How To Install Laminate Countertops DIY & SAVE!
Have you priced countertops lately? They ain't cheap! These days everyone has to have stone which is a relatively expensive material that is labor intensive to manufacture. So what do you do when you are on a budget? Well, one option is instantly dismissed today in our granite, marble and quartz world... laminate. Yeah, seriously, laminate! It's not what you remember, in fact they have some options that look like modern stone. The new stuff is really worth a look. In this video DIY Dane shows you how to install those blast-from-the-past countertops yourself and save a boatload of money!
00:00 Intro DIY budget countertop installation how to
01:19 Initial fit measurement & marking
02:04 Installing 3/4" countertop spacers
02:21 Marking the backsplash and countertop length for trimming
03:29 Removing excess material from the backsplash with a belt sander
04:30 Backsplash fit after trimming
04:44 Setting up to cut down the length of the countertop with a circular saw
06:24 Cutting the countertop with a circular saw
07:29 Installing the end cap kit
10:12 Trimming the end cap laminate with a router and flush trim bit
11:18 Joining the two countertop sections with a bolt kit & glue
12:30 Securing the countertops to the cabinets with screws
13:22 Cutting the hole for the kitchen sink with a jigsaw & reciprocating saw
17:40 Prepping and installing a drop in stainless steel kitchen sink
19:34 Caulking the backsplash
20:46 Conclusion & total price for this budget laminate countertop install
Check out the Budget Cabinet Install here:
• Lowe's Budget Off-The-...
Laminate countertops at Lowe's:
www.lowes.com/search?searchTe...
Laminate Countertops at Home Depot:
www.homedepot.com/s/laminate%...
What Dane used:
Short countertop section:
www.lowes.com/pd/VT-Dimension...
Long countertop section:
www.lowes.com/pd/VT-Dimension...
End panel kit:
www.lowes.com/pd/VT-Dimension...
Bolt kit:
www.lowes.com/pd/VT-Dimension...
www.mortonphotographic.com
Пікірлер: 198
I've been showering KZread for laminate installation videos and this is by far the best. 🎉
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
It's crazy that they don't provide a template and tell you to "trace it". Some people might trace the entire sink, and when they drop it in, it will just fall straight through. You did a great job!
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
Right? 🤣 Anything to save a buck I guess. Pro tip, always check any provided templates -- the one that came with my microwave was way off and I had to drill a second set of bolt holes in my new cabinets. 😳
I am very confident I can do this !! I am doing this in our basement to apartment conversion! I was just at Lowe’s and took pictures of the same counter tops and found you on here ! Thank you ! You are a great teacher !!!!
@LongshotGarage
3 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! I have complete confidence in you. Remember, if I can do it, you can do it! 😁
Your situation was almost identical to mine. I learned so much from this, and the potential pitfalls to avoid. The OSB brace was a great idea! I only learned about the 3/4" extra pieces when I couldn't open my cabinet drawers. Good to see how they're put in. I have gapitis but now I might try shaving the back. I haven't glued yet, or cut off the extra.
THANK YOU for taking the time to make this video. You're tips about sanding to close gaps and measuring have saved me so much time and money. I've watched 3 times, taken notes, and shared with my husband. Truly THANK YOU.
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome, glad I could help!
Come on Burnt Orange and Lime Green laminate bench tops are timeless!
@LongshotGarage
24 күн бұрын
As someone from the '70s, I can not argue with you on this one! 🤣
Great video! Your content is loaded with techniques that help the first timer. Your camera shots and editing, along with your commentary all work together. Nice work.
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you for an excellent video with superb commentary. After watching your video about 5 times, I think I have the courage to install my countertop which appears to be identical to yours so wish me luck! I appreciate your making this video as it was exactly what I was looking for to help me along on my project.
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Good luck, you can do it! This is awesome to hear and I really appreciate the great comment.
This is an excellent video for a DYI formica countertop installation. Thanks for including some improv steps you had to come up with to make it work. Some of the pro install videos usually do not include any of this since they have the skill and tools that most DYI folks do not have.
@LongshotGarage
5 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! I try to approach all my videos as a DIYer. Sometimes we have to improvise to make it happen and I think that's part of the fun!
Excellent video, walks me thru it all to set expectations, thanks for sharing this. 👍👍
@LongshotGarage
8 күн бұрын
Thank you!
