How To Install Laminate Countertops DIY & SAVE!

[@txbiker15]

I've been showering KZbin for laminate installation videos and this is by far the best. 🎉

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you!

[@br0wnskiin22]

I am very confident I can do this !! I am doing this in our basement to apartment conversion! I was just at Lowe’s and took pictures of the same counter tops and found you on here ! Thank you ! You are a great teacher !!!!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks so much! I have complete confidence in you. Remember, if I can do it, you can do it! 😁

[@ourwarnerfamily]

THANK YOU for taking the time to make this video. You're tips about sanding to close gaps and measuring have saved me so much time and money. I've watched 3 times, taken notes, and shared with my husband. Truly THANK YOU.

[@LongshotGarage]

You're welcome, glad I could help!

[@Bill__Jr]

Great video! Your content is loaded with techniques that help the first timer. Your camera shots and editing, along with your commentary all work together. Nice work.

[@LongshotGarage]

Awesome, thank you!

[@chuck_howard]

I was going to hire out my countertop to a pro, but with your video as a reference I did it myself. It was not easy but it was also not as difficult as I thought it would be. Thanks.

[@LongshotGarage]

That's awesome, glad I could help!

[@funnyfarmdad9997]

Great video!! I’m going to be installing laminate countertops from Home Depot soon. It been almost two decades since I installed laminate countertops and I needed a refresher.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks! 😁

[@RKownack]

This is an excellent video for a DYI formica countertop installation. Thanks for including some improv steps you had to come up with to make it work. Some of the pro install videos usually do not include any of this since they have the skill and tools that most DYI folks do not have.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks so much! I try to approach all my videos as a DIYer. Sometimes we have to improvise to make it happen and I think that's part of the fun!

[@Optimist_Insan]

Looks great! I never took laminate countertops that seriously but now I see there are so many options in stores that look very nice and durable. I will definitely use that in my vacation home project. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks, glad I could help! 😁

[@Fredenburg80]

Absolutely great informative video! I'm installing cabinets in a section of my kitchen & i was going to hire someone to install the laminate countertops but you've given me the confidence to do it myself!

[@LongshotGarage]

Awesome, glad I could help! 😁

[@Jared7873]

Your situation was almost identical to mine. I learned so much from this, and the potential pitfalls to avoid. The OSB brace was a great idea! I only learned about the 3/4" extra pieces when I couldn't open my cabinet drawers. Good to see how they're put in. I have gapitis but now I might try shaving the back. I haven't glued yet, or cut off the extra.

[@WelcmeTo1984]

It's crazy that they don't provide a template and tell you to "trace it". Some people might trace the entire sink, and when they drop it in, it will just fall straight through. You did a great job!

[@LongshotGarage]

Right? 🤣 Anything to save a buck I guess. Pro tip, always check any provided templates -- the one that came with my microwave was way off and I had to drill a second set of bolt holes in my new cabinets. 😳

[@joshd108]

Last sink hole I cut in laminate the edge of my small cordless skillsaw was perfect spacing pressed against the back splash.

[@LongshotGarage]

That's what I was hoping for with this job, but no such luck.

[@CherylMarkland-z6h]

I love that counter top .

[@luisbarillas295]

I just subscribed to your channel. I have been working with my brothers for almost one year doing all types of home remodeling, but sometimes there are projects I have no clue how to do it, and they go by their little experience. I rather to 'INVEST' enough time watching videos just like yours. A lot of questions were answered while watching you, and with the mistakes we made, now I could say there is a better and more professional way to do this. Thank you so much. You took the time to explain enough and the quality of the video, the sound both are excellent. I will be waiting for more content like this, and thank you for sharing it with all of us. sincerely,' Luis Barillas from Rockledge(close to Cape Canaveral), FL

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you so much for the kind words! More to come soon...

[@glennj3]

Very helpful. Kept this video up on the screen the whole time I installed my countertop. Thanks for the help!

[@LongshotGarage]

@glennj3 Thanks, glad I could help! 😁

[@deniswauchope3788]

Well done, looks great, I'm going to do the same exact thing- but I've got an advantage: no corner to match up, my countertop is one straight piece. Thanks for a great video!

[@douggauzy6258]

I think it looks really nice . Clean. And You paid attention to details . I think I can do it . I would go really slow . I am glad you showed how to cut the ends by making a fence .

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks! If I can do it, you can do it! 😁

[@terryswails1191]

Thanks man, you're a good DIY teacher.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you so much!

