DIY Fastening Laminate Counter Tops to Cabinets

Build-up Sticks

Build-up sticks are used between the top of the cabinets and the bottom of the counter top. Build-up sticks are 3/4" material about 1-1/4" wide and vary in length depending on cabinet width. Particle board or pine make very good build-up sticks. Usually build-up sticks are supplied with the counter top, sometimes you may need to make your own. Build-up sticks act like spacers that support the counter top. In almost every case build-up sticks are used. There are exceptions and this should be discussed with the sales associate when you are purchasing your counter tops. There are many different ways to attach these sticks. Two preferred methods are described below. Use method 1 if you are NOT attaching the counter tops to corner blocks with screws. Method 2 describes how to attach counter tops with screws to corner blocks. Both methods cause the least amount of damage to cabinets the next time new counter tops are installed. Tools needed include; hammer if using nails, power screw driver and driver bit, drill bits, padded saw horses, saw to cut build-up strips to length and caulk gun if using panel adhesive. Supplies needed are; wood glue or panel adhesive, build-up strips, 2" finish nails (method 1), 1-1/4" screws or nails (method 2), pencil or marking pen and rags for clean-up.

Steps to Fasten Counter Tops to Cabinets

Method 1

With counter top scribed to the wall and sitting on some loose build-up sticks on cabinets, mark location of permanent build-up sticks directly on cabinets, working from under side of counter top. You don't want a build-up stick on cabinet to contact the nose stick on the counter top, leave a small gap, it may prevent the counter top from fitting tight to wall. Run the sticks from front to back and parallel to wall and front of cabinets. Sticks running from front to back should be placed on cabinet dividers. Around sink support is needed but should not interfere with attaching sink if sink clips are used. Cut short pieces of stick to place in-between clips (Fig.1) at a couple locations on both front and back of sink. If cabinet is narrow short pieces of stick may be needed on both sides of sink instead of full length sticks.

Remove counter top and place build-up sticks in locations previously marked on cabinets. Pre-drill (Fig.2) all holes slightly smaller than nail diameter to prevent face frames and dividers from splitting. Secure sticks in position with 2" finish nails (Fig.3) into cabinet face frame and cabinet dividers.

Now place counter top on cabinet again to double check placement of sticks and that the counter top is tight to the wall.

Remove counter top and apply panel adhesive to sticks (Fig.4), taking care not to use so much that squeeze-out drips on cabinets.

Place counter top on sticks and push firmly to wall. Apply weight to counter top or cut short flexible sticks to wedge between upper cabinets and counter top (Fig.5) to apply downward pressure, taking care not to damage upper cabinet or counter top.

Wipe up any squeeze out and allow to dry according to adhesive manufacturers specifications. This method holds counter top securely yet the nails make it easy to remove and if done carefully will not cause damage to cabinets. Never use panel adhesive directly on cabinets, this can cause severe damage to cabinets when counter top is removed.

Method 2

With counter top scribed to the wall and sitting on some loose build-up sticks on cabinets, mark location of permanent build-up sticks directly on bottom of counter top, working from under side of counter top. A build up stick can contact the nose stick on the counter top. If counter top has end cap all ready applied another build-up stick may be placed next to the build-up stick that is all ready attached to counter top. Run sticks from front to back above corner blocks, cabinet dividers and also parallel to wall and front of cabinets. Around sink support is needed but should not interfere with attaching sink if sink clips are used. Cut short pieces of stick to place in-between clips at a couple locations on both front and back of sink. If cabinet is narrow short pieces of stick may be needed on both sides of sink instead of full length sticks.

Remove counter top and place upside-down on sturdy surface that will not scratch laminate surface. Padded saw horses work well for this.

Build-up strips should be pre-drilled the same diameter as nails or screws (Fig.6). Wood glue or panel adhesive should be used between bottom of counter top and build-up sticks (Fig.7). Follow directions on adhesive package. Using 1-1/4" nails or screws, nail or screw build-up strips to bottom of counter top (Fig.8) at locations previously marked .

With build-up strips secured to the bottom of counter top, you can now place the counter top back on the cabinets.

With counter top in position and tight to wall, secure with screws through corner blocks (Fig.9) and into bottom of build-up strips. Screw length is determined by thickness of corner block and distance from corner block to bottom of build-up strip. Size these screws carefully. It is very important that the screws do not penetrate or raise laminate surface.


