Laminate countertops sheets are created by adding two or more layers of synthetic material together. The materials are covered by two layers of plastic and sealed together using pressure, heat or adhesives. This creates a durable surface that is easy to maintain, and allows manufacturers to create designs, colors and styles that can match almost any home decor. One of the disadvantages of using choosing this type of countertop is that once damaged it's almost impossible to repair. So taking the necessary precautions to avoid damage is key, here are a few of the most common ways to damage your issues and how to avoid them.
1. Using sharp or abrasive objects
Laminate sheets succeptable to marks and scratches; using wire brushes for cleaning or cutting produce directly on your kitchen surface are a few examples of objects that can cause damage. They can leave unsightly marks and scratches that cannot easily be repaired. When cleaning use a common washcloth and soap. For stains use safe household products and/or baking soda, the sheets are porous so the stains are not that deep and should be easy to clean. Experts do not recommend using bleach; excessive bleach can lead to damage. For cutting produce, simple use a cutting board this will eliminate the possibility of accidentally cutting or marking the surface.
2. Heat, avoid direct contact.
Placing extremely hot objects from your oven or stove can possibly damage your countertop. When cooking or working with other items that cause extreme heat remember to always place a heat resistant item between the kitchen surface and the object, a good example would be to place a pot holder down or to keep pots and pans on the oven.
3. Moving heavy objects
Heavy objects mixed with sudden impacts can chip edges, for example moving a microwave and accidentally dropping it onto your countertop can possibly cause chips in edges. Our recommendation when moving heavy items is to use care, place the items down slowly and with purpose or simply avoid contact at all.
While these tips seem like common sense they are extremely important, once a countertop has been damaged you either need to live with the imperfection or replace the laminate all together.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery,
These tips have been brought to you by the staff at Formica-Laminate.com, we provide consumers with information regarding plastic laminate countertops and other laminate products.
Maintaining Plastic Laminate Countertops
How To Install Laminate Countertops
So you've found the laminate that your looking for, the pattern, design, color and price have come together and your now ready to begin your home improvement project. The project will be lengthy but the end result will be rewarding. Whether your goal is to improve the aesthetic of you home or to increase the value home by enhancing your kitchen the project will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.
The first step is to prepare the surface area for the laminate sheets.
* Remove the old countertop surface
* Sand the surface area
* Clean the surface area
* Use course sandpaper on surface area to prepare for contact cement
* Apply any back laminating as needed, this will reduce moisture that will get into the countertop
Note*
Removing adhesives, paint and varnishes is key to getting the professional result your looking for.
The second step is to prepare the laminate sheets.
* Measure the surface area to determine the size and shape needed.
* We recommend using a utility knife or fine-tooth backsaw to cut out your laminate sheets. (You can also use a circular saw, backsaw or saber saw.)
a. Give yourself room for error a few centimeters to ensure the laminate fits, you can trim the sheets later to ensure you get the right fit.
b. Technique for cutting the sheets is to cut on the design side and at a low angle.
The third step is to set up the surface area and laminate sheets for placement.
Experts recommend using contact cement to bond laminate to your surface. (Epoxy adhesives will also work as a bonding agent.)
* Using a paintbrush apply a coat of contact cement to the surface you wish to apply the laminate to.
* Apply a smooth coat of contact cement onto the back of the laminate sheets.
* Read the directions on the contact cement for drying allow it to dry for the recommended time.
a. Be careful not to allow the cement to dry to long this can decrease the bonding strength.
b. A good rule of thumb is just that if the contact feels dry to the touch it is probably ready. Note* You may need an additional contact cement coat for the trim to the countertop edges.
The fourth step is placement of the laminate sheets onto the surface area.
This must be done very carefully. The bonding strength of contact cement is between 50-70% at first contact. So positioning the laminate sheets perfectly before they do contact is a must. You can do this by using strips of wood, dowel rods or wrapping paper.
* Place strips of wood or dowel rods roughly a foot apart adjust if laying a larger laminate sheet. Or place wrapping paper over the surface area. (This step is not needed when placing laminate sheets onto vertical surface.)
