SINK & COUNTERTOPS

DIY LAMINATE COUNTER WITH AN UNDERMOUNT SINK

- BILL BERGMANN

Plastic laminate is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. And the bonus? It offers patterns, colors, and DIY edge profiles you can’t get with other countertop materials. Plus, you can install an undermount sink and do it all yourself.

We built our kitchen island countertop and installed the 33-in. Karran E-540 sink with just basic tools and know-how. Follow the details here and you won’t have to worry about water damaging your laminate countertop material.

1 PLACE AND CUT OUT SINK

After you size the substrate and apply the laminate to the edges, mark the location of the sink. Place the sink 2-1/2 in. back from the front edge of the countertop and center it on the cabinet. When you’re tracing the sink shape onto the substrate, keep your pencil vertical so the cutting line is offset about 1/8 in. Drill a 1/2-in. starter hole and cut out the sink opening with a jigsaw.

2 LAYING OUT LAMINATE

Rough-cut the sheet of laminate to fit the substrate, leaving an extra 1 in. all around. Place the laminate on the substrate and mark the sink cutout on the bottom.

3 SECURE

THE SINK For a rectangular sink, glue, and staple four strips of 3/4-in. particleboard to hold the sink in position by its rim. Use several short blocks to hold a round sink.

4 MAKE SURE IT’S FLUSH