Build-up Sticks and Fastening DIY Help Home Laminate DIY Help Specifications Contact Us \| Links Site Map e-mail us :	Build-up Sticks Build-up sticks are used between the top of the cabinets and the bottom of the counter top. Build-up sticks are 3/4" material about 1-1/4" wide and vary in length depending on cabinet width. Particle board or pine make very good build-up sticks. Usually build-up sticks are supplied with the counter top, sometimes you may need to make your own. Build-up sticks act like spacers that support the counter top. In almost every case build-up sticks are used. There are exceptions and this should be discussed with the sales associate when you are purchasing your counter tops. There are many different ways to attach these sticks. Two preferred methods are described below. Use method 1 if you are NOT attaching the counter tops to corner blocks with screws. Method 2 describes how to attach counter tops with screws to corner blocks. Both methods cause the least amount of damage to cabinets the next time new counter tops are installed. Tools needed include; hammer if using nails, power screw driver and driver bit, drill bits, padded saw horses, saw to cut build-up strips to length and caulk gun if using panel adhesive. Supplies needed are; wood glue or panel adhesive, build-up strips, 2" finish nails (method 1), 1-1/4" screws or nails (method 2), pencil or marking pen and rags for clean-up. Steps to Fasten Counter Tops to Cabinets Method 1 With counter top scribed to the wall and sitting on some loose build-up sticks on cabinets, mark location of permanent build-up sticks directly on cabinets, working from under side of counter top. You don't want a build-up stick on cabinet to contact the nose stick on the counter top, leave a small gap, it may prevent the counter top from fitting tight to wall. Run the sticks from front to back and parallel to wall and front of cabinets. Sticks running from front to back should be placed on cabinet dividers. Around sink support is needed but should not interfere with attaching sink if sink clips are used. Cut short pieces of stick to place in-between clips (Fig.1) at a couple locations on both front and back of sink. If cabinet is narrow short pieces of stick may be needed on both sides of sink instead of full length sticks. Remove counter top and place build-up sticks in locations previously marked on cabinets. Pre-drill (Fig.2) all holes slightly smaller than nail diameter to prevent face frames and dividers from splitting. Secure sticks in position with 2" finish nails (Fig.3) into cabinet face frame and cabinet dividers. Now place counter top on cabinet again to double check placement of sticks and that the counter top is tight to the wall. Remove counter top and apply panel adhesive to sticks (Fig.4), taking care not to use so much that squeeze-out drips on cabinets. Place counter top on sticks and push firmly to wall. Apply weight to counter top or cut short flexible sticks to wedge between upper cabinets and counter top (Fig.5) to apply downward pressure, taking care not to damage upper cabinet or counter top. Wipe up any squeeze out and allow to dry according to adhesive manufacturers specifications. This method holds counter top securely yet the nails make it easy to remove and if done carefully will not cause damage to cabinets. Never use panel adhesive directly on cabinets, this can cause severe damage to cabinets when counter top is removed. Method 2 With counter top scribed to the wall and sitting on some loose build-up sticks on cabinets, mark location of permanent build-up sticks directly on bottom of counter top, working from under side of counter top. A build up stick can contact the nose stick on the counter top. If counter top has end cap all ready applied another build-up stick may be placed next to the build-up stick that is all ready attached to counter top. Run sticks from front to back above corner blocks, cabinet dividers and also parallel to wall and front of cabinets. Around sink support is needed but should not interfere with attaching sink if sink clips are used. Cut short pieces of stick to place in-between clips at a couple locations on both front and back of sink. If cabinet is narrow short pieces of stick may be needed on both sides of sink instead of full length sticks. Remove counter top and place upside-down on sturdy surface that will not scratch laminate surface. Padded saw horses work well for this. Build-up strips should be pre-drilled the same diameter as nails or screws (Fig.6). Wood glue or panel adhesive should be used between bottom of counter top and build-up sticks (Fig.7). Follow directions on adhesive package. Using 1-1/4" nails or screws, nail or screw build-up strips to bottom of counter top (Fig.8) at locations previously marked . With build-up strips secured to the bottom of counter top, you can now place the counter top back on the cabinets. With counter top in position and tight to wall, secure with screws through corner blocks (Fig.9) and into bottom of build-up strips. Screw length is determined by thickness of corner block and distance from corner block to bottom of build-up strip. Size these screws carefully. It is very important that the screws do not penetrate or raise laminate surface.	Click on photos to enlarge. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig.4 Fig.5 Fig.6 Fig.7 Fig.8 Fig.9
	CLICK ON CATEGORY TOOLS & SUPPLIES \| MEASURING NEW CABINETS MEASURING EXISTING CABINETS \| PREPARING CABINETS CUTTING SINK HOLE \| APPLYING END SPLASH APPLYING END CAP \| ASSEMBLING MITER BUILD-UP STICKS & FASTENING \| SCRIBING CAULKING \| CARE & MAINTENANCE
Top of Page Web site Copyright© 2003-2010 by: mal-o-sen.com All Rights Reserved