Here's How: Upgrade Kitchen With Laminate Countertops

James Dulley on Aug 6, 2026

Upgrade Kitchen With Laminate Countertops

Dear James: I have a limited budget, but my old kitchen countertop is beyond repair. Is it a reasonable project to try to design and make a new countertop myself? -- Debra F.

Dear Debra: With a little imagination and some basic home project tools, designing and installing an attractive countertop is not a difficult do-it-yourself job. If you are lacking in the imagination department, just use your old countertop for the new countertop's pattern.

The easiest way to transform the look of your kitchen is to use plastic laminate for the countertop surface. Plastic laminate is best because it is durable, inexpensive compared to alternatives, lightweight and easy to work with.

Plastic laminate sheet is basically a sandwich of a decorative piece of paper and heavy kraft paper backing. These layers are encapsulated under heat and pressure in durable clear resins. The type of laminate used for countertops is usually about 1/16-inch thick.

Plastic laminates are great for kitchens because they resist stains and allow for easy cleanup. Some household products can harm or cause discoloration of plastic laminate so, to be safe, always clean off any staining substances with mild soap. Be sure to rinse off the soap, because laminate countertops can be damaged by soap residue.

Attractive plastic laminates are available in dozens of patterns and colors to match any kitchen decor. Most home center stores only have a small selection of plastic laminate, and it is often only available in 4 feet by 8 feet sheets. Sometimes you can special order larger sheets in 5 feet by 12 feet sections.

If you still need more from your countertop, you can choose from the different edge styles such as rounded, squared or beveled. Some will even accept accent strips made of a different color laminate or other material. Real solid wood moldings are also available which are specifically made to fit the edges of the countertops.

When you handle the plastic laminate sheet, make sure you are careful, because it is brittle when not supported on top of a countertop. To transport the laminate from the store to your house, roll it in a 24-inch minimum roll and tie it with string. Lay it out flat as soon as you get it home.

If you decide to keep the same countertop shape and just want to apply the laminate over the old countertop, fill in any deep gouges first so it is smooth. If you are tired of the present shape, then design and make a new countertop using 3/4-inch high-density particleboard for the base. This particleboard material is relatively cheap, strong and easy to work with.

Inspect the particleboard surface carefully and repair any noticeable blemishes. With a circular saw, cut the basic rectangular size and then use a jigsaw to cut any curves.

Once the countertop base is ready, all you need to do is unroll the plastic laminate. Clamp a straight edge over the laminate to secure it and use a scoring tool to mark it and then flex it up and down to break it. Finally, use a water-based cement to glue the laminate to the base.

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Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about James Dulley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.