* Place laminate sheets onto surface area, once the placement is perfect then remove strips of wood, dowel rod or wrapping paper.
* Use a roller to go over the entire surface, make sure that the plastic laminate is sealed tightly to the surface area this will also help ensure any air pockets are removed. For this task you can also use a wooden block or mallet, it's recommended to start from the center and work out using these tools.
* If you need to make a seam place the larger laminate sheet over the smaller sheet. Cut through the sheets cleanly at the exact point that they overlap then remove the excess laminate.
The fifth step is placement of laminate sheets onto the edges.
* Measure edges and cut out laminate sheets accordingly. Remember to cut sheets out with a few extra centimeters to ensure they cover the surface you can trim and customize the sheets later.
* Apply two coats of contact cement onto surface edge.
* Apply one coat of contact cement on to plastic laminate strips.
* Allow the contact cement to dry for the recommended time provided by product instructions.
* Carefully place laminate sheets aligning the sheet perfectly to the top of the counters edge.
Go slowly and press firmly to ensure the sheet is sealed to the surface at all points.
The sixth and last step touch up and clean your new countertop.
* Allow the contact cement to fully dry.
* Trim off any excess laminate on the edges using a router with a special blade for laminate, you can use a file if the excess is small. Be careful and go slowly when cutting the excess laminate, a slight miscalculation could crack the laminate sheets.
* Clean any excess contact cement using a special solvent, if you do not have the solvent you can also use nail polish to remove it.
If you have any further questions regarding how to install laminate countertops please visit our site and http://www.installinglaminatecountertops.com Or visit our sister site pergo laminate flooring for laminate flooring information.
Before conducting any home improvement project you should check your city, county and state codes and always follow recommended and required safety precautions. This article is meant to be informative to consumers, before starting your home improvement project please consult a professional. Accordingly the author /publisher of this article are in no way liable for damages or injuries resulting from the use of this document.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery.
Laminate Installation for Countertops
The following instructions are intended to save you time, effort and money when it comes to installing plastic laminate or Formica on countertops.
Laminated plastics are available in many hardware and home improvement stores in a wide variety of colors, designs and patterns, and they have many applications, such as for countertops, tabletops and flooring among others. Sheets of laminated plastic are available both in dull or gloss finish, so you have a choice when preparing for a project. Laminated plastic is made from layers of paper that are injected with resin and bonded together under with a great deal of pressure and high temperature in order to form a strong, rigid sheet.
When preparing the surface- Laminated plastic sheets of 1/16” thickness are usually recommended when working on a flat surface. On vertical surfaces you should use 1/32” thickness sheets. Thoroughly sand and clean the surface where you plan to apply the plastic laminate, removing any paint, varnish, dirt or imperfections in the surface. Although many manufactured countertops utilize high-density particle board for their surfaces, regular particle board or plywood may be more ideal bases for plastic laminates.
When cutting laminated plastics- You can use a circular saw, saber saw, backsaw or utility knife to cut through plastic laminate. If you plan on using a saw, make sure that the saw blade is a fine-tooth blade. If you use a strip of masking tape along the cut line, it will help prevent chipping and make the line much easier to see while cutting. If you're using a power circular saw, or a table saw, cut on the back side of the laminate to prevent chipping. Cut at a low angle from the front side if you're using a hand saw to cut the laminated plastic. In order to allow for trimming, make sure to cut the sheet of laminated plastic slightly larger than what you will need. You may also consider using a straightedge or a steel square in order to create a smoother and even cut. You can use a utility knife to score the laminated plastic, then lift the shorter end and apply a slight pressure to snap the scored line. Make sure to choose the proper cutting implement based on the size of the job.
When Applying Laminated Plastics- You can usually use contact cement to apply laminated plastic. Epoxy adhesives can also be used but in general, contact cements are recommended. You should first roughen the surface using coarse grit sandpaper, but make sure to clean the sanding residue away with compressed air or a light brush to ensure that the surface is as clean as possible. Next, you will want to brush on the contact cement, applying it to both the counter surface and the back of the clean laminate sheet. After both surfaces have dried, you can lay the sheets of laminate down.
