New Home Renovation Part 2 (Kitchen Countertops)

  Next on the kitchen renovation list is the countertops and the sink.  We changed out the tiny shallow 6 inch deep stainless steal sink with a little bit more expensive 9 inch deep Franke Primo graphite granite quartz composite sink for $220, and updated the faucet to a large goose neck style faucet.  The ugly dark brown laminate countertops we replaced with amazing light grey stone effect laminate countertops from Ikea.  We purchased a 98 inch long laminate piece and 74 inch piece for a total of $140.  Talk about a steal.  

  We began the process by removing the faucet, disconnecting the plumbing, and removing the sink.  We then cut along the "backsplash" section of the countertop, unscrewed the counters from the cabinet bases, and yanked those suckers off.  It was so satisfying to see that ugly brown countertop sitting in the front lawn.

  Out with the old and in with the new.  First my husband cut out a rectangle for the sink in the new 98 inch laminate piece using his jigsaw.  Then he cut the 74 inch countertop into two separate pieces for either side of the stove.  The 98 inch piece was the perfect fit for the other section so no additional cutting was needed. We then attached the laminate strips (included with Ikea countertops) to the cut ends with Weldwood contact cement.  Once all that was complete we brought the counters in the house and placed them onto the cabinet bases.  We used the same contact cement to attach the 98 inch section to one of the cut 74 inch sections and sealed with clear DAP Silicone Max.  My husband then simply screwed the counters to the bases exactly where the previous counters were attached. 
Day one was complete!

---

  The next day we installed the sink.  We did run into a bit of a snag.  Since the new sink was so much deeper then the stainless steel sink, we had to adjust the piping underneath.  But, really all it took was a few new pieces of piping, some adhesive, and I'm sure a new tool for my husband and the problem was quickly fixed.   We then popped the sink into place, attached it to the underside of the counter, and sealed it with the same DAP silicone max.   In about 2 days we completed stage 2 of the kitchen renovation process and couldn't be more excited with the progress.  Next, on the list, the subway tile backsplash.  
---------------------------------------Click to read Kitchen Renovation Part 3--------------------------------------------