Installing a laminate countertop can be completed yourself with a few tools. Follow these simple instructions to replace a countertop.
Remove the Sink
Shut off the water supply by turning off the water valve underneath the sink. Take out the bathroom sink. Remove any objects off the counter tops. Disconnect the faucet from the water lines by unscrewing the nut underneath the sink that attaches the sink to the waterlines and it will be near the top of the lines. Undo the sink from the drain line by unscrewing the nut that attaches to the bottom of the sink, called the sink basket, with a wrench. Unscrew the clips that connect the sink and take it out.
Take Off Old Laminate Countertop
Remove the old laminate with a heat gun and a 4 inch putty knife. Apply the heat and use the knife to lift up the edges. Do not get too close to the laminate or it could catch on fire. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case. Look under the sink to make sure the counter top is not held on by screws. If it is, unscrew with a screwdriver, according to www.selfhelpandmore.com.
Sand the Surface
Smooth out the plywood that was underneath the laminate with medium grit sand paper, until the surface is smooth. Attach the sand paper to a sanding block, so it is easier. Use a carpenter's level to make sure the area is even, according to www.selfhelpandmore.com.
Cut the Countertop with a Saw
Measure the space for the new laminate and use a saber or circular saw to cut the edge pieces.Apply contact cement to the edges of the counter top and to the back of the laminate pieces, according to www.selfhelpandmore.com.Push the laminate in place and use a trim router to make it fit flush. Cut the counter top pieces and leave a 1/2 inch of extra space. Add contact cement to the counter tops and back of the laminate. Set wooden dowels on top of the counter tops, perpendicular to the wall while the cement dries, according to www.selfhelpandmore.com.
Install the Countertops
Place the cement on top of the dowels after it has dried. Align the back edge of the laminate with the wall and pull the dowels out from underneath. Start in the middle of each piece and work towards one edge and to the other, pushing the laminate from the middle out, as you remove the dowels. Smooth out the surface with a 3 inch roller. Use a trim router to get rid of any excess material. Sand the edges if necessary, according to www.selfhelpandmore.com.
Tips for Replacing Countertops
- Make the hole for the sink after replacing the counter top. Cut a hole in the middle with the trim router and put in the sink.
- You may need to apply 2 or 3 coats of contact cement to make the laminate stick.
- A hammer and a utility knife can be used to take off the laminate counter top by gently pounding the knife with the hammer around the edges.
- Use laminated plastic sheets of 1/16" thickness for flat surfaces and laminated plastic of 1/32" thickness on vertical surfaces.
Dianne Christensen-Hermance - Dianne Christensen-Hermance is an accomplished journalist with more than 10 years experience writing news and feature articles for various ...
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