[jimmydean]

I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel and have some questions regarding how best to proceed with an affordable countertop for my somewhat unique situation.

First I will explain what's going on with the cabinets. These are Hampton Bay Java Shaker cabinets from HD. Check out the attached picture, to the right of the sink base cabinet you can see the shelf I built from the universal panels that match the cabinets. This was the best option I could come up with for a space that's only 8 inches deep, in between the wall and the door frame. Now, because I built that 8 inch deep shelving system next to the cabinets, I will need a countertop that spans both the cabinets and my custom shelving system. My original plan was to use this laminate countertop from HD:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton...e-with-Valencia-Edge-12337KT06N4925/304225557

I would order one 6 ft section for the sink cabinets and another separate section that would be cut to fit the depth of the 8 inch shelf and fit on top of that. I need to have the kind of countertop where the backsplash is separate from the countertop, because I can cut the depth of the counter to fit over the 8 inch deep shelf, retain the edge on the front of the countertop, and then install the backsplash over the cut that butts up to the back wall. The kind of countertop where the backsplash is fixed to the countertop will not work, because the section of countertop that fits over the 8 inch shelf will need to be cut to the right depth. I would loose either the front edge or the backsplash.

So the problem is, HD doesn't sell the end caps for the countertop or backsplash for ANY of the laminate countertops, like the one I linked to, that have a separate backsplash (except maybe one dark color but I need a light color countertop to contrast with my dark cabinets). Lowes and Mendards don't sell any countertops at all with separate backsplash, only integrated ones.

I know you can order laminate countertops from various places online and I could probably get what I need somewhere but then would have to pay freight shipping charges to a residential address, more than the countertops are probably worth. I have looked at many other options already... solid counter tops are nice but home depot wouldn't let me order them and install myself, you gotta use their installer and pay extra for that. A lot of the DIY stuff like concrete countertops and wood countertops just don't do it for me.

This is for a rental house. I am already over budget. Any ideas?

 

[Nealtw]

Have you considered just buying the sheet and building your own?

 

[SPS-1]

Sounds strange that HD does not sell end pieces for laminate countertops, but if that is your problem, you can but a full sheet of laminate. I find it highly likely that you can buy a Formica laminate sheet the same color/pattern as a Formica laminate counter. Bonding laminate sheet with contact cement is pretty easy. HD can source any Formica sheet, not just the ones on the shelf or on the sample board. But make sure you are talking to one of their kitchen designers --- most of their other sales people have no clue on how to do a special order on laminate.

 

[jimmydean]

Have you considered just buying the sheet and building your own?

You know, I hadn't thought about buying a matching laminate sheet and just making my own end caps. I just searched HD's site and they do sell a laminate sheet in the color I need. That could work, although I am a bit worried about doing a hack job with the end caps. I guess I would have plenty of extra laminate to keep trying until I get it right since it comes in a 4x8 sheet, and barely need any of that! I will probably end up going this route unless there a better solution comes along. Thanks for your suggestion.

 

[jimmydean]

Sounds strange that HD does not sell end pieces for laminate countertops, but if that is your problem, you can but a full sheet of laminate. I find it highly likely that you can buy a Formica laminate sheet the same color/pattern as a Formica laminate counter. Bonding laminate sheet with contact cement is pretty easy. HD can source any Formica sheet, not just the ones on the shelf or on the sample board. But make sure you are talking to one of their kitchen designers --- most of their other sales people have no clue on how to do a special order on laminate.

Strange indeed. I spent an hour looking through every combination of countertop with separate backsplash and end caps, and in most cases the end caps said "not sold in stores, not sold online, can't ship to home". I hate how they do that, list products you can't even order. I noticed when viewing the "items bought together" section on the product page for the calcutta marble laminate sheet, it shows the same type of coutnertop that I am looking to buy. So people bought this to make their end caps too. When viewing the countertop I linked to though, it doesn't show the matching calcutta marble laminate sheet, otherwise I probably would have noticed earlier. I think this will work.

 

[Nealtw]

You know, I hadn't thought about buying a matching laminate sheet and just making my own end caps. I just searched HD's site and they do sell a laminate sheet in the color I need. That could work, although I am a bit worried about doing a hack job with the end caps. I guess I would have plenty of extra laminate to keep trying until I get it right since it comes in a 4x8 sheet, and barely need any of that! I will probably end up going this route unless there a better solution comes along. Thanks for your suggestion.

They sell 1/4 sheets too. Use some 1/2 birch plywood and make cutting boards out of the waste.

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

JimmyD...

Not sure of your location in Michagan...near a big town?....and not sure of the quality that rental can support/justify...BUT

Rather than having to build and laminate up all your formica, you might find a pre-fabbed granite supplier in your area.....basically they are really cheap verse custom granite.

They come at cabinet depth with pre-tooled 3 edges. It's is not difficult to cut, HD has a cheap $45 wet saw,,,and you can make your shelfing cut from the back side, and may be cheaper in labor and custom material delivery costs than formica.

I will say your design has to be such that your tooled edges work out...in rehabs/reno's I've been able to work around that with moldings/tile etc.

I've saved alot when I can use pre-fab granite tops....and it's a nice upgrade and very durable.

Just an idea....

 

[Nealtw]

Strange indeed. I spent an hour looking through every combination of countertop with separate backsplash and end caps, and in most cases the end caps said "not sold in stores, not sold online, can't ship to home". I hate how they do that, list products you can't even order. I noticed when viewing the "items bought together" section on the product page for the calcutta marble laminate sheet, it shows the same type of coutnertop that I am looking to buy. So people bought this to make their end caps too. When viewing the countertop I linked to though, it doesn't show the matching calcutta marble laminate sheet, otherwise I probably would have noticed earlier. I think this will work.

Have you checked with the custom cabinet shops they have all the equipment to make what you are looking for in one piece. They won't push you for installation.

 

[3onthetree]

You can order just about any shape of lam counter from green box. Integral backsplash or not. They're much cheaper than the orange and blue stores too.

You did buy a bit more expensive cabinets and decora switches. Don't ******* the counter yourself to save a buck if you can't router it properly or adhere the laminate.

 

[jorabanditu]

Judging by the size of your kitchen I don't think a countertop is a good idea. I mean, there definitely are small countertops of any form and shape at this shop Custom Commercial Countertops | DH Schmidt for example. In your stead I would go for a small kitchen table. this way you'll save both money and space, plus a small table is more practical than a countertop. Countertops are more decorations. It definitely looks great to a have a large granite one but you need room for that.