[@keithgourley2198]

Thank you for an excellent video with superb commentary. After watching your video about 5 times, I think I have the courage to install my countertop which appears to be identical to yours so wish me luck! I appreciate your making this video as it was exactly what I was looking for to help me along on my project.

[@LongshotGarage]

Good luck, you can do it! This is awesome to hear and I really appreciate the great comment.

[@nellielee2915]

It really came out beautiful I didn't know about laminate countertops, I'm glad i came across your video.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@JAM-zb2vh]

Hello, I have been wanting to do this in are kitchen the countertops are ugly. it is nice outside so yes I'm going to tear everything out the go shopping. this is the best video on this that I have seen thank you and God bless you and all the family.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you!

[@berto8096]

He said "you can't complain, but I will anyway" lol. . . . Great video. It looks awesome. I will be doing the same in a couple of days! Wish me luck

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks and good luck... you can do it!

[@meadowmade]

Not only was your video surprisingly funny it was really helpful for us. We have a barrel cabinet in the corner so it was really helpful for us to see how you join the two sections with a bolt kit.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you so much! 😁Glad I could help!

[@conleygiles]

Great video and tips! Glad I watched it, you have saved me a lot of time and concern. Cheers!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks so much! Glad I could help!

[@Moguiman]

Nice job! I'm getting ready to do the same install, this helped immensely!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@4drvette95]

I'm takling my kitchen this weekend, I like the bracing the cut for the sink, I wasn't sure what I was going to do until now. Thanks for the pointers 👍

[@LongshotGarage]

That's awesome to hear, glad I could help!

[@lrparrish227]

Exactly what I am going to do. Your video was the perfect thing I needed. Thanks so much for sharing Love it!

[@LongshotGarage]

That's awesome, THANKS!

[@WayneWymore]

Best one I found! Great Job!!😊

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@steveo12491]

I have been looking at upgrading my laminate countertops! I have some kind of orange/brown laminate and its gross with the freshly painted blue cabinets. I was hesitant to start this project, but with this very informative video, I shall venture forth! Thanks so much!

[@LongshotGarage]

Awesome! Remember, if I can do it, you can do it! 😁

[@piapadmore430]

Woah!! Great work! I was holding my breath while you cut the hole for the sink…turned out very pretty! I love laminate too! Very durable, and so pretty!💥👌🏻 My husband and I are starting this project next week. We picked out same exact cabinetry; but different laminate. Mine looks like marble. I will have him watch your vids too❤ Thanks for doing them😊

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you so much! I totally wanted the marble look laminate too, but every piece I found had rough edges from being moved around too much. I went to three different Lowe's locations in my area and finally settled on the grey. Of course now they are fully-stocked with fresh white marble! 😂 Please send a pic when you are done, I would love to see how that combo looks. And just in case you didn't' see it, I have a video on installing those cabinets. Thanks again!

[@jfinaz99]

Excellent video, walks me thru it all to set expectations, thanks for sharing this. 👍👍

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you!

[@ivobiancucci4528]

Excellent now I have another item added to the to-do list

[@jnet59]

Thanks!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you so much @jnet59, this is my first ever Super Thanks! 😁

[@jimjensen1414]

looks good, THANKS, I am in process of starting this job, NOW !!!!

[@LongshotGarage]

Glad I could help, good luck on the project! 😁

[@cleo1034]

Great job! Yes, I can do it too. Personal preference: I want counter-space on both sides of a stove.

[@LongshotGarage]

I agree. I left the cabinet info for the new owner so hopefully they could add cabs if they wanted. There would only be room for a narrow cabinet on the other side of the stove as there is a sliding glass door there.

[@beckytobey2984]

Great video. I'll be cutting my new countertop, securing and cutting sink hole today. (So I say)

[@LongshotGarage]

That's awesome -- good luck! Let me know how it goes.

[@uwoodc]

Nice job. Loved some of your simple, common-sense, techniques to getting the job done. I have a much simpler job and wanted to know how to attach to the base cabinets and finish the edge.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@pamelaramos7777]

Awesome video! We are using the laminate countertops from Lowe’s in our upcoming kitchen project. Thanks for all of tips and tricks.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you! Let me know how they turn out.

[@Just_a_beaver]

So when you shaved that piece on the back to close the gaps did you remove the laminate and reattach??

[@LongshotGarage]

No, there's no getting that laminate off once it's glued to the particle board! I used belt sander to shave both the particle board and the laminate together.

