Counters -cut out sink b-4 laminating?
I just fabricated new counter tops for a kitchen remodel. I got to thinking, and began to wonder if it made sense to make the cuts for the sink and cooktop before laminating or after laminating.
Any thoughts or recommendations?
Thanks.
Replies
I've never been brave enough to try and cut openings before laminating . I suppose it could be done well with enough preparation and care, but it sure seems your adding "possible problems" by attempting this. You could be creating spots for air bubbles to form undeneath the laminate as you are trying to roll it flat.
As a rule, all my laminate is installed oversized, with no cutouts. After the countertops are placed and the edges trimmed, I use a trim router to cut and round off the laminate edges. Cut out sink and other openings adn use router to round off edges.
You are talking about cutting the holes in the wood top, right?
Not in the plastic....
I do it all the time. One less worry about chipping the plastic when cutting the sink out.
Oh.....unless you are transporting the tops finished. Then you have to take extra care.
But no more than buying a preformed to with the sink already cut out.
I agree it is easiest to cut the tops out first before laminating. It's usually easier to run a laminate trimmer around the opening than a big bulky jig saw. Plus the trimmer will less likely mar up your top by vibrations.
J.ust A G.uy W.ith A H.ammer (formerly the guy called Bob)
Edited 8/13/2003 2:48:26 PM ET by JAGWAH
Always do them first. If there is a problem it's fixable and loosing a core is cheaper then loosing a finished top.
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Cut 90% of them prior to laminating for the same reasons given by everyone else who does so. Never had a problem and intend to continue to do so in the future.