How to make a do-it-yourself laminate countertop
A homemade laminate countertop creates a budget and stylish room design. From a rich assortment, you can choose a suitable option and buy. But it is much more interesting to create an original and necessary thing with your own hands.
Using your imagination, imagination, using your hands and spending a little time, even a novice craftsman can create a hand-made model according to his taste and preference.
Advantages and disadvantages of homemade countertops
The item represents the top of the table. Basically, this element plays the role of a work surface, complementing and enriching the kitchen set.
The surface gets a colossal load: the whole process of cooking is carried out on it, blows from heavy objects and cuts with a knife occur, liquids and drinks are spilled. Laminate can withstand all these "hardships".
The laminate table, which looks stylish and modern, has a number of advantages:
- strength and durability;
- resistance to moisture and temperature extremes, mechanical damage, corrosion and many aggressive detergents;
- ease of installation and maintenance;
- environmental safety;
- aesthetic appearance due to a variety of colors and textures;
- relatively low cost.
The disadvantage of a laminated coating is its damage from contact with hot objects. From the negative impact, the color changes in the places of contact, bubbles appear on the upper layer. This phenomenon should be avoided by using a special stand.
What tools and materials will be needed
For work, it is necessary to prepare laminate sheets and bases, special glue and construction tape. Laminate is a multi-layer material. The basis is chipboard or MDF impregnated with resins.
Manufacturers produce an intermediate decorative layer on a paper basis with a variety of colors that imitate the pattern and texture of different types of wood, natural stone, marble, leather, tiles. The upper protective layer of the material consists of melamine or acrylic resin, which gives the material its unique properties.
Plywood is inexpensive, lightweight and durable, easy to handle and install. But it is better to use MDF as a base - a more reliable, durable and high-quality material. Its rough surface adheres better and better to the laminate.
A functional and design table made of laminate with your own hands can be made using a circulating saw, a router and a file - with its help all irregularities are removed.
Advice. At home, with a strong desire, it is possible to create a unique masterpiece from budget materials that will fit into any interior. The type and color of the material must be selected taking into account the facades of the headset and the general style of the room.
Step-by-step instructions for making laminate countertops
Any housewife prefers a voluminous work surface. The table should be made durable, comfortable to work with, functional and attractive.
Before starting work, you should prepare and level the place where the future product will be located. Decide on the shape and take measurements. It is advisable to make a drawing of the element - this will help to cut the sheets with great accuracy.
Sequence of product creation:
- based on measurements, draw sheets of base and laminate of the same shape;
- when cutting sheets, leave a margin of 1 cm for adjusting and fitting the workpiece;
- cover the laminate and base with glue, avoiding smudges;
- hold for 1 minute, connect both workpieces, pressing them tightly to each other
- after the glue has completely dried, process the edges of the glued layers with a grinder or sandpaper;
- cut ribbons of the required length and width from the laminate to decorate the edges of the countertop;
- treat the joints with silicone sealant;
- wipe off dust, remove excess glue;
- fix the worktop to the lower sections of the cabinets, above the sink or hob according to the design.
Self-made laminated furniture will serve for a long time and delight households with its aesthetic appearance.
Examples of location in the interior
The working area of the kitchen can be located in different places. The laminated surface can be an extension of the windowsill, become the top of the island with a sink, built-in oven and dishwasher. The owner of the culinary workshop uses this area to prepare, serve and serve food. The most common and convenient place for a kitchen countertop is in the lower sections of kitchen furniture.
The product is used to decorate the interior of a living room, dining room, study. From the pieces of laminate left after the installation of the flooring, experienced craftsmen make objects comparable to works of art.
Stacked in a checkerboard or herringbone pattern, pieces of laminate will transform a coffee table or a large dining table. Exclusive design products are able to fit into any interior, becoming its highlight.
Helpful hints and tips
Of great importance in the creation of any piece of furniture is its color scheme. The product should not become “alien” in the room, but harmoniously combine in color and texture with other elements. In the kitchen, the countertop will look good with an apron, cabinet fronts, skirting boards or window frames of the same shade.
In a room with many bright accessories, pieces of furniture with a neutral shade are appropriate. Conversely, in a room with pastel-colored materials, countertops with a surface in warm orange or yellow colors will give brightness and cheerfulness.
The combination of black and white looks stylish and solemn. Scratches, dust and other troubles will not be noticeable on a coating imitating marble chips or a fine fraction of stone. Wood-styled coatings will never lose their relevance. Their appearance gives coziness and a feeling of warmth to any room.
Light colored table surfaces visually increase the size, so in a small area they will create a feeling of cumbersomeness. Too dark, on the contrary, narrow the space and absorb light.
When creating interior items with your own hands, do not be afraid to experiment, combine, invent and try! This process brings joy of creativity, satisfaction from the result obtained and genuine admiration of family and friends.
Video: do-it-yourself laminate countertop