Making a Laminate Countertop

Laminate sheet ;
www.menards.co...
Contact Cement ; www.homedepot....

[@johnathonnichols]

I always enjoy your videos and this one is no exception. I made counter tops professionally many years ago. Here's two quick tips: 1) On the edges use solid wood to thicken it. If there is a spill it can run down the front and then under---causing the edge to swell. Solid wood will dry and not cause a problem. 2) Instead of using tape to protect the laminate from the router bit you can smear a little Crisco all along the edge. It's much quicker to apply and remove.

[@resourcefulgirl]

Thank you for those tips. I'm building and the mark up on granite from my builder was insane. So I'm using Formica (which I really don't mind) and then I'm making my own island. I'm going to be doing a ton of prep work on the island since I'll be growing the majority of my food and I love the wood on the edges tip. MDF will be too heavy for me to lift. Do you have any thoughts on using plywood instead? There will be a 12" overhang for seating and the island will be 5x7. Thanks!

[@johnathonnichols]

@@resourcefulgirl Plywood should be fine. In fact, whenever we did countertops for government housing the federal requirements were for exterior grade 3/4 plywood as the base material. We mainly used a very high quality particle board----it's completely different from what most people think of when someone mentions "particle board". Most big box stores wont' have anything like it available. In my own house I used solid wood that I stained and then sealed with multiple coats of Waterlox. It has held up well and is another value oriented but great looking option. It'll take more time and effort than going the Formic/laminate route. I personally prefer the look of wood over the other options, but laminate can be tough as nails and long lasting.

[@resourcefulgirl]

@@johnathonnichols Thank you for the advice :)

[@lonthrall5613]

So much information without a word spoken! Thank you!

[@19RioR93]

Always put your edge on first and top over it

[@denverscott37]

Yep, his edge will be exposed all the way around his countertops..

[@sheraldochris2056]

@@denverscott37 Even though he used a file?

[@denverscott37]

@@sheraldochris2056 yes, if you put the edges on first, then the top on, you can't see the where the edge meets the top, but if you put the top on first then the edge, you're going to see that edge seam.

[@sheraldochris2056]

@@denverscott37 I understand that. It just seems like with a file you're taking both top and side pieces of laminate off equally. I'm probably wrong lol. Thanks for the info!

[@Katfishwiley1972]

Also, by putting top over edge, that prevents moisture from going down at the seam.

[@mikecoughlin3222]

Two very important points: close up of bit showing just enough exposed to cut laminate when the first edge is already on, otherwise the bit blade will scratch the new surface and you will be pissed. Second, tape the second edge (or top in this video) so that there is extra protection from blade scratches and chips (the tape sets the blade a hair away from the finished side so it does not dig in).

[@KravchenkoAudioPerth]

Awesome example of how it is supposed to be done. The material for the substrate is a great choice. I have always found that particle board will take a glue bond for this work better than MDF. I have made hundreds of counter tops for commercial and residential use. This is a perfect example of all the best ways to get it done well. I especially like the the tape used as a shield for the laminate top. It's very easy to tip your trimmer a little bit and cause yourself trouble. The lithographed layer is very near to the surface on the cheaper grades of laminate. I think they do this on purpose so that it doesn't last as long. You can special order a thicker top layer that is much more resilient. But you need a cabinet shop material supplier for that. Thanks for making and sharing this video.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Hi there just reading your comment, I am about to make a formica desk with birch ply can I ask you something please? How long do you have to wait until you route the edges? Also is the whole process quite easy- what worries me is , is air bubbles . thanks in advance sir

[@KravchenkoAudioPerth]

@@ChristopherClaudioSkierka Follow what is done in this video. It is very well done. bubbles are eliminated by carefully pressing out them. You have no wait time after you have correctly pressed the laminate onto the substrate.

[@louiesalugsugan6311]

Hi there sir! I'd like to ask, is laminate heat resistant?

[@KravchenkoAudioPerth]

@@louiesalugsugan6311 Reasonably heat resistant. It literally depends on the level of heat. Put a pot or frying pan off of your stove top and you will burn it. Less than boiling temperature is fairly reasonable.