[@paulgautier4483]

Wow! Looks good. Ty for making this video.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@bozersgal]

great job! You're a handy dude to have around!!!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you! 😁

[@annashepard6337]

How would you modify it if you have an L shaped counter with the base of the L wider and not against a wall because it extends creating a small bar top edge for stools? Everything in stock that I've seen isn't wide enough to accommodate the width of the bar top.

[@LongshotGarage]

To the best of my knowledge you can't do that with pre-made countertops like I used. At least I've never seen any wider than this . You can always have custom-made laminate countertops to suit your needs.

[@shellyeddy6903]

A standard practice at the home manufacturer my brother in law worked at was to seal the raw cut edge of the inside rim of the sink cut out with silicone.

[@LongshotGarage]

That's actually a great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@jeffhogueison1656]

I learned some new tips! Thanks

[@LongshotGarage]

Glad to hear it!

[@myvtec79]

Just found your channel and you did a great job my man👍😁you earned a new sub

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks so much!

[@rogerholappa3669]

I put new formica countertops in a house I had for sale. I had a person cancel their contract on the house when they found out that the countertops were not granite. The countertops looked like granite.

[@LongshotGarage]

It's a bummer how people look down on laminate. I really think it's a solid choice and I actually prefer it.

[@missylearned9821]

I think people are programmed to look down on laminate thanks to HGTV and all the other DIY/Decorator channels and shows. After having laminate, butcher block, and granite counter tops, I will put laminate in any kitchen I redo. I didn’t worry about the laminate the way I did the other 2.

[@joshmarauder]

Laminate is out of style i rip 2-3 kitchens out a week and replace with quartz or granite

[@ColtraneAndRain]

​@@joshmarauder Laminate is fine for a rental house.

[@joshmarauder]

@@ColtraneAndRain yes i agree for a rental yes

[@hemmingmark]

They look good, and are unbelievable affordable! Thx for the great video and awesome slide guitar!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you! 😁 I do love me some slide guitar! 🎸🎸🤣

[@lesliesmith4490]

Awesome videos my dude ! Just bought a house this is great and very helpful

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks and Congratulations!

[@carltrummer9103]

Thank you very much. Have a great day.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you! 😁

[@snowy800123]

Nice job explaining sir.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you!

[@anthonygoines1466]

Great instructions thank you

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@CBBC435]

I would have sealed the raw edges of the particle board, both sides, at the countertop miter. Think of it like sealing end grain on wood. Seal it with silicone or at least the latex acrylic caulk. That way that long corner miter of particle board won't swell under the laminate if water gets into the miter.

[@bda2696]

This was a great video sir and your entertaining. You did not mention what type of silicone you used under the sink?

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you! On a stainless steel sink (or any sink/wet area) you want to use 100% pure silicone caulk, NOT latex.

[@gemini022]

Thanks for this video I want new countertops but over 3k for quartz. I’m just worried about staining

[@LongshotGarage]

I'm pretty confident that laminate is a great countertop choice as far as actual use goes. And I'm pretty sure it's fairly if not very stain resistant, but not 100%. If you are concerned, I would just do a little Google research and that might help make the choice easier.

[@gemini022]

@@LongshotGarage thank you

[@h.g.363]

Im about to whip this up right quick 🤔

[@ignaciore3713]

Great video and you are a great teacher. Gave me confidence to do it myself. Editing awesome. Question on placing the two laminates together. Was it a tight connection? Did it have a grove? Did you add anything to seal it? Are you able to see a line where they connect?

[@LongshotGarage]

@ignaciore3713 Thanks! Yes, the two halfs were perfectly tight together and held that way by wood glue and special hardware underneath. The final result was a pretty perfect flat joint that even my realtor commented on.

[@cdb989]

Very nice work looks awesome

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you!

[@philipmorris57]

Good job my man but over here in blighty ,we would absolutely use silicone to seal worktop as caulk wouldn't last long if it got wet alot when washing up etc, now that you don't have a dishwasher 😮😂❤❤❤

[@LongshotGarage]

What kind of wild parties are you having in your kitchen?!? 😳🤣 I could see pure silicone being a good idea in this situation, it's just so much harder to work with. I've had good luck with the Alex Plus caulk so far. To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the shorty backsplash and prefer some sort of tile all the way up the wall when the budget permits. Thanks for the comment!

[@erictate9891]

TORKER shirt. I'm an old BMX guy from the early to mid 80's that raced a Torker.

