE WHO SPECIALIZES IN DOING THIS? i THINK A LOT OF SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE IS INVOLVED.

[@sierra.lynette]

very simple tutorial and seems easy to follow. thank you for all the angles and detailed explanation!

[@mohamedsaleh3236]

Could you inform me what's the type of glue plz? and glue brand name plz?

[@PetePuebla]

I took your advice on the Snips side Cutters. Those came in clutch.

[@MrBababuwi]

Thanks for posting about Breonna 9:52!

[@fucheduck]

great detail! I wish every DIY video was done this way! good grocery list too! problem is finding the laminant. I keep searching and getting crappy "sticky paper" results. I want REAL laminant sheets to cover bare plywood! mine is moldy and had to rip out the old laminante and belt sand the counter plyiwood off!

[@NortherncreatureBlogspot]

wow phenomenal video!!!! So clear & thorough in explaining the steps. Thank you!!!

[@maryanncampbell3189]

Awesome video. Thank you for being SO thorough with instructions and details. This will definitely help me to replace my old countertop. I will let you know how it turns out. Many thanks for your help.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hi Maryann, thanks for the kind words and keep me posted on the progress or if you have any questions along the way. 👍

[@simplifyourhome]

I am going to try. You make it so easy. Thank for sharing!!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Take your time and that router is a must! Best of luck 👍

[@eddyperez684]

Bought some of your items and all I can say is Thank you very much for such a great video.

[@rocknral]

Just a tip or two... On those parts the trimmer can't get to, just use a nice clean sharp file and cut into the excess side on . Not from the top. Use it like a saw in one direction, cutting towards the base material. It will save time and will be perfect. Also if you do get bubbles, don't panic. Heat gun is your friend. Warm up laminate and the glue will soften. You can massage the bubble to the edge. Best to pull dowels from the middle. The only time you start filing at an angle is after the top is done. If you want fine, tight corners, edges, don't file too much just enough to soften the edge. Don't expose too much of the trimmer bit. Just enough to cut the laminate. Sometimes it's worth putting masking tape on the edge laminate to protect it from "trimmer burn". Anyway, my two cents....

[@stormman8393]

Answered a lot of questions, personally. Thanks for a great, informative instruction on how to do this.

[@wadelaurel]

So you did not remove the old Formica sheet first, you just glued new on top. Is that correct ?

[@user-ou5ts7dp5z]

Thanks a lot .My greatest problem is to have those potable machines. I am a capenter from cameroon

[@caontiemcneal6547]

I am to happy with the finish results 🥰

[@csloane4129]

Nice job and EXCELLENT detailed camera-work in this video.

[@etweetyb77]

Great video. I am about to change my desk top and this made it sound easy enough for me to try alone! Thanks!!!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice! Best of luck on your project 👍

[@ericw.9907]

That's why I'm here too... my desk is WAY too 70's

[@elizabethsam3875]

I like it,but please may I ask you? where can I buy this laminate? 🙏thanks, well done 👏

[@anythingpeteives]

Not sure if it would work in this instance, but for that small amount of extra laminate, perhaps using a heat gun or even a hair dryer may have been able to soften up the glue allowing you to just get a very flat blade under it in order to peel it off. I have used a heat gun on laminate in my kitchen and it only took a couple of minutes to soften up the glue sufficiently in order to remove it.

[@mgillespie8306]

Thank you. I appreciate your thorough instruction.

[@jaygd5133]

This was a fantastic video! Very thorough and I love the tool list. Thank You Very Much!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the kind words Jay, glad you got value out of the video.

[@fatuzoka8939]

I like it. I much cost?

[@chriscoyle1855]

Exactly what I needed, thanks for the lesson!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

No Problem, best of luck on the project!

[@Royal-yk3rw]

What if you have to cut the area for the sink

[@mikewslshwalsh5185]

I am getting ready to replace ours thank you for your video is very helpful enough room to try to do it myself HD the router is very important for that

[@Topazkittycat]

Awesome video, how would you go about covering a counter top that has rounded edges? Thanks

[@mikecoughlin3222]

on the second edge (top) dont forget to only reveal enough of the bit to the laminate thickness. if the blade sticks down too much it will scratch the finished side while trimming the other side.

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

Isn’t that the truth found out the hard way’ I then used painters tape before trimming that way the tape takes the scratching etc

[@USAEast]

Thank you! great help for the counter I am about to redo.

[@PaulPaid]

Good vid. A Dremel with a rotary sanding bit or a reciprocating multi-tool with a cutting blade will also do the job of those snips.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice, I will try that on the next one. Appreciate the feedback.

[@luisgonzalez-yx6pd]

If you use a half round file you could cut and trim at the same time

[@tedpinckney1503]

Very informative. Lots of good tips.

