I am planning on making a countertop to be used in a kitchen. It will an “L” shape, about 4′ x 12′. I would like to make it using supplies from one of the big boxes. The plastic laminate that they have is only 4′ x 8′. If I need to make one of the sides 12′, can I just butt the two pieces together when contact cementing it to the particle board, or is that asking for water damage trouble? Keep the seam away from the sink area? What do manufacturers of countertops do in this situation, do they have larger material to start with? Thanks
Jim
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I would find a supplier that has 5x12 (largest pc. available) and use the drop for the splash's and nosing and some other top in the basement or garage. The time spent trying to make a good seam isn't worth the effort. If all they can get is 4x8's, you'd need two to do it and that's 64 sf. The 5x12 is 60. Less cost too. Best of luck.
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definatly try to get a 5x12....the big box store should be able to special order it ...if you do use 2 4X8s it is common to splice it at the center of the sink.... If you cut out the sink in the plywood base first then you can deal with two smaller splices one in front of the cut out and the other at the rear.... 2 4" splices are easier than 1 25" slpice..... remember to sand the edge of the splice as to put a slight bevel on the edge to ensure a tighter fit....Also do you know about using sticks under the laminate to hold the laminate off the plywood base while you line every thing up....then slide the sticks out as you work the laminate into place....
Contact some of the large laminate suppliers in your area. They will ship UPS and also charge you for a box. I don/t know where you are, but a company called "Louis and Company" has branches on the East and West Coast. There are a Formca Distributer. I believe they now sell to people without setting up an account and I think they take credit cards over the phone. My local Ace Hardware Store can special order it also.
I know that HD will special order the 5x12. It takes 6 weeks to get it in though. 1 Piece is the only way to go if you can.
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