Making Plastic-Laminate Countertops

I had the time to spend building and the desire to not pay thousands for a new countertop, and Herrick Kimball's book made it possible. It is so clearly written, helpfully illustrated, and completely thorough that a great outcome is almost inevitable. I'm just a beginning DIY'er with no special skills or tools, but the final results rival the pros. I'm looking for more projects to do.

I've taken several hands-on classes on laminate installation, and this book covers everything I saw there plus more. Worth every penny. Mr. Kimball knows his craft better than most of the "pro" teachers I've had, but the real bonus is he can communicate what he knows. No prior knowledge is assumed, and he covers everything from how laminate was invented to how to make a completely invisible seam and the tools you need to do the job easily. If you're unsure of whether to do the job yourself, this is your book. Great stuff! P.S. He also has a great book on cabinet refacing!

I can echo all the author's comments. If you've tried to get any material from anywhere on installing High Pressure Decorative Laminate (Formica, Wilsonart, etc.) about the most you will find is a 2 or 3 page book of fundamentals for people whose tools fit in a small toolbox. After doing several laminate projects, I decided there must be more to know. This is the book that does it.This book covers the options, the materials, the techniques, and some of the reasons why things are done the way they are. Chock full of pro tricks and methods.I can recommend this book for an intermediate-to-advanced artisan who wants to learn more about laminates.

Very good book...Herrick uses a bit of trades people light hearted humor to bring home points. He tells you how he does different things and why. He also shows the different ways laminate work can be done. I had taught myself 12 years ago and always wondered how " the pro's " did it.I found out that I was doing just fine but he showed me little things that made my work better and helped me to feel that I was doin it like the pro's. He also answered the questions I had about those special attachments that I had with my router kit, that I really wasn't sure about. I easily read the book and felt that this was the kind of guy I could know and work with. If you do not know laminate work, then this book makes it easy to get started and do it right the first time. As a custom wood worker, I recommend this book to the novice as well as the expierenced. Rick Williams

I have built kitchen cabinets & furniture pieces, but didn't feel ready to take on the countertop until I got this book. Its thorough detailed instructions made making a professional quality countertop a manageable project.There is much more here than just applying the laminate. The design section has many tips that will make the kitchen more functional. Then construction of the base & underlayment are covered with various options.Preparing, applying & finishing the laminate for a perfect fit is then described. Excellent photos & diagrams show exactly what to do and how to avoid common pitfalls.Selection of materials and use of the router and other tools are well detailed. Custom touches like rounded corners and a variety of edge trims are included. The supplier listing is a useful addition.