[@bobthathead3]

Love this!! I’ll be referring to this once I start my kitchen!

[@darieninvegas]

Thanks. Not as hard as i thought it was

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

Awesome video man. You've inspired confidence in me.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice, best of luck on the project. I was happy with the results for this project 👍

[@searchingforsigns8445]

Awesome, now I'm ready to take on my counter tops!

[@susanc.8009]

You can also carefully score the plastic laminate at the ends too close to the walls and, keeping pressure on the glued laminate, break off the excess. If you don’t want to use a circular saw, clamp the laminate to a length of wide lumber with a hard edge, preferably a laminated edge, and router to make the cut. Color match calking is available for counters that have sinks and backsplashes.

[@jlsszr8327]

Thank You. That gives me confidence

[@JayDeeMullensTV]

Very nice. Try using Vaseline on laminate before routing to decrease the chance of burning!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice tip! Appreciate the feedback 👍

[@loveart4007]

Great Job. TY for the Tutorial. My husband removed our laminate & I'm wondering if you can use a wood product instead of tile to adhere the laminate sheeting to?

[@inscoredbz]

What kind of glue do we use to hold this down?

[@007jynx]

As I am always looking at videos on home improvement, never see "round edges as the backsplash, would like to initiate changes but have not seen one to suite my needs, comments, thanks

[@SequoiaKC]

Thank you for your video! I have a couple questions. 1. The counter I am doing has a laminate backsplash. Do I put that on at the same time I am putting the front edge one? 2. The backsplash has a thin "chrome" edging at the top and at the bottom seam. Where can I get this or is there an alternative? 3. My counter has a sink in the middle. Do I cover the sinkhole with the laminate and then once it is glued down cut the sinkhole out? Thank you!

[@dddigitalsavant]

good tutorial and links.

[@meganbeltran3744]

Thank you so much for this video!! I’m adding a new counter to my island and this was so helpful and I feel much better about doing it. Would it be the same process to add the laminate directly to the wood?

[@PetePuebla]

What can I use besides a cordless circular saw to make a straight cut?

[@nakco6025]

Excellent; Thank You!!

[@jasonsgreen]

looks great thanks for the tutorial!

[@dhaimamartin6830]

ok this seems easy maybe I can do it

[@kkha32]

Thank you very much for the video. It's very helpful.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

No problem, best of luck on the project!

[@jamesmelanson7987]

Wondering why you didn't lightly sand or scuff the old countertop to provide better porosity for adhesion...

[@davidpatrick1813]

It sure is a quite saw... that is neat.

[@eddierobles2137]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial. You rock man !!!

[@claytonjames4779]

I seem to remember my handyman using a spray adhesive.

[@asadjurat5697]

❤i like, it was very simple ❤

[@mrdude3540]

Thanks for your video. You the man

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Thank you! This vid really helps!

[@dablet]

perfect video! thanks for your time making this tutorial vid

[@loninappleton]

side cutter snips for the job was worth an up.

[@timalan333]

Great job!!!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thx Ronald!

[@carolbrannon6332]

Is there something I can just put on top of the old countertop? Like an acrylic sheet to put on top of the old counter top. Which is peeling. Do they have countertop protectors??

[@Jimmy-_-191]

Great informative video Thanks!

[@northlakehomedecor2143]

Awesome tutorial thanks!!

[@roymielke5162]

Great video! Very helpful. Not sure it was discussed but how do you fix chipped corner from router?

[@loubadown]

Awesome vid thank you we just had someone try to do this w out island and it looks horrid!!!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

🤦‍♂️

[@heidi.a.thomson]

I could probably do this but have no tools other than an exacto knife!

[@xenaluck]

that's all i use.

[@rondaprokop5834]

Great easy to understand video. You made this project look easy! I have one question…Did you sand the old countertop and side trim before covering with new laminate?

[@MegalithicMentality]

No. Scratching the surface doesn't really help at all when resurfacing a countertop. With enough force the melamine coating will release the new countertop layer regardless of sanding

[@user-pd3pd1lk2e]

How do you decide to install full one piece laminate counter top where you remove the existing countertops versus putting new sheet laminate on top of existing laminate. Just sheet laminate on top of existing looks much simpler. Only reason to do the bigger version where you remove the old counter is if you are changing the design of the counters for example sink in a new location. Any further advice on why one is better than other? Thx.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I just install a new standard countertop if I can. What I mean is if the counter is a length and type I can get at a local big box store then I would just buy the entire countertop and swap out. In this video the little breakfast bar counter was a custom size so instead of ordering and waiting for a new counter I just went with new sheet laminate. Make sense?

[@ThePudgie123]

Great vid.....I can't wait to get started!