Nice job! I'm getting ready to do the same install, this helped immensely!
@LongshotGarage
Күн бұрын
Thanks, glad I could help!
Very helpful. Kept this video up on the screen the whole time I installed my countertop. Thanks for the help!
@LongshotGarage
21 күн бұрын
@glennj3 Thanks, glad I could help! 😁
I just subscribed to your channel. I have been working with my brothers for almost one year doing all types of home remodeling, but sometimes there are projects I have no clue how to do it, and they go by their little experience. I rather to 'INVEST' enough time watching videos just like yours. A lot of questions were answered while watching you, and with the mistakes we made, now I could say there is a better and more professional way to do this. Thank you so much. You took the time to explain enough and the quality of the video, the sound both are excellent. I will be waiting for more content like this, and thank you for sharing it with all of us. sincerely,' Luis Barillas from Rockledge(close to Cape Canaveral), FL
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words! More to come soon...
I'm takling my kitchen this weekend, I like the bracing the cut for the sink, I wasn't sure what I was going to do until now. Thanks for the pointers 👍
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
That's awesome to hear, glad I could help!
Exactly what I am going to do. Your video was the perfect thing I needed. Thanks so much for sharing Love it!
@LongshotGarage
11 ай бұрын
That's awesome, THANKS!
Great video and tips! Glad I watched it, you have saved me a lot of time and concern. Cheers!
@LongshotGarage
16 күн бұрын
Thanks so much! Glad I could help!
Awesome video! We are using the laminate countertops from Lowe’s in our upcoming kitchen project. Thanks for all of tips and tricks.
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Let me know how they turn out.
Woah!! Great work! I was holding my breath while you cut the hole for the sink…turned out very pretty! I love laminate too! Very durable, and so pretty!💥👌🏻 My husband and I are starting this project next week. We picked out same exact cabinetry; but different laminate. Mine looks like marble. I will have him watch your vids too❤ Thanks for doing them😊
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I totally wanted the marble look laminate too, but every piece I found had rough edges from being moved around too much. I went to three different Lowe's locations in my area and finally settled on the grey. Of course now they are fully-stocked with fresh white marble! 😂 Please send a pic when you are done, I would love to see how that combo looks. And just in case you didn't' see it, I have a video on installing those cabinets. Thanks again!
It really came out beautiful I didn't know about laminate countertops, I'm glad i came across your video.
@LongshotGarage
Ай бұрын
Thanks!
Looks amazing!
Not only was your video surprisingly funny it was really helpful for us. We have a barrel cabinet in the corner so it was really helpful for us to see how you join the two sections with a bolt kit.
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! 😁Glad I could help!
I have been looking at upgrading my laminate countertops! I have some kind of orange/brown laminate and its gross with the freshly painted blue cabinets. I was hesitant to start this project, but with this very informative video, I shall venture forth! Thanks so much!
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Awesome! Remember, if I can do it, you can do it! 😁
Wow! Looks good. Ty for making this video.
@LongshotGarage
8 күн бұрын
Thanks!
Best one I found! Great Job!!😊
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
Thanks, glad I could help!
Last sink hole I cut in laminate the edge of my small cordless skillsaw was perfect spacing pressed against the back splash.
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
That's what I was hoping for with this job, but no such luck.
I think it looks really nice . Clean. And You paid attention to details . I think I can do it . I would go really slow . I am glad you showed how to cut the ends by making a fence .
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
Thanks! If I can do it, you can do it! 😁
Nice job. Loved some of your simple, common-sense, techniques to getting the job done. I have a much simpler job and wanted to know how to attach to the base cabinets and finish the edge.
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
Thanks, glad I could help!
Awesome videos my dude ! Just bought a house this is great and very helpful
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Thanks and Congratulations!
Thanks man, you're a good DIY teacher.
@LongshotGarage
8 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
He said "you can't complain, but I will anyway" lol. . . . Great video. It looks awesome. I will be doing the same in a couple of days! Wish me luck
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Thanks and good luck... you can do it!
Very nice work looks awesome
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
Thank you!
TORKER shirt. I'm an old BMX guy from the early to mid 80's that raced a Torker.
@LongshotGarage
16 күн бұрын
Rad! Torker is my jam and I've collected several over the years. My first one was a 1977 MX. Check it out in one of my earlier videos on how to turn your garage into a photo studio for your bike.
