How to Install Sheet Laminate on a Countertop

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Tools Used 1) Makita Cordless Router: geni.us/z20cb 2) Flush Trim Router Bit: geni.us/U4q8yk 3) Makita Cordless Circular Saw: geni.us/wpMzas 4) Diable 60 Tooth Blade (6.5 inch): geni.us/nvHw 5) Hand File Set: geni.us/KDiSixD 6) Micro Side Cutters: geni.us/uKGIp 7) Foam Roller and Tray: geni.us/tk5XqVv 8) Contact Cement: geni.us/NoTEt 9) Floor Roller: geni.us/ghuD Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs Makita Cordless Drill Combo Kit: geni.us/t7dIA Dewalt Drill Bit Set: geni.us/oFlSl Dewalt Screwdriver Bit Set: geni.us/VDcr Craftsman Screwdriver Set: geni.us/jXqFI Eklind Allen Wrench Set: geni.us/7XfvO Pliers (4-Piece Set): geni.us/RIdx Stanley Utility Knife: geni.us/ndIDa Stanley Tape Measure: geni.us/bUfD1R Studbuddy Stud Finder: geni.us/RySCuVw Johnson Torpedo Level: geni.us/wiLcDY Stanley Hammer: geni.us/bPDk8Wo Buck Bros Wood Chisel Set: geni.us/vk3cpTW Klein Voltage Tester: geni.us/h9Hl Klein Outlet Tester: geni.us/kdBAJ Ideal Wire Strippers: geni.us/MdOB Little Giant Ladder: geni.us/fmlmTk 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.

[@brianlocal3]

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

[@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???

[@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 .

[@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 🙏🏼

[@kennethrenock6588]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@HairBawl]

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

[@catsmeow5566]

@@HairBawl 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.

[@RedundantBuoyancy]

@@catsmeow5566 it's about time to get on that counter top :P lol just reading comments and seen this, hope you got around to it :D

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@hanumanjipankaj]

WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU MAN ❤ THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR PRECIOUS TIME

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TATERSVIDEOS770]

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

[@nucklm]

Thanks. Really helped with my bathroom vanity top replacement.

[@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.

[@dawitmezmur8014]

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

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You're welcome!

[@mrss4278]

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.

[@godservant5]

0

[@MegalithicMentality]

Good luck with that. How will you route and fit the new laminate under the sink? As soon as you touch the glue you run risk of delaminating the glue from your countertop when you peel off to reposition. And .. just.. no

[@kyle18934]

how did it go?

[@mrss4278]

@@kyle18934 Can’t do anything right now. Certain things have come up to postpone activities.

[@andrewkresek4550]

You will need to remove anything on the countertop to get laminate under the said fixtures for a nice seal. You do not want a seam in the laminate in the sink area where the highest wear and water is.

[@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.

[@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).

[@Leeummm83]

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

[@tdbear5360]

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

[@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.

[@PetePuebla]

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

[@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.

[@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. 👍

[@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?

[@kelvis6717]

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

[@csloane4129]

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

[@MrBababuwi]

Thanks for posting about Breonna 9:52!

[@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!

[@sagitario12ish]

Good job! Watching others videos this is the best that I saw.

[@eddyperez684]

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

[@NortherncreatureBlogspot]

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

[@jackwillie2729]

ALSO LEARNED THAT if you need to release the laminate if not aligned right ..starter fluid ( very flammable so use caution) will release the bond..just be slow and easy doing this...this advice is for professional installers do to the volatility of flammable starter fluid.

[@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

[@mgillespie8306]

Thank you. I appreciate your thorough instruction.

[@stormman8393]

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

[@nellielee2915]

It came out really nice, Thanks for your video.

[@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?

[@Topazkittycat]

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

[@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!

[@caontiemcneal6547]

I am to happy with the finish results 🥰

[@tedpinckney1503]

Very informative. Lots of good tips.

[@jackwillie2729]

I've always used kitchen wax paper and layed it on counters instead of wood dowels..then pulled the wax paper straps out as I pressed the new formica to the old

[@chriscoyle1855]

Exactly what I needed, thanks for the lesson!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

No Problem, best of luck on the project!