[@mkupo112]

Absolutely impressive and the level of craftsmanship is godlike. Thank you for sharing, I have learned much 👍

[@emilylindstrom724]

Jack of all trades, master of most. =) Lovely kitchen!

[@major9991]

Very fine work with attention to details!

[@patmash]

Excellent build. Your talent is limitless.

[@gregchoma7693]

As some others have said, always do edges first and then top. Those edges will get something dragged over them and break a big piece off. The backsplash is confusing too with tile as well as laminate?

[@toolsconsumables7055]

Dear Sir, You possess exceedingly good all round skills amply demonstrated throughout all of your videos. This is no exception, the work is as always executed in the best manner possible with outstanding results. Very well done. Kind regards.

[@YoungJe]

thank you sir

[@rachaelmorrow6669]

Nice job. I prefer laminate because it is warm to the touch. And I am accustomed to it. Thank you for sharing!

[@sparks6666]

I built a kids play table out of white formica... turned out great and it's easy to work with. Great video!

[@MCsCreations]

Amazing work, man. It turned out beautiful! 😃

[@dward4979]

Top quality work and feels like you enjoy doing it!!

[@Cpinsb]

Like the angled edge. How did you do that?

[@kevdonew1412]

As others edges first, imagine if you HD a router issue while running over the top edge, and the flip flops would not pass code here , but all in all good job!!

[@nainitalism]

Beautifully done. Perfect

[@negui46togui]

You guys are the best I love your work

[@markturple]

Edges should go on before you laminate the top so you dont have seam at top where water can penetrate

[@unprofessionalsllc6273]

99% are all sealed during install along any and all edges really, also the tools cause no gap or overhang, but instead a flush product.

[@twoweary]

You're right . Also it looks better if the top caps over the side, not the other way around.

[@richardlug6139]

Looks is really the only reason the edges goes on first. If the edge is glued right the contact cement will seal the edge and prevent water from penetrating into the substrate.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 7:05 I’ve never seen the top put on first and the edges second. The top always gets the bevel on the edge. Also… the router is being moved in the wrong direction. It spins clockwise looking down on it and the side that’s up against the laminate is supposed to push into the work. So much wrong here. 🚫 … ALSO… (I am back). 7:40 the angle of the file is wrong. A common bevel bit is 22°. That is from the edge, not the top. The way the file is being held here is about 22° from the top. Oh boy, I’m not editing any more.

[@leonardoflores3983]

Beautiful well done Mr Je

[@YoungJe]

thanks

[@ianvicedomini2648]

That's a stunning worktop sir je. Lovely layout all round

[@YoungJe]

thanks

[@kingdomtreasures888]

@@YoungJe what adhesive brand did u use here?

[@kentlindsaymusic]

What a great wordless video! It's soothing to watch for some reason. haha

[@sil15a]

lovely work and great video showing the router setup, thank you so much!

[@taejinlee5556]

와~ 안되는게 없네요ㅎㅎ 저는 씽크대상판을 사온줄알았어요ㅋㅋ 너무재미있게 잘 봤고 정말 최고입니다!!

[@YoungJe]

감사합니다

[@elizabethsam3875]

Well done 👏

[@taylorscarpenterlifeinvanc1221]

이제는 카운터 탑까지.... 대단하십니다 좋은 영상 잘보고 갑니다

[@YoungJe]

감사합니다

[@chemetsering3951]

Same one tell me which glue use pls

[@calvinrideaux238]

That was very good i learn a lot keep up the good work

[@19RioR93]

Sand down inside corners with belt sander and flop the top on

[@ZANDERLOG]

Хорошая работа!!!

[@paulnipper4071]

I have some laminate that is peeling off the countertop of our island ... what kind of adhesive do I need to reattach it?

[@moonmagicmimi9927]

Amazing work 👍👍👍👍👍

[@robson_uk]

Is it that sides goes first?

[@lisahan411]

Where did you buy the laminate?