Just found your channel and you did a great job my man👍😁you earned a new sub
@LongshotGarage
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much!
I learned some new tips! Thanks
@LongshotGarage
8 ай бұрын
Glad to hear it!
Great video. I'll be cutting my new countertop, securing and cutting sink hole today. (So I say)
@LongshotGarage
11 ай бұрын
That's awesome -- good luck! Let me know how it goes.
It’s good to see you again, my friend.
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
It IS good to see me, isn't it?!? It's been too long Carlos, maybe it's time for an AZ Strobist reunion!
@CarlosBenjamin
Жыл бұрын
@@LongshotGarage It would have to be when I’m in AZ… unless you wanna have an AZ Strobists reunion in Kansas.
I was going to hire out my countertop to a pro, but with your video as a reference I did it myself. It was not easy but it was also not as difficult as I thought it would be. Thanks.
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
That's awesome, glad I could help!
Very helpful Thank you for sharing
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
Thank you!
great job! You're a handy dude to have around!!!
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
Thank you! 😁
Great video. Thanks for the help
@LongshotGarage
8 ай бұрын
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Great video
@LongshotGarage
10 күн бұрын
Thanks!
Great video!
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Great job! Yes, I can do it too. Personal preference: I want counter-space on both sides of a stove.
@LongshotGarage
6 ай бұрын
I agree. I left the cabinet info for the new owner so hopefully they could add cabs if they wanted. There would only be room for a narrow cabinet on the other side of the stove as there is a sliding glass door there.
Nice job explaining sir.
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Great work
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
THANKS!
Nice job thank you!!
@LongshotGarage
10 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Im about to whip this up right quick 🤔
I would have sealed the raw edges of the particle board, both sides, at the countertop miter. Think of it like sealing end grain on wood. Seal it with silicone or at least the latex acrylic caulk. That way that long corner miter of particle board won't swell under the laminate if water gets into the miter.
I used to know this guy that looked just like you! Car magazine dude. Nice kitchen work.
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Dude, I know who you are talking about -- he's awesome! 🤣
Thanks for sharing
@LongshotGarage
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
A standard practice at the home manufacturer my brother in law worked at was to seal the raw cut edge of the inside rim of the sink cut out with silicone.
@LongshotGarage
7 ай бұрын
That's actually a great tip, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for job done well
@LongshotGarage
8 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Thanks for the help !!! Wish me Luck
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
No problem and GOOD LUCK! Remember... If I can do it, you can do it!
Nice job.
@LongshotGarage
9 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Dude adding that particle board strip is a simple 1 minute detail
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
I can't even imagine not doing that now.
My kind of mechanic Brother.
Thanks!
@LongshotGarage
23 сағат бұрын
Thank you so much @jnet59, this is my first ever Super Thanks! 😁
Definitely doing laminate. Not gonna pay $80 square foot for granite
@LongshotGarage
5 ай бұрын
Right!?! 😂
Good job my man but over here in blighty ,we would absolutely use silicone to seal worktop as caulk wouldn't last long if it got wet alot when washing up etc, now that you don't have a dishwasher 😮😂❤❤❤
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
What kind of wild parties are you having in your kitchen?!? 😳🤣 I could see pure silicone being a good idea in this situation, it's just so much harder to work with. I've had good luck with the Alex Plus caulk so far. To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the shorty backsplash and prefer some sort of tile all the way up the wall when the budget permits. Thanks for the comment!
Yogesh very nice and good job job
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
This was a great video sir and your entertaining. You did not mention what type of silicone you used under the sink?
@LongshotGarage
3 ай бұрын
Thank you! On a stainless steel sink (or any sink/wet area) you want to use 100% pure silicone caulk, NOT latex.
I like clean cuts and I cannot lie😂😂😂
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
You other builders can't deny!
Great video and you are a great teacher. Gave me confidence to do it myself. Editing awesome. Question on placing the two laminates together. Was it a tight connection? Did it have a grove? Did you add anything to seal it? Are you able to see a line where they connect?
@LongshotGarage
21 күн бұрын
@ignaciore3713 Thanks! Yes, the two halfs were perfectly tight together and held that way by wood glue and special hardware underneath. The final result was a pretty perfect flat joint that even my realtor commented on.
