How to Repair Laminate Counters | This Old House

[@ArtPoole]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I had a fist-size area pop up on the edge next to the cutout for my stove. I was going to try injecting glue somehow but figured I was going to eat the cost of replacing the whole countertop. Nope! For those who try this, I followed comments and set my iron to cotton. I tried to use a thin washcloth to avoid scorching but it wasn’t sticking back down so I just went directly on the laminate. No scorching issues but it still wasn’t staying stuck down when I removed the iron. (Thanks to the commenter who said something about needing to cool it down.) I brought in a 25lb weight from my garage, it was probably 50 degrees out there. I ironed the spot again, put the weight on it, and walked away with fingers crossed. Checked it about an hour later and it was as good as new. Again, thanks for posting this. Easily the highest $ impact of any how-to video I’ve ever watched!

[@lynnanna6131]

This works! You may need to follow behind the iron with something to cool down the adhesive so it sets. My edge strip would not stick at first (in fact more pulled away when heated) but my repair was successful when I followed behind the iron with a freezer block & cooled down the strip to reset the adhesive. Great solution-thank you😇

[@pointedspider]

Love the cutting board idea!

[@lisaw.4551]

OMG! Thank you so much for this video! I have had a project I've needed to do for a very long time and I was terrified about doing it but you made it look so easy and simple. Thank you so much!!

[@curryhousechicken]

Tom is so skillful. Master tradesman.

[@jmokb4]

A word of warning, if the iron is too hot, it can burn the laminate and cause it to bubble. I learned the hard way.

[@sgtbilkothe3rd]

My only gripe with an otherwise fantastic video. No mention of what setting (tenperature) the iron was set to while in use.

[@cjlooklin1914]

Thank God I found this before tossing out my leftover laminate!

[@hungvu8480]

I love this channel so kuch. Thanks for allthe teaching!

[@hollis.7905]

I just ironed some laminate back on to my counter edge before I watched this video. And then I checked to see if that is the actual thing to do.🤣 Doing things backwards here.

[@jeffthewhiff]

I was just working on a similar project yesterday and it worked great!

[@ChelsayAllDay]

The iron worked! Thank you!!

[@32Swordsman]

Thanks. Perfect. Saved me time.

[@zacharyduren4496]

Where did you buy that particular cutting board and tray with the bottom and removable cutting board

[@glenroyferguson5390]

Thank you for such an informative video, now i can fix my countertop

[@mom2blessings_sadie]

Where do we buy these cutting board inserts

[@josephhinton5489]

I have to do exactly what you did on the missing edge piece. Thanks guys.

[@42santana]

Nice video. Could you please share the link for the stainless steel tray and the cutting board.

[@paulacracknell7751]

I’m trying to find this as well

[@dianamorris3307]

I'd like to know where he got the metal inset tray. We need it so badly to fix damage renter caused. Has anyone found this tray for sale? Desperate here.

[@eastcane]

@@dianamorris3307 I've been looking too, anyone???

[@adrenalinehigh2070]

Who knew! One day learning to iron in the military would come handy

[@timmartin5882]

Vance Industries Surface Saver is the closest thing i found to that drop in cutting board. A link to the products on this channel would be helpful.

[@ivandlz]

Iron temperature setting? Thanks

[@ChelsayAllDay]

Cotton

[@rockgee]

Used an iron as directed and worked like a charm!

[@andrewjackson5127]

Yup worked for me too. My whole strip was loose and this worked. I didn't have an iron I used a heat gun. Same result.

[@Stoneponics]

Ive been stareing at a 4 minute project for 6 years wondering how the heck.....

[@JillofAllTrades2]

lol! same here!

[@stevenjrrice5694]

Same!

[@MyGreenNest]

😂

[@nancyross3964]

oh my bwaaaa me too!!! unfortunately for me mine is in front of the sink, I got stuck 1 too many times & yanked it off! now what?

[@lisaw.4551]

Hahaha me too! Only my project has been about 12 years in the making! I sure am good at procrastinating! LOL Seriously, if I'd known it was this simple I would have fixed it years ago.

[@brooksrimes]

How do you fix a countertop seam that has raised slightly?

[@shellisspace]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGqp4R8d8ijj9U

[@almaburns6562]

I need to know the same thing. I have a countertop edge that has raised slightly due to a water spill.

[@jamesy2061]

This is great. Anyone have suggestions as to where one can shop to find the type of insert pan shown in the video? I can't seem to find the right search parameter to locate one. Thanks.

