My wife and I are upgrading our kitchen and we happen to be doing almost exactly what is shown in the new Fine Homebuilding Kitchen & Baths issue under the heading “Cheapskate Kitchen”. The title is just about right for us.
My question is, how did he install the new laminate surface on the counter top without removing the counters? I have never worked with laminates before, but it seems like the counter would have to be off to run the router all the way to the edges of the countertop and get the beveled edge shown in the pictures (otherwise, won’t the wall get in the way). The article though makes it sound like he did the work without removing the countertop. Also, how do you install this type of wood edging? Does it go like this:
1) wood edging goes on first and flush with the old laminate top
2) new laminate gets glued on out over the top of the wood edging
3) run a router over countertop edge and cut wood and new laminate at same time
Any advice or suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks in advance,
Rex
Replies
I have not seen the fhb kitchen and bath issue you speak of but in general your right as to 1-2 and 3, the old laminate can be removed with a heat gun, the wood edge or self edge should be installed slightly higher than the counter top like a 32nd or so and then sand the back flush with counter other wise the edges will lift up, you can run your laminate trimer up as close to the wall as possible and finish up with a good rasp-file-sandpaper. not to good at explaining things hope this helps you some
I think you understand fine. Laminate trimmers, as stated, can cut durn near the wall, leaving you just a little touch up work with smooth files or paper. IF the existing laminate is tight all around, you can scuff that with something like 60 grit and lay directly over it. I also haven't seen the issue you mention, but you can lay your wood edging just a shade higher than flush and use the trimmer to square that perfectly to your top as well, which is a more reliable way of guaranteeing a good fit than your average eyeball. You can clean up any drips of contact adhesive with turpentine, and be careful if you're not experienced with laminate. Cut edges can cut you back. I had pretty shredded finger tips when I learned how to lay the stuff years ago, and I still get papercuts from time to time, mostly from feeling edges for sharp spots (duh!). And the cuts and turp don't mix real good, unless you're in need of a good wakeup.