Looks good for cheap
@christinan7183
Жыл бұрын
Great job thanks for sharing
Looks good, but 2 things that would make it better. Dishwasher and add a piece of molding to your top cabinets so there is no grease and dust trap to clean. Nice looking kitchen for the price
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
I do agree, keeping the dishwasher would have been better, but sacrifices had to be made! 🤣 I also did consider some kind of molding for the top of the upper cabinets and was even considering making a drywall box up there. I'm curious what the new owners will do.
I messed up my when it was time to cut the sink but it’s ok I can fix it just a little gash damn sure looks better the the counter i had at first so I’ll get it right next time I’m still happy I saved money, and changed out a water damaged cabinet
@LongshotGarage
4 ай бұрын
Little issues are gonna happen, that's just part of it. Glad you got the job done and saved some cash!
Love laminate better than stone! Beautiful job!!!
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Honestly, me too! It's cheaper and I can do it myself! 🤣
I put new formica countertops in a house I had for sale. I had a person cancel their contract on the house when they found out that the countertops were not granite. The countertops looked like granite.
@LongshotGarage
11 ай бұрын
It's a bummer how people look down on laminate. I really think it's a solid choice and I actually prefer it.
@missylearned9821
9 ай бұрын
I think people are programmed to look down on laminate thanks to HGTV and all the other DIY/Decorator channels and shows. After having laminate, butcher block, and granite counter tops, I will put laminate in any kitchen I redo. I didn’t worry about the laminate the way I did the other 2.
@joshmarauder
8 ай бұрын
Laminate is out of style i rip 2-3 kitchens out a week and replace with quartz or granite
@ColtraneAndRain
7 ай бұрын
@@joshmarauder Laminate is fine for a rental house.
@joshmarauder
7 ай бұрын
@@ColtraneAndRain yes i agree for a rental yes
I like clean cuts and i cannot lie!😂
@LongshotGarage
5 ай бұрын
You other builders can't deny!
Nothing wrong with laminate. Apparently you can adjust the bolts dor the split under the cabinets but the saw horses seemed to work. I'm small enough to fit under easily.
Wish I were brave enough to tackle this!
@LongshotGarage
6 ай бұрын
I'm serious when I say at the end of all the videos, "If I can do it, you can do it!"
Im curious on the sink cut out. Since there isnt alot of space to get a jigsaw or circular saw back there, I wonder if predrilling the holes then cutting the backside near the faucet underneath first? Is that possible?
@LongshotGarage
7 ай бұрын
Absolutely, you could do that. I feel you would have to install the countertop to make sure you get the holes aligned perfectly before you cut. Then you would have to remove the countertop, flip it over, cut that hole and hope you don't damage anything in the process of removing and reinstalling the countertop. There's always more than one way to get these jobs done!
@ 14:21 I like the shirt😂😂😂😂😂
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
That's because you have excellent taste! 🤣 I got that at Lowe's around Christmas time.
How would you modify it if you have an L shaped counter with the base of the L wider and not against a wall because it extends creating a small bar top edge for stools? Everything in stock that I've seen isn't wide enough to accommodate the width of the bar top.
@LongshotGarage
5 ай бұрын
To the best of my knowledge you can't do that with pre-made countertops like I used. At least I've never seen any wider than this . You can always have custom-made laminate countertops to suit your needs.
I liked it, help me out thank
@LongshotGarage
6 ай бұрын
Glad I could help!
So when you shaved that piece on the back to close the gaps did you remove the laminate and reattach??
@LongshotGarage
3 ай бұрын
No, there's no getting that laminate off once it's glued to the particle board! I used belt sander to shave both the particle board and the laminate together.
Ask those power tools if those are safety sandals!
I love to see a man iron!!
@LongshotGarage
11 ай бұрын
Right?!? Don't make me break out the vacuum. 🤣🤣🤣
Ma boy really wasnt thinking straight by this time 👉🏽 14:50 😂😂 he didnt really need to scrap it just tape over 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ lol it happens tho to all of use
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
There's more than one to get any job done... I didn't want there to be any confusion on what line to cut, which is why I added the blue tap over the yellow tape at the end. Measure twice, cut once! 😁
What does the side of it look like, the side you cut?
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
It's just bare particle board. My cut came out really straight and clean with no chipout. Then, of course, I ironed on the end laminate.