To finish Off the Job- Use a roller to apply pressure to the newly applied sheets of plastic laminate. Make sure to roll the entire surface thoroughly in order to eliminate any trapped air pockets, and to be sure that the plastic is attached firmly at all points. You can also use a wooden block and mallet in order to assure proper adhesion on the newly laid surface, by working out any trapped bubbles and pressing both contact cement layers together as much as possible. If there is any extra contact cement where it should not be, you can remove it with a special solvent, or with nail polish remover.
Want to learn more about Laminate Counter Tops?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.aboutcountertops.net/Articles/Laminate_Counter_Tops.php
What Is A Laminate Countertop
Laminate countertop material offers a highly decorative, strong and affordable option that is also easy to maintain. This material comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors that are sure to fit into any decorative theme that one might have. Since laminate countertops can be purchased ready-made or fabricated on-site, you are not bound with a lifelong decision when installing one. If you change your mind in the future, then a new pattern and color can be installed easily at a reasonable cost.
Laminate countertops are created from decorative paper that has been treated with resin and bonded together under high heat and pressure. This bonding process creates a strong moisture-resistant surface that is well suited for countertop applications. The laminate countertop also comes in different thickness to match the intended countertop application. Use the thickest variety of laminate for countertops that need to withstand high-impact usage. If you expect the countertop to be used as a decorative stain-resistant surface, a thin grade of laminate will suffice.
Cleaning a laminate countertop surface is fairly straightforward. For most stains, wiping the laminate surface with a damp cloth or a sponge with mild detergent will do the trick. Some stubborn stains will need a little scrubbing. Use a non-abrasive brush or pads to clean these stubborn stains as an abrasive scrubbing material could permanently dull and scratch the laminate countertop leaving it more susceptible to staining. Harsh chemical cleaning agents should also be avoided as they could damage the finish on the laminate countertop.
To help your laminate countertop last a long time, some care needs to be taken. Although the laminate surface is fairly strong, it can be scratched, chipped or cut. The edges are most vulnerable to chipping so keep this in mind when moving heavy objects on or around the laminate countertop. Always use a cutting board when using knives or sharp utensils on the laminate countertop to protect from scratches and cuts. The laminate countertop surface can also be scorched if high heat is applied onto it. To protect from heat damage, avoid placing hot pot and pans directly on the laminate countertop surface.
Want to learn more about Kitchen Counter Tops? Feel free to visit us at: http://www.aboutcountertops.net/Articles/Selecting_Purchasing_and_Installing_Your_Granite_Counter_Top.php
Should You Replace Your Countertops When Remodeling Your Kitchen?
Did you just decide to remodel your kitchen? If so, what exactly do you want to be remodeled in your kitchen? Most homeowners only want to have a specific area of their kitchen remodeled, some want everything remodeled. If you only want to upgrade an area of your kitchen or if you would want a totally changed kitchen, then you should be looking for a new kitchen countertop. If you are looking on buying a replacement countertop what kind are you trying to get?
When you decide its time for a new countertop, for your complete kitchen changing plan, there are so many things you need to bear in mind. The most important thing to remember is your kitchen cabinets. Kitchen countertops are always being placed ahead of cabinets or cupboards. If you are wanting to remodel your cabinets too then you should buy everything that you may possibly need when you purchase your new countertops. This will help you match your countertops better to your cabinets in the long run rather then having to go to the store multiple times.
The most important thing to keep in mind is, when looking for new countertops keep them in your price range. The most affordable of all countertops would most likely be the laminate countertops. Even though being the most affordable, most people think they are too plain. If you are not only wanting to change your kitchen looks, but enhance the style of it as well, you are probably looking for a whole new look. Most people want to replace their countertops with a fine wood or marble.
Even though it is probably most important to you to make it look nice and attractive, it is also very important to keep it in your price range. If you are changing the look of your whole kitchen, it might do you good to write down a list of things you may want to make budget. If you accidentally spend too much you will find it later on hard to remodel with no money.