[@terryblack5970]

Great how to fix video

[@cliffcarlo180]

Yep, me too. I watched this then went and fixed my video.

[@ryanoneal7288]

Wow. Thanks for the video. Exactly what I needed.

[@MRrwmac]

When I saw the iron I thought " ok better than a heat gun to distribute the heat"! Good tip.

[@jonathanciccarone5992]

Can you post a link for the built-in cutting board insert? Can't seem to find the same one anywhere online. Thanks!

[@scottjohnson2410]

Cotton setting #5

[@rawbacon]

Drop-in cutting board, not a bad fix compared to totally replacing the whole thing.

[@victorn6065]

Wow really great tips!

[@billl3426]

Can you link where to buy that exact drop in? I really like it.

[@dianamorris3307]

I'd like to know where he got the metal inset tray. We need it so badly to fix damage renter caused. Has anyone found this tray for sale?

[@aricwithautoreplay]

What company makes the drop in cutting board. Or where can it be purchased

[@gototcm]

Very informative and to the point instructions. Wish had shown what the seam looks like after the repair

[@orionishi6737]

Looked like seam

[@rayarocho9079]

How hot should and in what setting the iron should be? I'm afraid to burn the laminate.

[@krishmo846]

Put it on the hottest setting

[@daddylogan]

I need that drop in tray and cannot find one anywhere like you show in this video. I have a huge burn and I need to do what your first method was....my search turns up nothing. Please direct me to where I can find one of those.

[@janedamato]

Amazing

[@clamor6]

You guys are awesome!

[@vedasrigoske3512]

Thank you for the video, it really healps. Do you know how to remove bulge on laminated wooden kitchen counter top? I placed heat item on countertop. Then the place is swallow. Can you please help me to fix the bulge/swallow on countertop. There is no air gap on the place. Thank you for helping

[@holamateo]

Shoot. I just learned the hard way that while this may work for the Formica itself it melted the 1/2 laminate edging on my microwave shelf. It took less than a second for to warp and delaminate further.

[@DarkRaptor99]

Some great tips in this video!!

[@lesleyreitmeyer6845]

I have a backslash that is bowed out due to heat from a countertop air fryer. So it started peeling due to heat but heat will repair it?

[@Mimibldr]

He's so smart

[@franktrevino2313]

"Sment" I love it. Haha.

[@ThePapabearusa]

Where? Where? Where? Can you purchase that exact drop in cutting board??? This Old House or someone else please provide a link. Thank You Much

[@angelromero8273]

Did you find it?

[@jimb7064]

I need it too!!

[@dianamorris3307]

I'd like to know where he got the metal inset tray. We need it so badly to fix damage renter caused. Has anyone found this tray for sale? I found the tempered glass drop in from Vance industries. But, I like the set up on this video much better. Sure wis they had made a link for the tray and board insert.

[@theespawner6278]

can you apply the iron to the counter top! i have what appears to be a separation of the glue in the middle of the counter

[@Vanilla_Icecream1231]

thee spawner I think

[@jeremywheeler8417]

Wow. So easy to fix

[@rfoster7215]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@user-kj5by6zr9r]

I have a laminated kitchen cabinet. And the bottom part by the floor is getting loose. Its a 2 inches strip. I can't use an iron because it's too big. Can I use a hair dryer to reheat it?

[@TeamEmperor]

Tommy's skills is too legit to quit

[@evahle]

Nice fix. Thank you!

[@yolandamccrea2827]

What can I do to fix a bubble in the center of my laminate countertop? The bubble developed from possible water damage.

[@gonsalocue1291]

this is good to know

[@ptdave123]

real good ideas to remember.

[@Chuck59ish]

So real men use irons.

[@dorr221]

Then wifey complains why is there glue on the iron that I just ruined your shirt with.

[@PNWTraveler]

Does this work if the top counter piece is coming off?

[@michaeljwoodwi]

What heat setting for the iron so that I don't melt the laminate?

[@valentinussong8136]

This is a great idea can you tell me where I can buy this tray and insert. Thanks

[@melindalancaster9648]

gr8 tips...i have a spot behind my sink and its sqwlling from water damage bcz it was not cut properly

[@acerjuglans383]

A cut is a cut. There's nothing magical about it. You have swelling because the sink isn't sealed tightly to the ctop. Run a bead of silicone back there for a quick fix. Or replace your sink altogether and address the problem that way.

