Let's face it; remodeling a kitchen can be an expensive prospect. From appliances and paint to floors and countertops, transforming a kitchen completely can require quite a bit of money and time. For most of us, tackling the entire project at once is simply cost-prohibitive. But there are ways to visually transform your kitchen space without breaking the bank. The answer lies in creative solutions to kitchen renovation; and one such idea is that of countertop resurfacing.
There should be no underestimating countertops in their ability to set the tone in a kitchen. Because they cover the space that they do - and because are often the focal point of the kitchen - they dramatically change the style of an area. Changing the countertop will allow you to carry through with the design you desire and visually impact the space with just one renovation.
But as dramatic as they are, countertops can also be expensive. And sometimes, changing them completely is not within a standard budget. Luckily there are ways to transform the countertops without having to change them completely; countertop resurfacing is an affordable and easy way to change the look of your kitchen without the mess and expense of replacing the materials completely.
Luckily, most kitchen countertops come in a standard size; this can be a major advantage when it comes to countertop resurfacing as laminate material often comes ready to buy at the standard sizes of most countertops. Today's laminates come in an extensive selection of colors, styles, and textures and because they are mass-produced, they are often extremely affordable.
Laminate material is only about one sixteenth of an inch thick and, therefore, can be handled quite easily. But before you adhere the new laminate to the existing countertop you need first to prepare the countertop itself. Begin by removing the countertop and stripping it of its laminate and glue. This can be done with chemical solutions available at home improvement stores. Once the glue and laminate is removed the exposed wood needs to be sanded smooth in order to create a pliable surface for easy adherence.
Once your surface is ready you can spread the glue for your new laminate. Again, this specific glue can be purchased at a home improvement store. The most important part of this process is to make sure that the glue is spread thinly and evenly over the entire surface. Uneven glue distribution can result in bubbling of the laminate and an uneven countertop surface.
A glue spreader can assist you in making this layer of glue as even as possible. Be sure that the glue reaches the edge of the countertop in order to achieve a proper seal of the laminate to the edges. The edges are critical to countertop resurfacing as edges that are not properly glued down can fold or come loose, exposing the laminate to moisture and subsequent damage.
A heavy roller can be used to roll over the laminate to ensure even adherence of the counter top and glue. Some glue seeping out of the edges is to be expected, and can easily be wiped off before it dries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sealing an outdoor slate countertop
By: Heather Renegar | 20-05-2008
How do you seal an outdoor slate countertop? What is the installation process?
Do we have to have an undermount sink with a stone countertop?
By: Nanell | 11-05-2008
We are moving, but updating our kitchen for better sale value. We are having aq granite countertop installed and the builder has told us we need to take out our drop-in sink and replace it with an undermount sink. Is this neccesary? We want to update, but conserve money where we can since we're moving.
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