In order to ensure adequate support of your laminate countertop, build-up strips must be installed spanning the entire distance from the front to the back build-down strip on the countertop. On standard face frame cabinets, the end build-up strips must be installed 2″ from the end of the cabinet run.

What can I use for countertop build strips?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: For standard cabinets attach the build-up strips to the top of the cabinet space and back frame using one in a quarter inch drywall screws.

What is a build-up strip?





Build-up refers to the hidden strips of wood that give a laminated counter top the visual illusion of being 1 ½ inch thick. When one purchases a prefabricated countertop, the underside reveals that the laminate is actually glued to a board that is only ¾ inch thick. This is typical of the most common countertops.

What to use under laminate countertops?

Particleboard and plywood can both be used under laminate countertops, but the majority of builders use particleboard. It is easier to work with and cheaper. The edges are square and consistent, while plywood can have hollow spots or rough edges.

How do you secure a laminate countertop to a cabinet?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Use a file to take off any burrs then check the fit complete the look by adding return splashes where the counter meets the walls. And end caps on the counter overhangs attach the build-up strips.

How far can a laminate countertop overhang without support?

6 inches





Standard Formica or laminate countertops don’t usually have much weight but even then, support needs to be added for any overhang of more than 6 inches.

How do you use laminate countertop strips?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The first build up strip at the mark place build up strips on either side of the joint where two cabinets meet up making sure to leave room for countertop. Installation. From the bottom into the

Do you shim countertops?

The countertop should not be shimmed. For granite countertops, the cabinets should be completely level across the top.

What is a built up edge countertop?

Building up the edges in the front and ends provides the appearance of a thicker countertop without all the weight. This is not difficult to accomplish and will provide a significant savings in costs of material. Sheets of solid surface material are typically available in 30” wide by 144” long sheets.

How do you secure a countertop to an island?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Place pre-drill an additional three holes for installation of the countertop. Pre-drill a minimum of two to three holes in the section that will be overhanging. Set the countertop in place and fasten.

How are countertops secured to cabinets?

Heavy, solid slabs of stone, such as granite, glue in place on top of the cabinets. To bear the weight of the stone countertop, the base cabinets need a layer of 3/4-inch plywood across the top. Screws set in the cabinetry’s bracing hold laminate countertops in place.

How do you install floating laminate countertops?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We've got some silicone you can also use some adhesive. Those are some of the tools. And I can't forget the finishing nails to attach your fascia on here onto your substructure.

How do I attach a countertop to Plywood?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Especially along the edges. And then i could screw my pieces. Together anytime i'm layering plywood i like using these inch and a quarter cabinet screws that i'll leave linked down in the description.

How much support does a laminate countertop need?

Unsupported. Up to 6 inches of overhang can be added to countertops without bracing if the particleboard or plywood is doubled underneath the overhang. This is often done on the ends of island cabinets or sometimes along one edge to allow for people to stand or eat from one side of the cabinet.

What is the standard overhang for countertops?

1½ inches

A standard countertop usually has an overhang of 1½ inches. Although some countertops may have a longer or shorter overhang, this number is generally the standard length for an overhang in homes.

Is a 10 inch island overhang enough?



A typical overhang for a comfortable seating area should be around 25-30cm (10-12”), this should leave enough knee room and adequate space between the countertop edge and the person seated. Therefore, as the depth of the overhang increases, so does the comfort and usability of the bar.

How far should countertops stick out?

1 ½ inches

Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.



Keep in mind that this is 1 ½ inches over the front edge of the base cabinet. While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it’s far from mandatory.

What is the best overhang for kitchen island?

12 inches



The height of an island usually matches the height of a countertop at 36 inches. If your island has seating, the counter should overhang at least 15 inches. An island with a taller height for bar stool seating should be 42 inches high and the overhang should be at least 12 inches.

How deep is a breakfast bar?

Unlike some of the other measurements we’ve discussed, the depth of a breakfast bar is pretty straightforward. A breakfast bar should be 24 inches deep. This depth gives you an appropriate amount of space on your counter without being too big.

Does a breakfast bar overhang need support?

Support elements are not necessary until the overhang exceeds the 12″, but they can be considered to enhance the aesthetic design of the kitchen.

What is the normal overhang for a breakfast bar?

When it comes to a breakfast bar overhang, the standard size for this should be 18 inches to allow for enough leg room.