How to Install a Laminate Kitchen Countertop - DIY Home Improvement Guides - How to Repair and Remodel your Bathroom, Kitchen and more

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Home Improvement > Kitchen > How to Install a Laminate Kitchen Countertop

Learn how to install a laminate kitchen countertop complete with a new stainless steel sink.

The homeowners' kitchen countertop is as old as their children, who are almost out of college. They want a new countertop and a new stainless steel sink to give their kitchen a little face-lift. They decide to use a pre-fabricated countertop for their do-it-yourself project.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

Step
1

Measure Countertop

Measure the countertop's length and width and select the laminate material for your new pre-fabricated countertop.

Step
2

Shut off Water Valves

Shut off the hot- and cold-water valves under the sink to turn off the water supply to the tap above.

Step
3

Confirm that Water Supply is off

Turn on each faucet to confirm that the water supply is off.

Step
4

Place Tray Under Piping

Put a tray under the piping beneath the sink to catch any residual water trapped in the water lines and drain as you disconnect them.

Step
5

Disconnect Water Lines

Disconnect the water lines, using open-end wrenches, letting any water run into the tray.

Step
6

Remove P-trap

Take the P-trap off the drain and dump the water out of it into the tray.

Step
7

Remove Screws and Blocks

Remove the screws and blocks that hold the countertop in place. Facilitate locating the screws by removing drawers and opening cabinet doors prior to looking on the underside of the countertop and base.

Step
8

Try to Lift Countertop

Try to lift the countertop. Caulking along the edge of the backsplash where it meets the wall may be holding it.

Step
9

Cut Along Caulking

Use a utility knife to cut carefully along the caulking at the edge of the backsplash without damaging the wallpaper or other decorative surface.

Step
10

Loosen Countertop

Slide a wide putty knife between the wall and the backsplash to protect the wall from damage while you lever against it with a pry bar to loosen the countertop.

Step
11

Remove Countertop

Remove the countertop and carry it outside for disposal.

Step
12

Confirm that Sink Cutout is Right Size

Bring in the new pre-fabricated countertop. In our project, the countertop came with the area for the sink partially cut out - that is not usual, so we will need to confirm that the cutout is the right size and shape for our new sink model.

Step
13

Cut Cardboard Sink Template

Cut the cardboard sink template from its packing box and place it over the cutout on the countertop. In our project, the cutout and sink fit well.

Step
14

Attach Temporary Clamps

Attach some temporary clamps to opposing corners of the cutout to hold it up while you finish sawing it out. Make the clamps by screwing some scrap lath strips into the top and bottom of the cutout - not into the countertop. These should overlap onto the countertop like a finger and thumb grasping the cutout.

Step
15

Finish Sawing out Cutout

Use a jigsaw to finish sawing out the cutout.

Step
16

Remove Clamps

Unscrew and remove the temporary clamps while someone grasps the cutout and discards it. (With very little work, a do-it-yourselfer can reshape and recycle the laminated cutout into a nice work surface of some kind.)

Step
17

Set Countertop in Place

Set the countertop in place and secure it to the cabinet base with wood screws.

Step
18

Apply Plumber's Putty

Apply plumber's putty to the perimeters of both drain cutouts, working from the upper side of the sink.

Step
19

Insert Sink Baskets

Insert both sink baskets and tighten them against the putty to make waterproof seals. Trim away any excess putty.

Step
20

Apply More Plumber's Putty

Apply more plumber's putty to the tap and faucet fixture and tighten them against the countertop to seal them again water. Clean off the excess.

Step
21

Re-attach Drainpipe and Waterlines

Re-attach the drainpipe and waterlines by applying pipe thread compound to the connecting threads and then tightening the compression nuts.

Step
22

Apply Silicon Sealant

Apply a bead of silicon sealant around the sink's lip to ensure a watertight bond where it will rest on the countertop.

Step
23

Position and Gently Drop Sink into Place

Position the sink over the cutout in the countertop and drop it gently into place. Clean off any silicon sealant that may ooze around the edges to make a neat seal.

Step
24

Secure Clips

Secure the clips at the corners of the sink to attach it to the countertop.

Step
25

Make Final Connections

Make the final connections for the drain and re-attach the waterlines beneath the sink. Finally, turn the valves on to re-start the water supply.