This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for details.
After 10 or more years, it was time to replace my white laminate countertops with a new laminate. We decided to tackle this project ourselves and share with you the process and finished product.
Total Material Cost: less than $250
To remove the old countertop, we had to remove the faucet, sink, and back splash boards. Then there were some various screws that had to come out before it was officially an unattached laminate countertop.
It was heavy! We used a dolly to transport the old countertop over to my husband’s woodworking shop.
What had happened
The old countertop design had the laminate top butted up against a front edge of oak which left a seam. Over the years, there were places where the water had soaked into the wood and raised the old laminate. The arrows below show areas of water damage that need to be sanded level.
The project took about a week. And yes, that means I washed my dishes in the bathtub that week!
Prepping for new laminate
The edge around the sink had also deteriorated. My husband used oak boards to reinforce the sink well. All of the wood edge trim was sanded. The new laminate will go right to the front edge of the counter, sitting on top of the old laminate counter and front edging. Later, the oak edging will get a coat of stain and 2 coats of polyurethane.
The new piece of laminate was cut with a plunge router to be slightly larger than the countertop.
Attaching New Laminate
My husband used a 4 inch foam roller to apply the contact cement to the back of the new formica* and the top of the countertop.
Read the directions on the contact cement! Our contact cement had to dry for 20 minutes before you could set it. A coat of contact cement ALSO is applied on the old countertop surface. Once these two surfaces touch, they will be permanently adhered.
We used a dowel system to keep the surfaces separated until we were ready.
Starting from one end, the dowels were removed one by one. As they were removed, we pressed the new laminate down firmly from the center to the edges with our hands to make sure no air bubbles were trapped underneath. We also used a piece of board wrapped with a towel to press down on the surface.
Finishing Up
A block of wood allowed for a stable edge when he was trimming the laminate.
The oak edge trim was stained and polyurethaned. The sink and faucet were re-installed. The backsplash was re-attached. It took awhile to wiggle every thing back into place and secure it.
The pattern is Bubble Art in gray. It came out perfectly!
It is not easy to resurface a countertop but it can be done successfully. My husband had the tools he needed**. Although it took some time, this whole project was under $250 in materials and makes my kitchen look like a “million bucks.” Thanks, Honey!
© 2018 homeschoolchristianmom.com
*Formica is a brand of laminate that is used to cover counter surfaces.
** For a complete list of tools and supplies email me at goalacc7@gmail.com
Additional resources:
How to Install Laminate Countertops, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEgui5vszNw
Install Laminate Countertops, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d72UL4FZRoY
How to Install Laminate Countertops https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS3R4ldaPI4
If you liked this article you might also enjoy:
Why I recommend buying a Duplex.
- Let’s connect:Join me! Homeschool Christian Mom FREE Facebook group with tips on grading, scheduling and more!
Youtube: Homeschool Christian Mom These videos discuss homeschool scheduling, working with your Littles, thinking long term, and many other topics.
For additional home schooling support, work with me!
Alexa skills: Subscribe to Homeschool Christian Mom News
Twitter @hmschchristnmom
Do you need some extra homeschooling help? Use this link to get on my calendar and let’s chat! Move from being a hesitant homeschool mom to a happy homeschool family.
Beautiful!