How To Avoid Mistakes When Installing A Laminate Countertop

Improper installation is one of the most common causes of laminate countertop damage. While laminate countertops are significantly cheaper than stone or marble, a badly installed one can cost you a lot in maintenance and repair. Following is a short guide to the proper installation of laminate countertops.

Seek professional help

The best way to ensure proper installation of your countertop is to have a professional install it for you. There are many competent contractors and carpenters in every state, but of course, some are better than others.

After installation, inspect all the seams and check for cracks or crevices. Make sure your contractor cleans up after installing your laminate countertop. Countertop installation generates a lot of dust, which can weaken the binding or rub against the surface of the countertop, ruining the countertop’s finish. There should be no exposed sealant or adhesive around the countertop’s borders and edges. If there are any, have your contractor cut or sand them away.

What to look for in a professional

When hiring contractors, always ask to see their qualifications. Most states require that a contractor pass certain skill standards before he or she can do professional work. Schedule a consultation with the contractor before beginning the project. This is a great time to ask questions such as insurance policies on your home’s other fixtures, the duration of the installation, and warranty information.

Having a professional installation done for your countertop will cost a bit more, depending on the qualifications of the contractor you hire. Most people will not mind paying a little extra for high-quality work, but those on a budget may want to do it themselves.

Do-it-yourself tips

You will need a trim router, a small paintbrush, a sanding block, and several sizes of rolling brushes. Depending on the project, you may also need a saw with carbide points, or a scoring knife.

A small paintbrush and multiple roller brushes will allow you to apply your adhesive without exceeding the borders of the laminate. Use a large roller brush for filling in the center area of the laminate, and use smaller ones for precise adhesive application on the edges of the laminate. Simply slopping adhesive onto the laminate can leave your countertop surface rough and uneven.