Laminate countertop substrate

Most brands have the same selections for many colors and patterns, for the two thicknesses. The process of building a laminate countertop begins with the substrate , or base. Plywoo medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard are all suitable substrates , each with. A laminate countertop installation is basically a grade-school cut-and-paste project writ large.

You build the substrate , cut out the laminate , and paste the two together with contact cement. Particleboard is the standard wood core for Hartson-kennedy laminate countertops. On any given day, saw mills and other wood processing factories generate a significant amount of manufacturing by-product and scrap material. These tops are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures to mimic the look of stone while being a more cost-effective route.

MDF makes an excellent substrate for high pressure laminates. For a laminated countertop in a wet location, either apply multiple coats of sealer or apply a backer sheet of laminate. There is a product intended for the backside.

The backer sheet is less expensive than the finish side laminates are. This plastic sheet is then glued over a substrate , most often particleboard. The particle board used as a substrate in most countertops is notoriously susceptible to moisture damage. Once expose it absorbs moisture quickly and loses its ability to hold a laminate bond. Laminate Countertop Review.

The top layer is a protective melamine resin layer. All of these layers are sandwiched together to make a countertop surface that is light, cheap, and easy to work with while being aesthetically attractive. This provides you with a uniform product to work with, without voids, and which will have a very smooth surface. Postformed (or literally formed after being laminated to the substrate ) high pressure laminate countertop , often referred to as plastic laminate countertop is a material made more of wood product than plastic.

The composition is of kraft paper, decorative papers, and melamine resins, bonded through high heat and pressure. Find quality laminate sheets online or in store. The most common countertop is still the vinyl or laminate countertop. This countertop is durable and inexpensive. The substrate of a laminate countertop may be plywoo medium density fiberboard or some other composite material.

Ceramic tile is often applied to a plywood substrate or directly over existing plastic laminate countertops. The official definition of laminate is a man-made decorative material that is applied to the surface of a substrate. It is often referred to as HPL, or high-pressure laminate , but its technical name is thermosetting high-pressure decorative plastic laminate. Venetian blinds, dowels, or a snaking extension cord space the laminate sheet above the substrate for alignment before bonding.

Run a laminate roller back and forth across the countertop to ensure positive cement contact and to move air bubbles out. Postformed” (or literally “formed after being laminated” to the substrate ) high pressure laminate countertop , often referred to as “plastic laminate countertop ” is a material made more of wood product than plastic. Trace and cut laminate for top and side strips. All pieces should be oversized by a minimum of a ½. Clean all dust and debris off of laminate and countertop substrate. Apply contact adhesive according to manufacturers instructions.

Allow curing time if required. Carefully position the side strips to run even with the bottom of the substrate. It adds stability and helps prevent warping. Solid Build-up is an excellent choice for the underside of a bar or peninsula overhang. SEAMFIL mechanically bonds to the substrate of the laminate and dries har becoming a permanent part of the laminate surface.

Lay the laminate sheet into position on the spacers and check for an even overhang all around (see Photo 4). The countertops consist of laminate sheets glued to plywood or particleboard substrate. Step 5: Starting in the middle, pull out the center spacer and press the laminate onto the substrate (see Photo 5).

Continue working outwar removing one spacer at a time and pressing the laminate down flat. Partical board is what is recomended for P- laminate as a substrate. If you are concerned with the out gasing from the underside of the countertop , a coat of primer will seal the top tight. For around sinks and tap areas, clear silicone can be applied to the exposed edges and wiped smooth so that it does not gum up your sink or what have you.

The laminate is a non-porous product, it will only dry from one side, the substrate is a porous product, it will absorb and flash into the top as well. Two thin coats on the surface are better than one heavy coat. Fact - every countertop has a thickness but not all countertops are built the same.

Depending on the surface materials use different substrates are used to give a countertop thickness and strength. Finished countertop with outer and inner templates securely ĂƩĂĐŚĞĚ͘ STEP Place a small piece of substrate on the template. Place two pieces of laminate on the back of the countertop.

These sheets are then bonded to a particleboard substrate for countertop applications. FREE Shipping on eligible orders. The build-up can simply be to wide strips glued and nailed to the bottom of the substrate. MDF is the preferred substrate , and glues very well, but more expensive than PB.

If you want, you could use an exterior grade MDF for the substrate. I always seal the cutout anyway. Edited to ad all the laminate manufacturers to my knowledge also require MDF or PB substrates. Wilsonart and other high-pressure laminate surfaces are relatively durable as well as the most economical countertop surfaces available on the market today. Give your countertops a whole new look with these step-by-step instructions.

The DIY to the Rescue crew shows how to install laminate on countertops , add trim and a install a backsplash.