If there is a possibility that you might already know what type of kitchen countertop you want to buy, you might not know when you see your options. If that happens then you should just start looking everywhere you can for your prefect countertop. Even if you look online or in a local home improvement store, you will most likely come across a few countertops you like, many with different colors and designs. I think browsing on the internet is the best way to gain ideas. In fact looking for countertops at multiple places is good to match prices, which is most important when remodeling your kitchen..
After you have bought the type of things you want to use for your kitchen countertops, whether they are laminate or fine marble, you will want to know how it is going to be installed in your kitchen. If you wanted to, you could seek assistance from a professional kitchen remodeling expert or a general contractor. Maybe you would want to install it yourself? With directions, you could install your new countertop faster then waiting on assistance, even if you don’t know how to put stuff together well. Every countertop and its pieces come with essential directions, but in case not you can always go out and buy a how to book about putting a new countertop in.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about kitchen remodeling as well as kitchen appliances at http://www.kitchenthingsplus.com
Installing Laminate Countertops-Worktops Formica Postformed
When installing your own laminate countertop/worktops, it is vital to be equipped with the right tools and the right detailed easy to follow information as you only get one chance to perform this task. If you are confident with using DIY tools, then you should be able to install your tops yourself using the methods described below.
Laminated tops usually have a rolled laminate front edge which is known as a postform. Postformed tops are by far the most common to buy as all DIY stores stock them. The lengths however do vary from different manufactures and different DIY stores.
The most common lengths are: 4.1m - (4100mm) most stores supply half board sizes too for this length at 2050mm. 3m - (3000mm) DIY stores mainly supply these lengths. Some stores will even cut them to the lengths that you require for a small fee.
You will have to take the board sizes into consideration so you know exactly how many lengths required. Firstly measure your kitchen walls, workout which way your joint is going to be cut into the corner and measure that length for one countertop, always allowing 100mm extra if possible. Repeat for all lengths of countertop.
If you are cutting the lengths yourself from full boards, you will need to place the length on two or more trestles/workmates to support it. Measure your desired length and mark ready for cutting, remembering to always measure twice. The saying in the profession is (Measure twice and cut once). You can use a traditional fine toothed saw for this or alternatively a jigsaw.
There are two ways that postformed countertops can be installed, each way giving you a different look and a different skill level to fit. The first, easiest way and less time consuming is to use the thin metal strips that you simply place over the joint to hide the cut. This way you simply butt the first top right into the corner and the second top butts straight up to the first tops front edge. Steer well clear of this method if you do not want to see the unsightly metal strip sticking proud on the joint. They are known to be unhygienic too as food and drink often gets trapped between the strip and the top which is very hard to remove.
The second way is to cut what is known as a butt and scribe joint. This will make the joint totally invisible and gives the top a nice flow all around your kitchen as there is nothing to breakdown the surface. This is the totally professional way to cut the joint. You will need what is called a countertop/worktop jig for this to enable you to cut one top into the other in the shape of a hockey stick. If you want your tops to look totally professional with no visible joints, then this is what you should be aiming to achieve. The jigs are very reasonably priced these days so don't let that put you off. If you like a challenge, you pay close attention to detail, want to achieve recognition, satisfaction and brownie points, then this way is for you.
For a Free detailed guide to help you choose the colours for your kitchen and countertops Simply click on the link to http://www.installing-kitchen-countertops.com
You will learn everything you need to know about installing your own countertops here. With detailed easy to follow information and photos from start to finish, you will not go wrong.
15 Ways To Update Your Kitchen Cheaply And Easily
Everyone knows that the kitchen is the heart of a home. As such, making your kitchen beautiful needs to be a top priority. Believe it or not, this does not need to be an expensive or difficult proposition. Take a look at the following tips that can change your kitchen from dreary to dreamy!
1. Be bold and use more than one stain on kitchen cabinets. When you look at designer kitchens in magazines, you will often see a lighter stain on top cabinets and a much darker stain on the lower ones. You can also add a third stain between the two for drawers.
2. Completely change the cabinet doors. Most people consider paint or stain, but what about fabric or tin? Cut out the center of some of your cabinet doors, leaving a frame. Inside the frame you can staple any fabric to add pizzazz to your kitchen. If you want an old timey country look, you can replace the fabric with tin. To really jazz up this look, punch holes in the tin in a simple Pennsylvania Dutch pattern. The best thing about this update is that you can change the centers easily. In fact, some people have different inserts for the seasons and holidays!