[@sarahpena816]

What is the tool used to cut thr laminate

[@kennynyc1555]

Arent you supposed to do the sides first then settop face second so you dont see seem?

[@jumabujjumabuj7853]

Hi Mr. Je, I just wounded why you did this after all the excellent work in the rest of the kitchen? It would be great if you finish the work with a granite or marble countertop.

[@zubalea]

In my area, it was an extra $4k to get granite or marble over laminate. On my budget it was an easy decision.

[@surindersingh-bc6vd]

Amazing and beautiful work

[@conejoyconejamillan3340]

Gracias por su video.👍🏽👍🏽

[@reggiec9102]

19RioR93 is absolutely correct for many reasons. Also, don't wear sandals in the workshop!

[@Adventuresoffirefly]

Wondering why you didn’t tape the laminate?

[@youtubier2839]

nice work!

[@youtubeuploads7208]

WOW- it looks BEAUTIFUL!! GREAT JOB! I would HIRE YOU TO DO MINE - which I am looking at options!!! Wish I could do this myself!

[@johnw4748]

Good artist❤

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Hi there nice video I am about to make a formica desk with birch ply can I ask you something please? How long do you have to wait until you route the edges? Also is the whole process quite easy- what worries me is , is air bubbles . thanks in advance sir

[@gsbajwa67]

Good job mate. Where can i buy laminate sheets from. Cause i can only find self adhesive ones only. Plz

[@YoungJe]

www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=laminate%20sheets%20milano

[@BoukeNagel]

You are an absolute master, I love to look at what you make. So beautiful and perfect. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@68enxy]

wonderful job. You guys are so talented. Do you make house calls? Ha Ha

[@robertvdvelde]

which glue did you use?

[@lovetolearn2749]

Exactly what I needed!! Thank you!!! Very helpful!! :))

[@hayleametcalf1247]

What color laminate is that? Its gorgeous!

[@samoanSAIYAN]

Shuchs thanks. 🤒lol

[@MlleVB]

What kind of adhesive do u use?

[@emilylindstrom724]

He put a link in the description to the contact cement

[@MlleVB]

Thanks for the info. Is contact cement any better than common pva glue for laminate?

[@Musoyu-db2qs]

역시 최고 작품 이시네요. 👍

[@YoungJe]

감사합니다

[@darwingeneta1767]

What router bit did you used to trimmed the laminate sir?

[@YoungJe]

www.homedepot.com/p/DIABLO-1-4-in-Flush-Trimming-Bit-DR42106/204073449

[@garcia678]

GRACIAS POR EL VÍDEO Y APORTE, EXCELENTE TRABAJO....

[@rocknral]

No cabinetmaker puts the top laminate on first. Do the edges. Then the top.

[@davidboucher8478]

Lol ..poor mom

[@davidboucher8478]

Wow can't believe some will think this is how to work with lam..

[@davidboucher8478]

Call a cabinet man!!!!

[@gregwickline1925]

Yup… ALWAYS put the edges on first.

[@davidboucher8478]

Yup for shure ...😢

[@2sansamify]

오~베테랑 이십니다! 호마이카원판 붙이시네요 한국에서는 어디서 파는지몰라 못사는데...영어로 나미네이트 인가요?

[@YoungJe]

네, 그렇습니다

[@rolliekelly6783]

Now I know what you have been doing in your "spare time"!!!

[@docs3391]

thank you

[@jacobforall62]

Es mejor primero colocar los laterales así evitan que se despegue y además queda tapado el corte

[@GWAIHIRKV]

Truly DIY.

[@Akifastore]

What is your country?

[@eddiemacias196101]

No entiendo! Se supone que es una demo profesional y hay muchos errores! Pero lo mas básico es que primero se pegan las orillas y despues la cubierta por muchas razones pero la mas importante es que esteticamente luce mejor el acabado y si hay que reparar obviamente es super facil remplazar la orilla ademas es mas durarera porque existen mas riesgos a el efecto de agua! Tampoco entiendo porque hay que caminar sobre la cubierta dañando tu propio trabajo sin comentar el uso de sandalias y puedo seguir mencionando muchos puntos mas por ejemplo porque cortar con sierra manual cuando cuentas con la sierra de banco? Tus cortes serían precisos y rapidos ,no necesitas usar cinta para cortar con el router solamente aplica un poco de aceite y pum! Le doy un 6 para no reprobar al amigo!

