| Paul's Wall: Installing Lighting and Fabricating Laminate Counter |
From "Weekend Handyman"
episode WKH-208 |
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Time: 16 hours over two days. Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 4 on the Weekend Handyman scale.
Materials: Fish tape
Joint compound
2 x 4's for new framing
Drywall
Electrical wiring and accessories
Laminate for countertop
Particle board for new counter
Recessed lighting Tools: Level
Utility knife
Reciprocating saw
Drywall hole cutter
Versabit (long flexible drill)
Texture sprayer to match popcorn ceiling
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Router
Belt sander
Heat gun
Roller
Bottom bearing flush cutting bit
File Day Two Installing Recess Lighting - Make sure the power is off.
- If the junction box for the light is connected, there is no need for a separate box. Just slide the unit up and press on the compression clips (figure A) to lock the light into place.
Note: When shopping for recessed lighting keep in mind there are two different kinds -- new construction and remodeling. - Install the electronic dimmer.
Expert Tip: The energy savings by dimming your lights 20 percent can extend the life 50 times and dimming 50 percent can extend the life of the bulb 20 times. Build Laminate Counter If you've never worked with laminate before, it may seem a little intimidating, but if you have the right tools and materials, it's not that difficult. - Lay a large sheet of 3/4" particle board over the wall.
- Trace the shape of the wall onto the board (figure B).
- Once the lines are drawn onto the board, use a circular saw to cut away all the excess wood. Finish the close cuts with a jigsaw.
Note: Set the blade just a bit deeper than 3/4" and cut right on top of the 2x4's. - Build up the counter with 3/4" strips (figure C) to make the counter 1-1/2" thick.
- Use a router to trim the rough edges.
Putting on the Edging Safety Tip: Work in a well ventilated area when using spray adhesive. - Spray an even coat of contact cement, covering the entire area with a thin layer of adhesive.
- Do two coats, letting the cement dry five to 10 minutes between each coat.
- Apply one coat of adhesive on the back of the laminate edging.
- When the glue is tacky on both surfaces, start applying edging to the counter, leaving a little to hang over the top and bottom (figure D).
- To go around the corner, use a heat gun to soften up the laminate.
- Use a roller to apply pressure as you go -- you want a nice strong bond.
- Use a router (figure E) to trim the edging that extends beyond the counter. Do the top and bottom and move the router around quickly along the edge so that it won't chip.
Expert Tip: The most critical part of laminating is the glue bond. You want to make sure you have straight, square edges, and you want to use two coats of contact cement on the edge. Be sure to get 100 percent coverage on the perimeter and approximately 70 percent coverage on the interior. Once you apply the laminate, use as much pressure on the roller as you possibly can. - Use a belt sander to trim the edging.
Putting on the Laminate Top - Tape the edges so it will reduce your cleanup time.
- Spray an even coat of adhesive over the back of the laminate.
- Set the laminate aside and then spray an even coat of adhesive on the counter. Let the adhesive dry to the touch.
- Place dowels on the counter (figure F). Position the laminate exactly where you want it and press a corner into place.
- Slowly remove the dowels from the end, one at a time. Smooth the laminate down with your hand.
- Use a roller to press it down and push as hard as you can.
- Use a bottom-bearing flush-cutting bit (figure G) to trim the top to its final shape.
- File the edges.
Installing the Counter - You need a sub-counter to attach to the wall.
- Position the sub-top correctly and drive screws into the wall blocking.
- Set the counter on top and then drive short screws into the counter from below to secure it.
RESOURCES :
Start-to-Finish Cabinets and Countertops
ISBN: 0897214765
Author: Ortho Books Editor
Order this title from Amazon, click here.
Ortho Books
Columbus, OH 43216
Recessed Lights (Cooper Lighting)
Brand Name: Halo Small Aperture Remodel Housing
Model Number: H99RT
Cooper Lighting
1121 Highway 74 South
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Phone: 770-486-4800
Fax: 770-486-4801
Website: www.cooperlighting.com
Trim (Cooper Lighting)
Brand Name: Halo White Colex Baffle Trim
Model Number: H99RT
Color: White
Where Available: Local Halo electrical distributor or lighting showroom
Cooper Lighting
1121 Highway 74 South
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Phone: 770-486-4800
Fax: 770-486-4801
Website: www.cooperlighting.com
High Pressure Decorative Laminate (WilsonArt International)
Brand Name: WilsonArt
Model # 4781-60
Color: Sun Stone
Suggested Retail Price: $2-$2.50/sq.ft.
Where Available: Local home centers
Miscellaneous Product Information:
- Use as much pressure on roller as possible.
- Glue bond is most critical part. Put two coats on edge, 100 percent coverage around perimeter and 70 percent coverage on interior.
WilsonArt International
Website: www.wilsonart.com
Maestro Dimmer (Lutron Electronics)
Brand Name: Lutron Electronics
Model Number: MA-600-IV
Color: Ivory
Suggested Retail Price: $40 or less
Where Available: Home improvement centers, lighting showrooms or your electrical professional
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
Website: www.lutron.com
Spacer Dimmer with Remote Control (Lutron Electronics)
Brand Name: Lutron Electronics
Model Number: SP-600-HTH-IV
Color: Ivory
Suggested Retail Price: $80 or less
Where Available: Home improvement centers, lighting showrooms or your electrical professional
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
Website: www.lutron.com
Kitchen Remodeling: A Planning and Resource Guide
Model: 0865735883
Author: Creative Publishing international Editor
(March, 2000)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Kitchens: Planning and Remodeling
Model: 0376013478
Author: Sunset Books Editor
(January, 2000)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Sunset Books
GUESTS :
Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.
Bob Eckelman
President
Bob's Wood Specialties
Website: www.bobswoodspecialties.com
Steve Holstein
6130 Blue Circle Dr.
Suite 100
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Phone: 952-217-0423
Sales Representative
Cooper Lighting
Melissa Andresko
7200 Suter Rd.
Coopersburg, PA 18036
Phone: 610-282-6440
Communications Project Leader
Lutron Electronics
Roger Fedie
9201 Wyoming Ave. N.
Suite 100
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Phone: 763-424-4383
Business Development Representative
Wilsonart International
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