New kitchen countertops from 3/4 in mdf cut sink hole first or lay laminate first ?

Submitted by Josh_Cordero t3_11ybqbn in DIY

So as the title says, i am building new kitchen countertops. I left the old cabinets in and im only replacing the countertops. I pulled my old counter tops off to use it as a template for making the new ones. Now ive got it all together with the build up set in place. What do i do next? Do i lay my laminate in place then cut the hole for the sink? And hope i dont damage the laminate? Or do i cut the hole out before laying the laminate??? pros and cons of one way vs the other? Thanks for any advice, tips, and tricks!

9

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

darouxgarou t1_jd7qxij wrote

Couple things from someone who does this for a living. I always try and cut my sink out before laminating but sometimes I just cant. It does not really matter as long as you use a good fine finish blade in your jigsaw with the orbital set all the way out so the blade is tight, drill out your 4 corners, and when on your last cut line put 2 wood screws in the cuts on opposite sides so the piece does not fall out and break the laminate. Next, never use MDF for a countertop where water is involved unless its Exteria exterior MDF.

6

National_Rip9097 t1_jd6zpdc wrote

Cut the holes out 1st then lay the laminate and take the laminate out with a bottom bearing trimmer, may want to put masking tape around where the hole is so you don’t scratch the laminate and a quick rub round the edge with sandpaper as will leave a sharp edge. This is how we done it at a place I worked but may be better options.

4

losterweil t1_jd714em wrote

I laminated first. The sink hole will be covered by the sink so it has trim covering it. I just taped where I was cutting and that prevents any cracking.

3

cobblers t1_jd7uw9e wrote

Don't use MDF anywhere near a source of mousture.

3

SpagNMeatball t1_jd7iioy wrote

Since you are laying the laminate yourself, cutting the sink hole first seems to make sense. You should be able to get a cleaner cut with the laminate trimmer. But I would be afraid of using MDF around water in a self built countertop. If you don’t get it sealed properly, it will swell up and destroy itself with just a little water. I remodeled my kitchen and used this concrete kit from z counterform. It was fairly easy and makes a solid and practically indestructible counter.

1

flyize t1_jd852ij wrote

I really want to do this, but everyone online says upkeep is a nightmare. What's been your real world experience?

1

SpagNMeatball t1_jda0jhi wrote

It’s concrete, what upkeep does it need other than sealing it every so often?. That company has the entire system- forms, concrete, dyes and sealers. I used their si acryl product but they have some newer products which seal even better. I have had no issues with anything staining it.

1

flyize t1_jdaz2w7 wrote

That is fantastic news.

Concrete countertops get a bad rap.

1

StoneyPicton t1_jd7q7ys wrote

I think either way works so I would suggest cutting out first. That way you end up with a piece of mdf and a piece of laminate that you can use for other projects. I hate waste :)

1