[@raider6511]

Why make a 45 with sharp corners when a rounded end would be a little better to run into. ;) But I like it anyway.

[@travise9564]

Don’t run into it!

[@BensWorkshop]

Interesting. Many thanks.

[@death780]

Обычно линолеум режется ножом, а пила ещё и может забиться ПВХ и как результат без чистки в дальнейшем будет пилить хуже.

[@ХорощоВячеслав]

а где Вы, позвольте, там линолеум увидели?

[@death780]

@@ХорощоВячеслав я из тех, кто любой ПВХ ассоциирует с ленолеумом, а ПЭТ с полиэтиленом.

[@thelemonjokekid5228]

Those edges should be chipping and delaminating soon, never put edging on last

[@rodolfomiguelserra]

El trabajo es bueno, el material (MDF ) pésimo. Hay que entender que se trata de un presupuesto bien bajo.

[@vonito7408]

Good amigo you 😎

[@iancoulston6452]

Safety slippers 😄👍.

[@和也塚本-m1y]

👍👍👍

[@bobbigrant9158]

I'm used to larger, corded routers kzbin.infoUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z so this was a different experience for me. Basically, this is an incredibly sweet machine, fits well in the hand, etc. It has slightly less power than I'm used to, but that's understandable. Maneuvering freehand takes some practice. These days, it's especially nice to be able to avoid power cords. This is above the level of a hobbyist but below a pro level.

[@АнтонСергеевич-м4о]

Был бы перевод по Русски было бы замечательно!

[@TFPadmin]

Just say NO to laminate countertops. You have so many mad skills to create something much better.

[@TFPadmin]

@Papa Grizz Haven't you been watching his videos? He could have made a butcher block countertop, live edge slab, stained concrete, even formed a metal countertop. Young Je has more than enough skills for any of those. Laminate countertops are so BLEHH, it's disappointing after putting so much into the other finishes.

[@Solarneutrinostar]

Resin countertop

[@19RioR93]

Flop it on you table and over cut bit with router.

[@MrGeroth]

Awesome

[@johnr5545]

God bless

[@marcelo403polo2]

Typically I like your projects mr Young, but sorry you screwed this one up. I am cabinet maker by trade. Also I am making laminate tops in occasions. First problem is you should do self edge first and then laminate top overlapping it. This way no water or any dirt etc will never get there to separate edge from top. Also there was no point doing laminate backsplash when you tiled it anyway. Looks let's say weird imo. Just tiles would look better. Anyway because I like most of yours videos I'm not leaving thumb down Good luck next time will be better

[@TheAnalogKid2]

oh man, what a disaster. edge first. back splash, not a big deal.

[@John8g]

I worked in a commercial cabinet shop and we also always did the edge first, In a high moisture area, such as a kitchen, it can make a difference. Why waste effort doing it again if you don't have to? As for the back splash, it comes down to personal preference. Overall, as usual, great work.

[@marcelo403polo2]

@@John8g Yep. what I said. In my opinion... If you tile backsplash, go full hight. If you don't tile, then 4" laminate.

[@248612]

Always do edges first, you won't see the dark edge of the laminate backing when looking down especially on lighter colors.

[@clutch5sp989]

Poor guy looks like he needs a few cheese burgers.

[@johnyeary6541]

Edges first everyone. This is just common sense

[@montamang837]

Learn from mistakes

[@phamtuananh883]

it's just beautiful at first, water will ruin this product

[@khalekhald4632]

No

[@oscareol]

with this video I know what not to do hahaha

[@maximecoulombe6125]

This method is just unefficient and you must cover the edge with your top to avoid water infiltration specialy if you use basic contact cement product like this. Making 1 countertop from A to Z should take around 40 min assuming a basic rectangular shape and 3 edges. Efficiency is the key, movement and work space.