[@David-ei5lq]

Great video, but where do I get that drop in cutting board tray. Can't find it using a number of different terms. This item isn't called out on your list below.

[@Derpingtonshere]

I think they are called surface saver cutting boards, I seen some in Amazon but you might find them at a local retailer.

[@hedleylint7622]

My one year-old counter top is warping (up) at seam. Need a fix for this problem

[@tjam4229]

Genius

[@hungvu8480]

Is there another better way to cut thta laminate instead of utility knife?

[@diamond6256]

I have a question Please? Why do sinks have rings around the sink drain that holds water so it can rust? Is there ANYTHING I can do with that ring?

[@sandra4860]

I have a round classroom table (like they have in elementary schools) it's yellow and badly stained from when my kids paint. How can I repair that? Is the top of classroom tables laminate or vinyl? Can I replace just that top? I'm so lost and I hate looking at how dirty the tables look

[@nikospapadopoulos5766]

Can i put in the edges polyarathene qlue first?

[@13Quicken]

I have a different problem. My laminate counter top has a corner that has popped up along an aluminum edge. When I try to push down one one edge another edge pops up, kind of like a bubble on the edge of a corner. The coffee pot sat on this corner and the heat caused it to pop up, but it won't lay flat to replace. I've moved the coffee pot, so that's not a problem any more. How do I get it to lay flat so I can heat the adhesive? Do I need to replace the whole counter top?

[@Leob2210]

Where do you get them drop in cutting boards from?

[@jimb7064]

Yes where??

[@oxydizeIs5k]

Am I missing something? What happens if you have multiple burns on top? I mean, you can't exactly turn your entire countertop into a cutting board, right?

[@DT-dc4br]

That's like watching a video on simple body panel dent repair, then saying... wHaT hApPeNs iF yOu'Ve wRaPpEd yOuR cAr aRoUnD a tReE? Well, Karen, obviously their suggestion applies to localized damage and if you've ruined your entire countertop you're SOL.

[@ColinNoden]

Will the Iron damage a high gloss laminate?

[@MaryZeti]

This is very helpful!

[@roadwarrior179]

Where can i get cutting board

[@dianamorris3307]

I'd like to know where he got the metal inset tray. We need it so badly to fix damage renter caused. Has anyone found this tray for sale?

[@QuadroNVS]

can i use the iron to fix my whole house ?

[@theespawner6278]

don't forget the duct tape

[@angelromero8273]

Where do I buy the first repair ??? Please help !! Where do I buy the 2 part cutters block instalment?

[@CyndiLH]

How avout a corner seam that is uneven? Put a bracket underneath? Then repair the seam?

[@familyfirst2425]

can i do this to a little piece on the top edge??

[@jltavare]

My laminate is unsticking on the top and in some places it bubbled. Should I iron it back down? Day 2: Was so excited to try. I ironed and Ironed and Ironed but nothing restuck. :( What else can I try?

[@lynnanna6131]

ZinaD I just repaired the edge of my laminate counter. The center several inches of a 30” strip were separated. At first this technique did not seem to work & more of the strip pulled away. I suspected the outward force of the strip overcame the softened adhesive & that I should follow immediately after apparent adhesion with something to cool the strip. I got a freezer block (used to keep food cold for picnics etc) and followed behind the iron with the frozen block. The strip cooled down and set the adhesive effectively. So glad to have found this solution! Thank you 😇

[@monicaosborne3937]

I think I would swap the full uncut piece out for the short side, so there no seam. Just me, I guess. OCD at its finest!

[@amirles]

Where can I find that two-piece drop-in cutting board? I can't seem to find it online.

[@aletheaskinner8888]

Amazon... Vance industries makes one. www.amazon.com/Vance-Stainless-Surface-Cutting-1S41215SS/dp/B01K5IIBU2/ref=asc_df_B01K5IIBU2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198076847952&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11294799943214802431&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032994&hvtargid=pla-351435580263&psc=1

[@jessicaliberty7455]

Hi can you send me the link to where I could buy one of those in lay inserts? Please? Or one like it?

[@champfully9456]

So that's what iron workers do!

[@robertleonard6806]

I have a bad burn on a counter top and I like the drop-in cutting board solution. Where can I find the drop in cutting board? I've searched around for it and I haven't found anything like it.

