Laminate sheets are a great and inexpensive alternative to custom cabinets. Learn how you can create your own DIY Laminate Countertops with this tutorial!
My husband came up with the genius idea to use doors for my countertops. They were cheaper than buying wood pieces and they work really well. They were painted for a few years, but the wear and tear on them was driving me crazy. I knew I needed a different solution. I didn’t want anything too expensive because I paint and use glue guns and all that goodness. Also, I didn’t want anything permanent because this space is technically a dining room. If we ever had to sell the house, this office could either be a deterrent or a selling point. So, my husband said that Laminate sheets would work and they turned out GREAT!! It obviously takes some work, but with the right tools, you can learn to make DIY Laminate Countertops!
NOTE: This tutorial is going to show you how to apply the laminate sheets. It doesn’t show how to actually put the doors together. Go to THIS POST and read the last comment that I wrote. It explains a little bit about how to put the doors together. The countertop will need to be off the surface you’ll be placing it on, so if it’s already attached, take it off if you can. We had to remove ours before starting this project.
We had most the tools before we got started. So obviously, this was very inexpensive for us. Before you purchase all these tools, weigh the cost of DIY against custom Laminate Countertops. You’ll also need some knowledge of using power tools to make these and PLEASE be safe with them. Wear gloves and protective eye gear.
To Make these DIY Laminate Countertops, you’ll need:
- Countertops (obviously)
- Sander or Sanding Paper
- Laminate sheets (enough to cover the tops and sides- I ordered 2 of THIS LAMINATE)
- Contact Cement (we used every ounce of this can. You may want extra)
- Gloves (the cement is very sticky-use gloves you can throw away afterwards)
- Paint Roller
- Paint Roller Cover
- Trim Router
- Flush Trim Router Bit
- Long Handle J-Roller
- 1/4″ Dowels (for ever 12″ of countertop space)
- Circular Saw
There is a lot of waiting in between each piece, so make sure you plan for that. Please read these instructions before starting.
- Start off by Sanding the countertops with a Sander or Sanding Paper. Wipe the countertops clean.
- Measure your countertops and cut the Laminate sheets 1/2″ larger than the size of your countertops with the Circular Saw. Do this for the tops of the counters and also the sides.
- Start by applying the edges of the countertops first. Apply a light coat Contact Cement to the back of the laminate piece AND the edge of the countertop surface, then apply another light coat to each.
- Let Contact Cement dry for about 15 minutes (or according to instructions on the can), then CAREFULLY place the Laminate on the edge. Once it’s in place, it will stick, so make sure it’s aligned correctly.
- Using the J-Roller, apply pressure to the laminate surface.
- Repeat for each edge.
- When each side is dry and secure, router the excess laminate with the Trim Router.
- When you’re finished with that, start applying Contact Cement to the top of the countertop and the back of the laminate, just like you did with the edges. Make sure the cement is dry before doing the next step.
- Lining up the Laminate sheets to the top is a little trickier, so first, lay down the Dowels for every 12″ of countertop space.
- Next, lay the Laminate sheet on top of the Dowels. When it’s aligned, take away a dowel, one at a time, and smooth the countertop over the surface.
- Using the J-Roller, apply pressure to the laminate surface.
- When the top is dry and secure, router the excess laminate with the Trim Router.
- Next, lightly sand the edges.
These countertops look AMAZING. I seriuosly can’t believe it was a DIY project, or that it’s laminate. Laminate has come A LONG ways since the 80’s! Next week, I’m revealing the WHOLE home office, and I just CAN’T WAIT!!!!
If you liked this tutorial for DIY Laminate Countertops, check out these other DIY Home Decor Projects:
GIGANTIC Vinyl Wall Decal Tutorial
Danielle Kendra Jourdan Jenkins says
This is a Wonderful site!
Erin says
Thank you so much!