3. Another way to change the cabinet door is incorporate glass etchings as the center panel. Although a bit more expensive than fabric, this simple change can lighten up a kitchen and give it a whole new look.
4. Eliminate the doors altogether. A great way to create some storage space in your kitchen is to take off the cabinet doors and put in glass shelving. This now becomes the spot to display your china, glassware, or other items.
5. Change the hardware. Creating a whole new look can be as easy as changing the knobs and pulls on your cabinets. Nowadays, knobs and handles come in every size, shape, and color imaginable.
6. Paint the room, but not with a paint roller! Try one of the newer techniques like sponging or stenciling to give your room an added flair.
7. Add a border, but don’t be conservative about it. Instead of adding a border at the ceiling, try adding a border at your waist level, at chair level, or even at eye level!
8. If the walls need a change, consider adding wallpaper instead of paint. Lively wallpaper can make a bold statement in a kitchen.
9. Update the backsplash. This can be done with a bit of tile, a new coat of paint, wallpaper, or even beadboard.
10. Don’t forget the windows! Something as simple as changing the window treatments can make your kitchen look completely different. Be sure to create window treatments that go with your style. For instance, ruffles and pull back ties look great with a country kitchen, while a sleek valiance will look better with a modern one.
11. Add a pot rack over an island. This is a great way to save space in a small kitchen while adding an interesting focal point.
12. Add a few new accessories. Try a new breadbox or towel rack. Consider adding a collection of something like jars, plates, plants, or even books. All of these add color and spice to your kitchen. You might even consider buying unfinished pieces and painting them yourself to add just the right color or theme.
13. Update your appliances without buying new ones. You can do this by updating the panels to your dishwasher, stove, or refrigerator to match your new color scheme or even your cabinet door color.
14. Change the countertop! Laminate countertops are the cheapest way to make a change. And with laminate tops, you can find every color under the sun. If you have a bit more to spend, you might want to consider solid surface tops, quartz, or granite. Although more expensive, they do last longer and are less likely to be damaged during regular use.
15. Another inexpensive way to make a countertop change is with tile. Tile is especially useful on secondary surfaces and can be used to add spots of color.
Redecorating your kitchen does not have to be difficult, nor does it have to be expensive. Consider any of these ideas or use them as a jumpstart to one of your own. Why accept dreary when you can have dreamy?
Teri B Clark is a professional writer and published author. Her most recent book, 301 Simple Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought, explains these tips in more detail and offers many, many others. To learn more about Teri's latest book, visit http://staging-your-home.blogspot.com or sign up for a free newsletter
How Much Will My Laminate Countertop Cost?
So you've decided to install a new laminate countertop in your kitchen. Whether your home improvement project is to increase the value of your home or to create the dream look you've always dreamed of, price is always a consideration. By choosing laminate for your countertop you're choosing durability, ease of maintenance and customized look and feel at an affordable cost.
Laminate sheets can range in price from $3 to $100 per linear foot based upon color, texture, manufacturer, design and location. First you must determine what type of laminate sheet you will choose for your countertop. You can then determine the material costs associated with your countertop.
Next determine the area of your countertop you will cover, one key point to this is to understand the difference between linear foot and a square foot. Countertop manufacturers build sheets that are customized to a depth of 24 inches the average depth of countertops. The average countertop is between 28-30 feet which means 28-30 linear feet if you measured by square foot your countertop would cover a 56-60 square feet. So measure the linear square feet of your countertop.
Now that you have your price per linear foot and total linear feet to be covered you can now determine your material costs.
[Price per linear foot * Total linear feet = Material Costs]
With your materials costs now known you must now make a decision, will you install the laminate countertop yourself or will you contract out the installation.