[@emilymarcano6785]

Where can I fine the drop in tray

[@calsnow6807]

no where, i have looked way longer than i should, couldn't find it anywhere online

[@audreythompson9641]

where do we find a cutting board tray

[@robertmonroe4511]

This is not a removable 2 piece as shown

[@aletheaskinner8888]

@@calsnow6807 Amazon has it from Vance Industries www.amazon.com/Vance-Stainless-Surface-Cutting-1S41215SS/dp/B01K5IIBU2/ref=asc_df_B01K5IIBU2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198076847952&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11294799943214802431&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032994&hvtargid=pla-351435580263&psc=1

[@aletheaskinner8888]

Amazon has the one I bought a couple weeks ago. Vance Industries makes it www.amazon.com/Vance-Stainless-Surface-Cutting-1S41215SS/dp/B01K5IIBU2/ref=asc_df_B01K5IIBU2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198076847952&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11294799943214802431&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032994&hvtargid=pla-351435580263&psc=1

[@profmichaelanderson]

This is inspiring, but what if the top of the laminate counter is curved!!??

[@melindalancaster9648]

do u have any tips to repair a countertop thats swelling from water damage?

[@janesalmon4553]

were can i get drop in cutting board

[@chrisgolding2724]

were did you purchase the stainless steel and cutting board from please

[@aletheaskinner8888]

Amazon has the one I bought www.amazon.com/Vance-Stainless-Surface-Cutting-1S41215SS/dp/B01K5IIBU2/ref=asc_df_B01K5IIBU2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198076847952&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11294799943214802431&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032994&hvtargid=pla-351435580263&psc=1

[@angelromero8273]

@@aletheaskinner8888 does it cut out like that one does ? Is there a wood style. Do you work for vance because you should !

[@dillonhaase3509]

can anyone find this cutting board in the video?????

[@kimberlyjagaraj3839]

Right! I am not able to find:( Someone have idea?

[@dianamorris3307]

I'd like to know where he got the metal inset tray. We need it so badly to fix damage renter caused. Has anyone found this tray for sale?

[@karenvanderwall669]

should have cut the side piece through the strip where it overlapped ..the pieces would have matched better

[@TheUntubed]

Big yellow stain on my Formica countertop,.what to do

[@MeredithDomzalski]

My apartment is missing a whole side, and the sides by the fridge and stove doesn't have any extra. Also, there's a big bubble in one spot that drives me crazy.

[@SinghAvleen]

Could you give link for drop in type cutting board pls . Cant find anywhere

[@aletheaskinner8888]

Vance industries makes one. Amazon sells it. www.amazon.com/Vance-Stainless-Surface-Cutting-1S41215SS/dp/B01K5IIBU2/ref=asc_df_B01K5IIBU2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198076847952&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11294799943214802431&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032994&hvtargid=pla-351435580263&psc=1

[@ceciliapreziose3783]

so the iron doesn't burn it?

[@ivancruz5572]

where can I purchase the sunkin two piece cutting board? I would like to install on in my laminate counter as you did in the video? VR, Ivan

[@robertmonroe4511]

Hey This Old House: You haven't answered the multiple questioners... Where can we find the 2 piece drop in cutting board in the video???? the links shown show a 1 piece vance, that's not removable. Anyone????

[@aletheaskinner8888]

@@robertmonroe4511 Amazon has one from Vance Industries www.amazon.com/Vance-Stainless-Surface-Cutting-1S41215SS/dp/B01K5IIBU2/ref=asc_df_B01K5IIBU2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198076847952&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11294799943214802431&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032994&hvtargid=pla-351435580263&psc=1

[@TriGuy51]

@@aletheaskinner8888 This is not a tray; it's a frame.

[@jeffsmith1223]

It would seem like the thing to do would be to use an iron to remove the laminate surface from that part that you cut out for the sink. Put that aside for repairs, and return to your life of carefree happiness. 😀

[@rapidsqualor5367]

I fastened my countertop from underneath with screws. One of the screws went too deep and two chips are starting to form where the screw point pierced the bottom of the formica. How can I fix this before it gets worse ? Anybody ?

[@andygg65]

Where can you buy the chopping inset board?

[@gravitationalwaverider]

There is no link for the two piece drop in cutting board. This Old House has not bothered to answer anyone who has asked for the link since they posted the video in 2014. The closest thing you can find is at Vance industries. Good luck. If anyone does find the product they showed please post it here in the comments.

[@MarkKislich]

Dude with the stash just has to learn to say 'please'.

[@jimmygarlon750]

come on Kevin get your head in the game