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| Laminate Counters |
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Issue #291 - October
2005
If your quest for a high-end countertop has left you with sticker
shock, don’t despair. You don’t have to spend big bucks
on solid surfacing or stone to create a first-class counter.
In fact, you can build your own great-looking, long-lasting countertop,
like the one above that tops our kitchen island project. All you need
is plastic laminate and basic woodworking techniques.
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That’s right.
Good old plastic laminate (known to many as Formica, the name of one
brand) has been around for decades, but has taken a back seat to other
materials in recent years. Now laminate is being rediscovered as a
fantastic material for making countertops.
Part of the reason for this resurgence is that laminates are now available
in a huge variety of styles, colors, and textures. Plus, laminate
is a true bargain. A shop-built laminate countertop costs $4 to $5
per square foot, while solid surfacing or stone costs $45 to $90.
Best of all, plastic laminate is simple to work with using tools you
probably already own. And building the underlying structure couldn’t
be more straightforward.
In the "Secrets for Success with Laminate Counters" article,
we’ll walk you through the basics of creating a laminate countertop.
Whether it’s going in your kitchen, workshop, or utility room,
the procedures are the same. And so are the results: good looks at
a great price without a lot of effort. |
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