1. Costs associated with Installing the laminate countertop yourself
Tools & Supply Costs
Contact Cement ($50)
Wooden Mallet ($15)
Paint Brush w/roller ($8)
Power Sander ($30)
Work Gloves ($8)
Router ($95)
Router Special Grooving Disc ($19)
Sanding Block ($15)
Straight Edge ($17)
Utility Knife ($10)
Fine Toothed Hand Saw ($20)
Fine Toothed Back Saw ($20)
Power Saw ($50)
Power Saw Fine Toothed Blade ($15)
File ($10)
Sandpaper ($5)
Total costs will be around ($387.00) for tools and supplies, please note prices may range based upon region, manufacturer or customized need. Prices listed are the median cost of five different items researched online.
2. Contracting out the installation
Common rates are $20-30 per linear square foot this may differ based upon the rate that you agree on with your contractor or any additional costs associated to supplies or tools needed for your installation. To get a budget range for the installation use the following to get a rough idea of costs associate with contracting out your laminate countertop project.
[$25 * Total linear feet = Labor Costs]
So now that we've determined your material costs, tools & supply costs and labor costs you can now get a better idea of the cost that will be associated with your countertop home improvement project.
If you need any assistance please visit us at how to install laminate countertops. It's our goal to provide customers the best possible information regarding their home improvement project.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery,
Laminate Countertops Offer Beauty And Affordability
Laminate counter tops are the most popular, enduring counter tops on the market for a whole lot of reasons. Offering beauty and versatility, these counter tops come with some ups and downs just like their more expensive counterparts. Still, these counter tops are enduring for a whole host of reasons.
Laminate counter tops are generally made using formed plastic, or laminate, for the visible surface. These counter tops are more readily known as Formica, but can go both other names, as well. They are a popular choice due to the versatility they offer in appearance and their relative affordability as compared with others counter top materials.
The advantages of laminates are many and they include:
* Form. Laminates are made by putting a sheet of plastic over a formed fiberboard base. The base material is shaped and cut into the design that's necessary for the surface and the laminate is used to provide the outer, attractive surface. Because of their style of design, laminates readily adapt to a number of different shapes.
* Cost. Laminate counter tops are considered the most affordable of counters on the market generally. Due to their design, they can come in all sorts of different colors and surface textures, too. They tend to be more versatile in appearance.
* Cleaning. Laminates are generally the easiest of counter tops to clean, as well. Typically mild cleansers or soft abrasives can handle almost anything that marks up or dirties a laminate counter top. For tougher stains, lemon juice and baking soda often do the trick better than harsh abrasives.
While laminate counter tops are the most common and popular counters on the market, they do have a few downfalls. Many of these, however, are shared with almost every counter top style available. The fact is counter tops take a beating during the course of everyday use.
The cons of laminates include:
* Scratches: Unlike granite that can typically be buffed out to remove scratches, laminate counter tops do not offer this property. When cuts go in, they tend to stay in. This can be avoided by using proper cutting boards and avoiding direct contact with sharp surfaces.
* Burns: Due to their plastic natures, laminates can and do burn and scorch. It can be virtually impossible to remove the damage once it's done, too. The best way to avoid this problem is to use hot plates and hot pads. Never set hot pots or pans directly on laminate counter tops.
* Seams: Unlike formed counter tops, laminates tend to show very visible seams not only where the counter tops come together, but also on the edges. The look, when well made, can be quite beautiful, but if a slack job has been done, it will be evident.
While laminate counter tops do have their down side, the reality is they are loaded with more perks than pitfalls. Laminates can and do stain, scratch and burn, but so do most other types of counters. With proper care, they can be a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom that needs flat surface work space.
Still looking for the perfect counter tops? Try visiting http://www.typesofcountertops.com - a website that specializes in providing counter top advice, tips and resources including information on laminate countertops.
How Much Will My Laminate Countertop Cost?
So you've decided to install a new laminate countertop in your kitchen. Whether your home improvement project is to increase the value of your home or to create the dream look you've always dreamed of, price is always a consideration. By choosing laminate for your countertop you're choosing durability, ease of maintenance and customized look and feel at an affordable cost.
Laminate sheets can range in price from $3 to $100 per linear foot based upon color, texture, manufacturer, design and location. First you must determine what type of laminate sheet you will choose for your countertop. You can then determine the material costs associated with your countertop.
