How to Use Particle Board When Building Countertops

A particle board is a kind of manufactured wood product that is ideal for countertops because it is stable, lightweight and inexpensive. The board is reasonably friendly to the environment since it is manufactured from recycled wood and wood scraps that are shredded. A type of resin is use as binding material. Particle boards are actually denser than hardwoods and are less expensive, but it is not as strong or moisture-resistant. In addition, it is not very conducive to paint or stain. Hence, particle boards are usually covered with veneers that look like real wood. For countertops, the solution is to cover it with laminates.

Step 1 – Cutting the Particle Board

Cut a couple of pieces of particle boards that are 2 inches wider that the countertop you are intending to cover. Apply a coating of carpenter’s glue on one of the particle boards with the use of a trowel and set the other piece of particle board on top of it. Press down on the boards firmly. Alternately, you can also use screws that are specially designed for holding the materials together. If you are a novice, do not use regular screws or nails, as using them directly on the material will not be able to hold the boards together. The melamine or veneer coating on the particle board can also chip if you cut it using a circular saw. To avoid it, use a utility knife for scoring along your cut line.

Step 2 – Drilling Holes

Holes have to be drilled through the particle boards for the screws. Drill them with 2 inches interval in between and 3 inches from the edge of the board. The size of the holes should be 1/16 of an inch smaller than the screws you are going to use.

Step 3 – Installing the Screws

Once you are through with the drilling, insert your wood screws through the holes and fill the heads with putty. To prevent them from bumping through the laminate, wait for the putty to dry out and smooth them out with sandpaper.

Step 4 – Cutting the Joined Particle Boards

In cutting the particle boards that you have joined together, make sure that it is a half inch smaller than the countertop you intend to create. Use sandpaper to smooth out the edges and wipe them clean.

Step 5 – Laminating the Particle Board

Get your laminate material and measure it an inch larger than the countertop. With the use of a utility knife and straight edge, score on the material. Make sure that the laminate is well supported, as it breaks easily. Once you are done scoring, snap on the cut lines. Apply contact cement on one side of the particle board and center a laminate over it. Press down on the laminate firmly. To trim the laminate even with the particle board, use a flush trim bit connected to your router.