[@homewithmsbetty]

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 👍

[@bobthathead3]

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

[@IfDawidCanYouCan]

I’m thinking to apply Formica for my Workbench + Feed Table. Which types of Formica wood be better for that purpose please? I am thinking of Matt but again there are NDF which I don’t know 🤷 what are they! Thickness the one from a company Formica I got the Samples says😢 38mm (I think 0.38mm but no clue)! Please advise if you don’t mind! Thank you in advance and much appreciated! Cheers!!!

[@LartehSimonTonya]

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

[@melissanative1799]

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

[@jlsszr8327]

Thank You. That gives me confidence

[@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?

[@USAEast]

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

[@PetePuebla]

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

[@jill7111]

Can you install laminate sheeting over curved edges on a countertop?

[@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

[@JenniferDemarestDemarestProper]

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?

[@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.

[@deborahsperandio8936]

Quick question can i cover the existing hole for the drop in sink and then put a glass vessel sink on top?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You might be able to do that but is your counter a standard size or one like this that was custom? If it is standard I would just get a new laminate countertop which is pretty cheap.

[@Royal-yk3rw]

What if you have to cut the area for the sink

[@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??

[@searchingforsigns8445]

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

[@Optimist_Insan]

Very good alternative and I am sure my wife will like it :). Quick question. I am a handyman but never used this before. Can I use a utility know to cut it instead of power saw? Also, should I fill corners with something like caulk? Thanks for sharing!

[@justme8649]

I know this is an old video but perhaps some small molding/trim would have looked good where the laminate meets the wall? This way it will not only look aesthetically pleasing but will prevent anything from seeping/wicking in-between the wall and laminate when using a cleanser to clean the table or something spills.

[@elizabethsam3875]

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

[@creeperkidplays5523]

Great video! Very informative 😊

[@roymielke5162]

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

[@dddigitalsavant]

good tutorial and links.

[@kevinbeach6084]

I'm going to be doing this soon,I've read that you need to sand old Formica or laminate before adding a new sheet. Do you know that answer and how have they held up? Trying to decide if I should try and peel old Formica off or sand / just glue new sheet?

[@KimberleeMelissa]

Can this be put over painted laminate?

[@danielwilson7572]

Thanks, I plan to try this on Saturday. But I don't have an existing surface. I will install a sheet of plywood or something. What material is the best substrate for Formica?

[@gradinarelizaveta]

how much does a full kitchen using this come out in cost just for the laminate and the glue

[@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 👍

[@TheLookingOne]

After gluing down and finishing with the router, can a treatment be applied to the laminate sub-base that is exposed at the edges? What treatment?

[@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!

[@nickmaximovich8685]

Good video. I've done a few countertops, but applied adhesive to both surfaces. Is that necessary?

[@northlakehomedecor2143]

Awesome tutorial thanks!!

[@gracedonovan1117]

Hi, I have a bar counter that is round edged on the long sides and flat on short sides. Can I use laminate sheet to make it match our new laminate countertops? Later down the line we plan to replace it with better countertops, but for now I need that bar to match our kitchen. Any advice on the round edge?

[@79dogface]

Will this work on the rounded section of the counter top ?

[@mrdude3540]

Thanks for your video. You the man

[@jasonsgreen]

looks great thanks for the tutorial!

[@JMTZS]

How does the router not damage the bottom piece? What bit is used?

[@kkha32]

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

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

No problem, best of luck on the project!

[@MosesLakeHomes]

Great info! We need to replace our kitchen counters, and they're laminate. I have a rounded edge on my counters. Could I do this project on rounded edges?

[@jasonjohnson4170]

Video on how to repair the scalped corner! Can be done.

[@eddierobles2137]

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

[@coletteohara2863]

Does this product bend? I have the laminate counter top that curves up to create a small 3 inch backsplash/backboard. Was wondering if this would work?

[@catspjs6229]

How did it hold up now 4 years later? Is it heat resistant? My laminate tops that was installed in the build of the home is very heat resistant.

[@user-fu05-cej]

how would you re-laminate a worktop with curved edge

[@hassenalhakak551]

i need sime to install new limante sheet above old benhtop kitchen please

[@jamesmelanson7987]

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