Laminate countertop install disaster

Lori L
by Lori L
We replaced an old tile countertop with a laminate countertop in my mother's 60's ranch. The company that did the install simply removed the tile from the plywood then installed the molded laminate OVER the plywood. The orange big box store is saying this is how it should have been done and is simply suggesting we put molding over the plywood. Not only did this raise the counters by roughly 2" but it was done completely wrong in my opinion.
Those that know what they are doing - should the plywood backing have been removed before installing the new countertops? Everything I'm researching says this should have happened - I'm basically looking for expert opinion on this and MAY be looking for a new installer for my Mom's house! See photos for issue.
  6 answers
  • Yes the plywood top needed to be removed so the new post form top would rest on the cabinets. Check the paperwork carefully. There might have been some sort of exclusion about removal of the wood. But the installer should have stopped when he/she did the job and inform you of the issue before moving ahead. Stop payment if you used a CC and file a complaint with the BBB right away. Not to make excuses for the contractor but was it even possible for the plywood to come off of the cabinets without them falling apart? Older home built in cabinets sometimes relies on the plywood top to hold them together. Perhaps this is the reason? Regardless, the store should be making this right or they should not have even started the job.
  • Jjaycee Jjaycee on Oct 31, 2014
    Yes. Definitely! In fact I would be going back there to get a replacement. Their "experts" are supposed to do it right!
  • Kim Smith Kim Smith on Oct 31, 2014
    @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com I completely agree with you. It was the installers responsibility to bring any problem to your attention and then, if there is additional cost etc , you make a decision of what should be done based on a new estimate etc. If an installer put on a new shingled roof and found all the wood underneath was rotted and decaying, should they just go ahead and shingle? No they advise and NEW decisions are made. Same difference!
  • Lori L Lori L on Oct 31, 2014
    Okay - big orange big box is taking care of it. Thank you so much for your input - was a big help with the orange Powers that be.
  • Michelle Michelle on Feb 28, 2015
    That is why I don't have a big box store do home improvements
  • Dragonintheattic Dragonintheattic on Jul 25, 2015
    I would definitely change installers.