Asked on Mar 27, 2014

Laminate to wood countertop help?

Carrie
by Carrie
Our new house has pretty awful light blue laminate countertops which are edged with an ugly light colored wood. I love the look of wooden countertops, and would tear out the current counters and just put in wood if not for the range, which is installed in the countertop. I'm a novice, so I'd be pretty nervous about trying to remove the top around the range. Could I pry up the laminate and replace it with thin wood sheets or even wood-look laminate to avoid pulling out the entire top? Also, how difficult would it be to remove the wood edging or re-stain it to match the new wood or wood-look laminate? Thanks in advance for your help! (Sorry for the blurry photo, I am not currently in the house).
  10 answers
  • Adrianne C Adrianne C on Mar 28, 2014
    Peeling the laminate and then removing the glue is a difficult task, don't recommend it. You can replace the counter with wood, and cut a new hole for the cooktop and the sink. If you can build your own counter, then removing the cooktop shouldn't be a problem!
  • Gayle Taylor Gayle Taylor on Mar 28, 2014
    To change the color of your counters, you can use an epoxy paint and finish with a good clear coat. Good luck with your new venture!
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Mar 29, 2014
    Have you thought about painting the counter tops?If you search Giani Granite you will see how it's done. Then you can decide if it's something you will like. I would also search Hometalk for other counter top solutions. Since you are a novice, you may not want to tackle removing and replacing. You may also want to contact Home Depot for a bid on having them replace the counter tops with Corian or granite or some other laminate. They have contractors that do a good job. I have had some counter tops redone by them.
  • Ann Ann on Mar 29, 2014
    My husband painted his sons countertops with stuff made explicitly for counters. They turned out great. The stove and sink are issues when replacing countertops if you are doing it by yourself and haven't done it before. You can get a granite look with the paint and in colors you want. Check out some of the home stores like Lowes and Home Depot.
  • Heather Heather on Mar 29, 2014
    I would also say paint them!
  • Carrie Carrie on Mar 29, 2014
    Hi everyone, thanks for your replies. I really specifically wanted the wood... I wonder if I could do it if I had an experienced woodworker helping me? Our neighbor helped us out with the wood trim in the doorways, maybe he would be willing?
  • Kimm Rogers Kimm Rogers on Mar 29, 2014
    Google DIY wooden countertops....lots of ideas out there. Even using flooring...Good Luck
  • Bruce N Dala Anbuhl Bruce N Dala Anbuhl on Mar 30, 2014
    Glue new wood grain laminate over the existing laminate. Sand the wooden trim and coat it with a polyurethane/stain to match. Do not tear up the laminate. The wood will be lovely when it complements the counter.
  • Carrie Carrie on Mar 30, 2014
    Thanks, Bruce! That is exactly the kind of thing I was wondering whether or not would be possible!
  • Michael Moore Michael Moore on Mar 31, 2014
    I replaced my tile counter with OAK flooring..... I used 1/2" plywood as a base then used OAK tongue and groove flooring boards.I up cycled the Oak so my cost was cheap. Lots of "food grade" sealers on market. My Table and Bench seating made from same. It was for me.