Laminate worktops information, support and care.

Laminate worktops have been improved and developed with stable, rugged surfaces with vibrant colours and now even more textures and weekly delivery from Selffit!  There are different textures as well as glossy finishes, pitted and rough surfaces with Microban antibacterial impregnated surfaces also available across the laminate worktops ranges.

For Bushboard Prima laminate worktops installation instructions click here

Laminate will scratch, as will any surface and the myth that colourfill will cover a scratch and fix laminate worktops (laminate countertops) is not true, it’s a quick fix but wont last long can still be seen.  Laminate worktops are relatively easy to work with as all you need are standard power tools but some extra tools make the job cleaner and neater.  The jointing needs someone who knows how to cut and use the jig but most D.I.Y.’ers can cut out the hob and sink and finish the ends with the end strip. 

The longest length you can get off the shelf is 4.1m and this may have naked or rugged ends so don’t count on 4.1m on the plan – go for 4050mm really.  Most standard depth worktops are 600mm front to back but Ikea and some other units need deeper tops so people buy the 665 and cut them down to suit. (we offer 620mm and other sizes as standard)   The deepest breakfast bar is 900 wide with both the long edges profiled for breakfast bars.  Laminate sheet surfaces can be heated in a factory, bent,  formed and glued to chipboard to make the front profile, but you cant buy Formica and bend them over tight shapes to make larger worktops on site yourself if you want larger than 900 deep worktops.  Most manufacturers also offer 670 or 665 deep breakfast bars to compliment the 900 deeper ranges.  Some worktops are 3m and some 3.6 as well as some suppliers cutting the 4m in half to make 2m worktops

Cutting laminate worktops DIY worktops.

You will have to trim, cut or shape the end to suit and finish with end strip as the ends are not delivered "finished".  If you are placing the end against a wall or tall larder/oven unit it is advised to seal the end and bead with silicone sealant. 

When jointing two worktops together you can cut the shape required with a worktops jig, or use metal jointing strips for the easy DIY solution.  The Masons mitre employing the use of the worktops mitre jig needs understanding of the pin locations and router work to make this fit and the worktops to be the right lengths.  Dog bone shaped routered holes also have to be cut for the jointing bolts to lay underneath the surface to pull the joint together.  You also need to insert colourfill into the joint to help seal the joint wiping off excess with solvent.  Never let water sit on the worktops joint – always wipe off immediately to avoid the joint “blowing”.  Don't think you can lift 2 worktops of the van and join end to end for a long run - they will need re-cutting and mitre joint formed with a router!  You can buy aluminium joints and end strips for this task.

Laminate worktops and Upstands are made of a chipboard core with some varying quality, density and moisture resistant properties – You shouldn’t need to count on the moisture resistant properties if they are installed correctly though. Most come with the black bead to stop water splilt running down the front of the doors as seen in the image. Laminate worktops will take knocks and scratches but they can wear after time – especially when using plastic aprons for preparing meals as they will run across the front profile surface.  You can’t run knives over the surface and some rough cutlery may also scratch the surface so be careful and use chopping blocks and pan stand protectors.

New surfaces included the Riverwash texture surface from Bushboard and Axiom have the very nice Honed Surfaces as well as Crystal and Universal.

Prices of laminate worktops.

As far as price goes - working an average worktops cost on 2 x 4m worktops I have made this rough guide to what you can expect to pay for a “U” shape kitchen with two worktops and the required sundries not including fitting.

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