Thank you for lowering the volume when running these power tools.............. And not giving notice prior so one could lower their volume while wearing a headset.🙄
Who cut the 45 thY joins the 2? Lowes ?
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
No way, I wouldn't trust Lowe's with that! Just kidding Lowe's, you're awesome, but that is a complicated cut. Each laminate section came cut from the factory to a perfect 45゚ angle with notches for the under-cabinet bolts.
You dont have to pierce Alex Plus. Its not PL
Where to buy the laminate?
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
I got this at Lowe's, but Home Depot sells it as well.
What's nuts, is that in 2019, that L and R mitered slabs would be $69 + $119. It's nuts how expensive they have gotten. Just a FYI - Home Depot has a light quartz-design laminate. You have to order it, but it comes within a week
@LongshotGarage
11 ай бұрын
I know, right? In the fairly short time frame I made this video the prices went up. Good to know about the quartz, thanks for the heads up!
No hardware on the cabinets??
@LongshotGarage
7 ай бұрын
Nope, I did that on purpose. This way the new homeowners can choose exactly what they want and it's an easy project!
Boy thats alot of work
@LongshotGarage
8 ай бұрын
It's not that bad!
Should have installed sink before.
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
Before installing the countertop? That sounds like it would be way more difficult. Have you ever done it that way before?
The Mitter bolts smh. I wanted to explode in anger when joining the cabinets smh
Ah ah ah, this is a family channel.
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
🤣
You need to edit the power tool noise out. It’s super annoying.
No do not cut off the overhang. It is a great place to have a hamper or store a stool. Men never understand the needs of homemaking.
@LongshotGarage
2 ай бұрын
In this case, that's where the stove went, and on the other side, it was the refrigerator. In the right situation, I could see an overhang working as long as you supported that section properly. I wouldn't put much faith in this particle board to hold itself up.
I don't think I can do it. Definitely will be a lot of cussing 😂
@LongshotGarage
6 ай бұрын
You CAN $#@&ing do it! 😁😁😁 But if you are reeeaaly in doubt, there's no shame in hiring it out.
A sheet of Formica is $20, there’s hundreds of colors and patterns, All it takes is skill Unlike Granite, Formica does not give off Radon I like Formica a lot
@LongshotGarage
6 ай бұрын
Yeah, I actually like laminate a lot and wish it would not have gotten such a bad rap. I used to install a ton of it when I did custom car stereos back in the day. Although I could have made custom countertops and laminated them myself, that would have taken a lot more time and work.
@melissaciswhoibe9183
6 ай бұрын
@LongshotGarage I know this is an old video, but it popped up, so I watched it. I love the cabinets and countertop. I would be very happy with that setup. Good job. Btw, I would not miss the dishwasher. From my own experience, I never put pots and pans in my dishwasher or things I definitely don't want destroyed. They ruin tableware, anything clear glass becomes etched with scratches and becomes cloudy, so I only put everyday dishes and such that I don't really care if ruined. I handwash everything else. We have 5 people in our household, so I wash a lot of dirty dishes. I don't mind it a bit and I would rather have another cabinet. Thanks for the video.
@LongshotGarage
6 ай бұрын
See that's what I think! I rarely ever use the dishwasher in my house. Honestly, you have to wash the dishes before you put them in there anyway... Isn't it really just a dish sterilizer? 🤣 Thanks for the comment!
@melissaciswhoibe9183
6 ай бұрын
@@LongshotGarage Yes! Lol! A dish sterilizer! Lol! I agree. You're welcome. Have a nice day.
It’s for the right budget but don’t expect compressed paper and plastic to last longer vs stones and marbles
No drawer pulls it like the The bare minimum was done... and no dishwasher no no no no. No color paint not even a light sage green or light blue god for give me for saying grey But it all depends on where in the US he lives what county.
@LongshotGarage
7 ай бұрын
I do everything for a reason. This house was being sold, so I specifically didn't put drawer pulls. This way the new owner could choose what they wanted. I choose black, they want gold. I install handles, they want knobs... Same goes for the color. This house was full of vibrant colors that one buyer may have loved and another may have hated. So I painted the whole place the most basic off-white I could get. This way the new owner has a clean slate to paint an accent wall or the entire house whatever color they choose. These were my ideas, but I also ran them by my realtor who agreed.
Great video
@LongshotGarage
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!