Next determine the area of your countertop you will cover, one key point to this is to understand the difference between linear foot and a square foot. Countertop manufacturers build sheets that are customized to a depth of 24 inches the average depth of countertops. The average countertop is between 28-30 feet which means 28-30 linear feet if you measured by square foot your countertop would cover a 56-60 square feet. So measure the linear square feet of your countertop.
Now that you have your price per linear foot and total linear feet to be covered you can now determine your material costs.
[Price per linear foot * Total linear feet = Material Costs]
With your materials costs now known you must now make a decision, will you install the laminate countertop yourself or will you contract out the installation.
1. Costs associated with Installing the laminate countertop yourself
Tools & Supply Costs
Contact Cement ($50)
Wooden Mallet ($15)
Paint Brush w/roller ($8)
Power Sander ($30)
Work Gloves ($8)
Router ($95)
Router Special Grooving Disc ($19)
Sanding Block ($15)
Straight Edge ($17)
Utility Knife ($10)
Fine Toothed Hand Saw ($20)
Fine Toothed Back Saw ($20)
Power Saw ($50)
Power Saw Fine Toothed Blade ($15)
File ($10)
Sandpaper ($5)
Total costs will be around ($387.00) for tools and supplies, please note prices may range based upon region, manufacturer or customized need. Prices listed are the median cost of five different items researched online.
2. Contracting out the installation
Common rates are $20-30 per linear square foot this may differ based upon the rate that you agree on with your contractor or any additional costs associated to supplies or tools needed for your installation. To get a budget range for the installation use the following to get a rough idea of costs associate with contracting out your laminate countertop project.
[$25 * Total linear feet = Labor Costs]
So now that we've determined your material costs, tools & supply costs and labor costs you can now get a better idea of the cost that will be associated with your countertop home improvement project.
If you need any assistance please visit us at how to install laminate countertops. It's our goal to provide customers the best possible information regarding their home improvement project.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery,
Installing Laminate Countertops-Worktops Formica Postformed
When installing your own laminate countertop/worktops, it is vital to be equipped with the right tools and the right detailed easy to follow information as you only get one chance to perform this task. If you are confident with using DIY tools, then you should be able to install your tops yourself using the methods described below.
Laminated tops usually have a rolled laminate front edge which is known as a postform. Postformed tops are by far the most common to buy as all DIY stores stock them. The lengths however do vary from different manufactures and different DIY stores.
The most common lengths are: 4.1m - (4100mm) most stores supply half board sizes too for this length at 2050mm. 3m - (3000mm) DIY stores mainly supply these lengths. Some stores will even cut them to the lengths that you require for a small fee.
You will have to take the board sizes into consideration so you know exactly how many lengths required. Firstly measure your kitchen walls, workout which way your joint is going to be cut into the corner and measure that length for one countertop, always allowing 100mm extra if possible. Repeat for all lengths of countertop.
If you are cutting the lengths yourself from full boards, you will need to place the length on two or more trestles/workmates to support it. Measure your desired length and mark ready for cutting, remembering to always measure twice. The saying in the profession is (Measure twice and cut once). You can use a traditional fine toothed saw for this or alternatively a jigsaw.
There are two ways that postformed countertops can be installed, each way giving you a different look and a different skill level to fit. The first, easiest way and less time consuming is to use the thin metal strips that you simply place over the joint to hide the cut. This way you simply butt the first top right into the corner and the second top butts straight up to the first tops front edge. Steer well clear of this method if you do not want to see the unsightly metal strip sticking proud on the joint. They are known to be unhygienic too as food and drink often gets trapped between the strip and the top which is very hard to remove.
The second way is to cut what is known as a butt and scribe joint. This will make the joint totally invisible and gives the top a nice flow all around your kitchen as there is nothing to breakdown the surface. This is the totally professional way to cut the joint. You will need what is called a countertop/worktop jig for this to enable you to cut one top into the other in the shape of a hockey stick. If you want your tops to look totally professional with no visible joints, then this is what you should be aiming to achieve. The jigs are very reasonably priced these days so don't let that put you off. If you like a challenge, you pay close attention to detail, want to achieve recognition, satisfaction and brownie points, then this way is for you.
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