[HandyDave]

I put new laminate on my bathroom vanity. The vanity was custom built in the late 60's This one is NOT a simple take one counter top off and replace with another. The counter top substrate 3/4 plywood actually holds the whole vanity together and is nailed to the studs on the wall.

So here is my question, i want to reuse or even replace the substrate that was used as a backsplash. (1x4) It appears back in the day they used to nail the backspalsh to the wall then laminate it. Well if i do that i cant trim the laminate cause my compact router is wider than the board that is being used as a back splash.

So how do i finish the back splash after it is attached to the wall so i can trim it. Of course the wall is not straight so i need to scribe it. it is 3/4 inch wide on top.

Thanks

 

[Colbyt]

I did the bottom and the top before the install so the router had room to work.

After securing the splash to the wall I glued on the face (test fit all to make sure you have straight edges) and trimming it was simple except for where the faucet got slightly in the way. For that I used a file and sander.

 

[joecaption]

Why not make up the new back splash and attach to the wall with constrution adhesive.
Then caulk the joints.
There is no good way to trim it it place.

 

[HandyDave]

Wonder how they did it back then?

I agree with you... that was my thought in the first place...trying to figure out how in the heck they did this back in 1969 besides they used big nails!

 

[HandyDave]

I did the bottom and the top before the install so the router had room to work.

After securing the splash to the wall I glued on the face (test fit all to make sure you have straight edges) and trimming it was simple except for where the faucet got slightly in the way. For that I used a file and sander.

Colbyt are you saying you put the narrow strips on the top and bottom then attached to the wall and then put the face on? my question is do i need a piece on the bottom if its not going to be seen?

 

[joecaption]

There is no need for a piece on the bottom.
One thing I would suggest when cutting the plywood for those inside and outside corner do not cut them 90 deg.
Back cut them so only the tip of the boards touching.
A simple 5 deg. back cut is plenty.

 

[HandyDave]

What is back cutting

joecaption

Thanks.. ill update you folks after the weekend...

 

[Colbyt]

Colbyt are you saying you put the narrow strips on the top and bottom then attached to the wall and then put the face on? my question is do i need a piece on the bottom if its not going to be seen?

I did and so did the cabinet shop that built one for another job. I felt like it adds a wee bit more protection for moisture wicking. It has survived 10 years in a rental unit so I must have done something right.

 

[HandyDave]

Thanks Folks!

Got it done! What a time consuming tedious task! but I have less than $100 in the project! Thanks for the tips! Now its on to finish the vanity paint, flooring and then on to the next room!

 

[Yodaman]

Looks good btw.

For anyone reading in the future there is another way to attach a fully completed back splash to a fully completed and installed top.
Use a back splash smart clips. Just google it and you will find plenty of info.

 

[HandyDave]

Looks good btw.

For anyone reading in the future there is another way to attach a fully completed back splash to a fully completed and installed top.
Use a back splash smart clips. Just google it and you will find plenty of info.

Thanks a bunch.. i have 14 feet of counter top to do in the kitchen next!

 

[Yodaman]

Thanks a bunch.. i have 14 feet of counter top to do in the kitchen next!

Just a quick note on routing the clearance for the clips. Most instructions I have seen route the entire length of the back splash making one long pocket for all the clips to fit into. It would be better to route several short pockets each being long enough to clear each clip.