How to Build a Laminate Counter | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares his secrets for fabricating a stylish new plastic-laminate kitchen countertop. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)
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Shopping List for How to Build a Laminate Counter:
5/8-inch A-C fir plywood [amzn.to/2ZRUgzf], used to make substrate for counter and backsplash
plastic laminate [amzn.to/2ZZVQz4], used to cover plywood substrate
contact cement [amzn.to/2NbEFEQ], used to adhere top laminate
paint roller [amzn.to/2NXbTY5], short-nap paint-roller sleeve, used to apply contact cement
aerosol contact cement [amzn.to/2LrkxfP], used to adhere edge laminate
silicone adhesive [amzn.to/2Nc2XOV], for securing sink to counter, and counter to cabinets
assorted drywall screws [amzn.to/2LuqQPV], for assembling the counter and attaching the backsplash
1/2-inch-diameter wood dowels [amzn.to/2ZXmOrU], used to prevent laminate from sticking to counter

Tools for How to Build a Laminate Counter:
portable circular saw [amzn.to/2zWYuY0] and straightedge guide [amzn.to/2LsmqZU], used to cut plywood parts to size
drill/driver [amzn.to/2LrY6Y6], for drilling holes and driving screws
belt sander [amzn.to/2Q8K5CZ] and 100-grit belt [amzn.to/2Q6kytS], for smoothing the laminate flush with the plywood top
block plane [amzn.to/2ZQ3UDk], used to trim the plywood build-up strips flush with the plywood top
trim router [amzn.to/2Q7tKhU] fitted with flush-cutting bit [amzn.to/2Qn1B6H, for trimming laminate
single-cut mill bastard file [amzn.to/2ZVj0Yt], used to trim the laminate flush
J-roller [amzn.to/30fQifT], used to press the laminate down into the contact cement
jigsaw [amzn.to/2MUH4Uo], for making sink cutout in countertop
caulking gun [amzn.to/2Lorz4S], used to apply silicone adhesive
air compressor [amzn.to/2Lsq0Dj], air hose [amzn.to/30csmtO], pneumatic brad nailer [amzn.to/2ZVXGlA] and 1-inch brads [amzn.to/2LLMXjx], used to attach plywood build-up strips to underside of counter

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How to Build a Laminate Counter | This Old House
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