[dsnrbec]

Just bought a house with laminate countertops but don't care for the color or pattern. They are only 2 yrs old and in great condition. I'm just curious if anyone has had new laminate installed over existing. A quick search on the internet reveals it can be done but I'm wondering if anyone here has had experience with it.

[villagetinker]

Dsnrbec, I guess if you get the correct glue (bonding to old laminate instead of wood), and probably clean and roughen the original surface this could be done, but then you need to dress the corners in the field. This requires a router and special bits. I had one experience installing new counter top in a house, and while this would not necessarily happen in the villages, the fumes from the glue were ignited by a pilot light. So if you or a contractor does this, be sure you have lots of ventilation, and I would keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Let us know how your project comes out, I am sure others will be interested.

[retiredguy123]

The condition of your laminate is totally irrelevant. If you want a different countertop, rip out the counters and replace them with new counters. It is just cheap particleboard, that is not worth saving. The real cost is in the labor. Most people who replace their counters, upgrade to granite or quartz, but you can save some money by going with laminate.

[NoMoSno]

Yes you can laminate over old laminate.
The new adhesives are non-flammable.
Get bids on complete replacement, or re-laminate.
Make your decision.

[villagetinker]

Good info on the new glues.

[retiredguy123]

Maybe you can find someone who can glue a new laminate on top of old. But, in my opinion, you will end up with an inferior product. Field installed joints, edges, and glue will not be as neat or reliable as a factory made product. And, you will still need to remove and re-install the sink to do the job correctly. New laminate counters are very inexpensive, and can be installed in a day. I highly recommend replacing the counters with new counters.

[dsnrbec]

Great things to think about. Guess I just felt like it be too wasteful to rip out and reinstall but I don't want to waste my money either.

[village dreamer]

yes it can be done , you will have to remove all countertops , sink, and not have a working kitchen for a few days. money saved........$150 in wood.

[retiredguy123]

I cannot imagine why someone would do this, even if you did save $150, which I seriously doubt. I think it is a horrible idea.

[NoMoSno]

I've done hundreds of re-laminations and never removed a counter top, most jobs completed in 1/2 day.
Depending on the layout, the savings could be substantial...or not.
We don't know the layout to make accurate assumptions.
OP should get bids doing the job both ways.
Also get bids on granite. The cost has come down a lot.

[retiredguy123]

Granite or Quartz will increase the value of your home, while a re-laminate project will probably decrease it. I have a small area in my bathroom at the end of the backsplash, where the builder hand routed the laminate edge. That edge is not at all smooth like the factory edges. You will definitely see the difference in quality if you have the laminate field installed. Also, if there are any laminate joints, the field installed joints will not be as tight and smooth as the factory joints. The factory joint in my kitchen is almost invisible.