[@LongshotGarage]

Rad! Torker is my jam and I've collected several over the years. My first one was a 1977 MX. Check it out in one of my earlier videos on how to turn your garage into a photo studio for your bike.

[@lldesignco]

Looks amazing!

[@jaedarzadon]

I used to know this guy that looked just like you! Car magazine dude. Nice kitchen work.

[@LongshotGarage]

Dude, I know who you are talking about -- he's awesome! 🤣

[@MadamePele-dr6yh]

Love laminate better than stone! Beautiful job!!!

[@LongshotGarage]

Honestly, me too! It's cheaper and I can do it myself! 🤣

[@rw-xf4cb]

Come on Burnt Orange and Lime Green laminate bench tops are timeless!

[@LongshotGarage]

As someone from the '70s, I can not argue with you on this one! 🤣

[@kurtnicholls1786]

I don't see any countertop support boards in the corner behind the lazy Susan. Did you install them? If so, how did you screw down the countertop behind the lazy Susan? I have the same cabinets and am getting ready to install the countertop. Your video really helped me prepare. Thank you.

[@LongshotGarage]

You're welcome, glad I could help! I installed some 3/4 inch mdf on top of the lazy Susan, like I did on top of the other cabinets to space up/support the countertop. I didn't attach anything to the wall itself below the countertop behind the lazy Susan. but your comment got me thinking it wouldn't hurt To add something, just below the back edge of the countertop, to the wall that would support the very back of the lazy Susan. Granted, as I remember there was only one stud I probably could have attached to. If you have space I suggest trying to add something -- better too much support than not enough! Good luck!

[@johnhaley6284]

Great video!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@leeroach3381]

Very helpful Thank you for sharing

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you!

[@Ballinonabudget777]

I messed up my when it was time to cut the sink but it’s ok I can fix it just a little gash damn sure looks better the the counter i had at first so I’ll get it right next time I’m still happy I saved money, and changed out a water damaged cabinet

[@LongshotGarage]

Little issues are gonna happen, that's just part of it. Glad you got the job done and saved some cash!

[@mkia7350]

Wish you would have shown the complete cut. Did you have a second person hold the waste piece? How do you finish the backsplash part??

[@LongshotGarage]

You're right, I should have. Sadly, I always work alone, I reposition the sawhorse so that the piece wouldn't fall. I actually did use the circular saw to cut the last small bits at each end, taking my time, and being very careful.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

It’s good to see you again, my friend.

[@LongshotGarage]

It IS good to see me, isn't it?!? It's been too long Carlos, maybe it's time for an AZ Strobist reunion!

[@CarlosBenjamin]

@@LongshotGarage It would have to be when I’m in AZ… unless you wanna have an AZ Strobists reunion in Kansas.

[@robertthomas6043]

Im curious on the sink cut out. Since there isnt alot of space to get a jigsaw or circular saw back there, I wonder if predrilling the holes then cutting the backside near the faucet underneath first? Is that possible?

[@LongshotGarage]

Absolutely, you could do that. I feel you would have to install the countertop to make sure you get the holes aligned perfectly before you cut. Then you would have to remove the countertop, flip it over, cut that hole and hope you don't damage anything in the process of removing and reinstalling the countertop. There's always more than one way to get these jobs done!

[@artkyger3425]

Definitely doing laminate. Not gonna pay $80 square foot for granite

[@LongshotGarage]

Right!?! 😂

[@dmonteiro1788]

Beautiful job! I have a formica (from the 70's) countertop in bathroom....Is there anywhere that you know of to buy the chrome strips that would cover the seam where the wall tiles meet the counter? Is this considered "vintage" now? The strip I have in the upstairs bathroom is 1/4" against the tile and angles out a bit on to countertop 1/2"....so kinda like an upside down V...thoughts/ideas would be appreciated! Thanks, Deb :)

[@LongshotGarage]

I do know what you are talking about but sadly I have no idea where to get that or how to install it. Any luck finding videos elsewhere on KZbin?

[@dmonteiro1788]

So I searched google and found it (?) on Home Depot site. T-cove inside corner profile edging trim.....let's see...I'll ;et you know how it works out! Thanks for your response and looking forward to more of your videos :)

[@ClearWater7.62]

Man you did well with the router, i would be afraid to hit the countertop

[@LongshotGarage]

@@ClearWater7.62 Thanks! I'm not gonna lie, it was a little nerve wracking! 🤣 I just took my time and it was all good!

[@ClearWater7.62]

@LongshotGarage you did it like you had guide a though haha. Nice job!

[@LongshotGarage]

@@ClearWater7.62 I did if you count the ball bearing at the end of the bit. 😁

[@ClaudetteStoles-sq6cs]

Great work

[@LongshotGarage]

THANKS!

[@paulstephens9274]

Dude adding that particle board strip is a simple 1 minute detail

[@LongshotGarage]

I can't even imagine not doing that now.

[@roberttrimble9712]

so... how did you cut the holes underneath for your miter clamps? That's the hardest part...

[@LongshotGarage]

I didn't, those are factory. 😁For a simple install like this it's way easier to trim the square edges. If I had to cut those I would use a router and a jig.

[@CinderellaRein]

Looks good, but 2 things that would make it better. Dishwasher and add a piece of molding to your top cabinets so there is no grease and dust trap to clean. Nice looking kitchen for the price

[@LongshotGarage]

I do agree, keeping the dishwasher would have been better, but sacrifices had to be made! 🤣 I also did consider some kind of molding for the top of the upper cabinets and was even considering making a drywall box up there. I'm curious what the new owners will do.

[@mikeseitz2792]

Nice job thank you!!

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@MrROCKRUSHMORE]

My kind of mechanic Brother.

[@Divine1003]

I like clean cuts and I cannot lie😂😂😂

[@LongshotGarage]

You other builders can't deny!

[@CBBC435]

Nice job.

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@wannarewind]

Great video

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@dmrocha86]

Great video. Thanks for the help

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@Ayyyyyyyyuuuu]

Yogesh very nice and good job job

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks!

[@mountainlife6614]

Thanks for the help !!! Wish me Luck

[@LongshotGarage]

No problem and GOOD LUCK! Remember... If I can do it, you can do it!

[@kcsunday8151]

Look as great!

[@christinan7183]

Looks good for cheap

[@christinan7183]

Great job thanks for sharing

[@pedropereira8924]

Thanks for sharing

[@LongshotGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@Joetime90]

Nothing wrong with laminate. Apparently you can adjust the bolts dor the split under the cabinets but the saw horses seemed to work. I'm small enough to fit under easily.

[@andielliott7721]

Wish I were brave enough to tackle this!

[@LongshotGarage]

I'm serious when I say at the end of all the videos, "If I can do it, you can do it!"

[@jamalismail9188]

Thank you for job done well

[@LongshotGarage]

Thank you!

[@LoneStarAcre]

Hi what’s the name of this color? Thank you

[@LongshotGarage]

@@LoneStarAcre I honestly don't think I ever looked at the name I just grabbed the one I liked! 🤣 Try going to the Lowe's website and search "laminate countertop," and click on one. There will be five color choices. This might be White Bardiglio or Ouro Romano.

[@Moymoy-25]

@ 14:21 I like the shirt😂😂😂😂😂

[@LongshotGarage]

That's because you have excellent taste! 🤣 I got that at Lowe's around Christmas time.

[@ZPTV831]

Ma boy really wasnt thinking straight by this time 👉🏽 14:50 😂😂 he didnt really need to scrap it just tape over 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ lol it happens tho to all of use

[@LongshotGarage]

There's more than one to get any job done... I didn't want there to be any confusion on what line to cut, which is why I added the blue tap over the yellow tape at the end. Measure twice, cut once! 😁

[@robertorguez8148]

I like clean cuts and i cannot lie!😂

[@LongshotGarage]

You other builders can't deny!

[@patrickpreston8424]

The kits are made for their counters; why aren't the trim pieces a closer fit?

[@LongshotGarage]

It would be nearly impossible to glue the end pieces perfectly in place if they were exact. Installing, then trimming makes for a perfect fit everytime!

[@silverbulletsbc]

Who cut the 45 thY joins the 2? Lowes ?

[@LongshotGarage]

No way, I wouldn't trust Lowe's with that! Just kidding Lowe's, you're awesome, but that is a complicated cut. Each laminate section came cut from the factory to a perfect 45ﾟ angle with notches for the under-cabinet bolts.

[@mariatajes9054]

No hardware on the cabinets??

[@LongshotGarage]

Nope, I did that on purpose. This way the new homeowners can choose exactly what they want and it's an easy project!

[@wch4972]

Where to buy the laminate?

[@LongshotGarage]

I got this at Lowe's, but Home Depot sells it as well.

[@ryansmifh]

use an old school sponge when you caulk.

[@LongshotGarage]

What's an old school sponge?